5 Things to Know Before Ordering Custom DTF Printed Shirts

Looking to order custom DTF printed shirts for your team, event, or promotion? DTF printing is an easy way to get any design onto shirts with incredible detail and vibrancy. Any artwork, brand, or photo may be custom printed onto T-shirts by heat pressing DTF printed transfers straight onto them, eliminating the need for messy screen printing.

DTF transfers allow the printing of any digital design easily. The process is fast and simple compared to traditional screen printing methods. DTF is the perfect choice for creating customized T-shirts in small or large quantities. This guide will make the ordering process smooth and ensure stunning results on your custom tee.

What is DTF printing method?

Compared to other printing methods like screen printing or dye sublimation, DTF direct-to-film printing offers some unique advantages. This technique starts by printing the desired design onto a special transfer film using water-based inks and a DTF powder adhesive. The printing process applies both colored pigments and adhesive powder evenly across the special film to generate a high-resolution image.

The printed film is then heat-pressed onto the desired surface using a commercial heat press machine to permanently transfer the design. The heat and pressure cause the printing powder to bond the ink to substrates like polyester, cotton, and nylon allowing printing on dark garments. Direct-to-film methods create long-lasting prints with vivid colors and crisp details ideal for commercial use.

Before ordering your custom tee, here are 5 things to consider.

1. Preparing a Print File for DTF Printing

To achieve the best print quality, artwork-printed images need to be prepared properly for DTF printing. Images should be high resolution, 300dpi files. Using lower-resolution images can negatively impact the detail and sharpness of the print with unwanted pixelation and blurring. Artwork with text and logos should be provided as vectors saved as PDF files to ensure perfect reproduction of lines and fonts.

It's also important to size your artwork to the needed print size rather than trying to shrink or enlarge the entire image afterward. Following these guidelines for resolution, format, and sizing allows our team to take your artwork and translate it into a stunning, high-quality print when ordering custom DTF shirts.

2. Turnaround Time and Minimum Order Quantity

One of the great benefits of DTF printing is the ability to meet fast required turnaround times, even for small orders. For orders under 1,000 pieces, typical production and printing time is just 1-3 business days. Even large orders of 1,000+ pieces can be turned around within a 5-7 day timeframe. This enables getting customized shirts to you quickly, even for last-minute events or needs.

In addition, DTF printing has low minimum order quantities compared to traditional screen printing methods. for example, You can order as few as 12 custom-printed shirts which is perfect for small teams, events, or tests. The combination of fast turnaround and low minimums makes DTF printing an ideal solution for businesses and individuals.

3. Safety Precautions and Limitations for DTF Printing

While DTF printing provides many benefits, there are some important safety precautions and limitations to consider. DTF transfer often involves printing and working with a heat press for application at over 300°F. Appropriate care should be taken to avoid burns from the press and printed materials should be allowed to fully cool before handling. Proper ventilation is advised when working in enclosed spaces with the fumes given off during pressing.

In addition, DTF has some limitations on compatible fabrics. The polyester-cotton blends used for most t-shirts work very well, but more delicate fabrics like 100% cotton or spandex may be problematic. Our team can advise on the best fabric choices. There are also limitations on print size relative to heat press size. Knowing these precautions allows us to provide guidance so you can avoid any issues when ordering custom DTF-printed shirts.

4. Finished Item Quality

The DTF printing process results in a high-quality, professional finished product. The prints are vibrant and detailed, with the ability to achieve gradient blends and photographic imaging on fabric. Because DTF uses a heat press rather than traditional screen printing, the prints have a soft hand feel without the roughness of inks sitting on top of the garment. The same DTF ink transfers bond securely with the fabric and holds up very well to repeated washings. This printing method gives you customized shirts with stunning designs and long-lasting durability.

5. Choosing the Right DTF Printer

The DTF printer used plays an important role in optimal finished product quality. Factors like printhead design, ink precision, and color profiling capabilities differentiate printer models. Commercial-grade DTF printers with high dpi precision, high and white ink opacity inks, and expanded color gamuts allow wider design capabilities. Consumer-level desktop DTF printers often have smaller print areas, less powerful lamp curing, and fewer ink cartridge slots.

Working with knowledgeable DTF printing industry experts allows accessing the most advanced equipment. We utilize state-of-the-art DTF printing systems engineered for exceptional print quality with precision dot control and vibrant colors. Partnering with the right DTF printing company ensures you get the best results with any custom shirt designs.

Tips for Successful Ordering of DTF Printed Custom Tee

Choosing the right DTF printing service is key to achieving stunning results with your custom-printed shirts. Here are tips on finding a provider using top DTF printing technology to create quality DTF transfers for apparel.

• Look for providers experienced in DTF printing methods versus other common approaches like screen printing or sublimation printing. DTF offers benefits like printing any design in full color on cotton fabrics.

• Seek out providers using commercial-grade DTF printers and inks engineered for apparel decoration versus desktop models for home crafting. Commercial DTF printers offer precise dot control, expanded color gamuts, and high white opacity.

• Ask about pre-press file preparation, post-press finishing, and material sourcing. Quality DTF printing requires expertise in image preparation, heat press application, and sourcing optimized transfer materials.

• Review examples of past DTF printed shirt orders and ask for fabric swatches. High-quality DTF prints exhibit vibrant colors, smooth gradients, crisp details, and durable wash fastness.

• Ask about additional services like artwork digitization, mockup proofs, fulfillment/shipping, and reorders. A full-service DTF provider simplifies the process of ordering custom-printed shirts.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the DTF printer and heat press machine. Use a curing oven instead of using a heat press to catch the melting adhesive fumes.

Final Thoughts

These pointers will help you pick the best DTF printing service to create beautiful, quality shirts that are made to your exact specifications. Partnering with established, DTF print experts lets companies and individuals bring unique apparel visions to life with vibrant colors and crisp details.

If you need further help deciding if DTF printing is right for your business, we'd be happy to advise you on choosing the best DTF printing solution. Just contact the team at Rush Custom Tees to get started! We look forward to bringing your custom t-shirt designs to life just the way you imagined them.