GRAPHIC IMPACT
DTF (Direct to Film): What It Is and How You Can Use It To Benefit Your Business.
www.graphic-impact.com
At Graphic Impact, innovation drives everything we do. From cutting-edge equipment to the highest quality materials, we’re always looking for ways to provide better, faster, and more flexible printing solutions for our customers. That’s why we proudly offer Direct to Film (DTF) printing—a modern, high-performance alternative to traditional garment decoration methods like screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing.
In this blog, we’ll break down why DTF printing is an essential part of our services, and how it benefits both businesses and individuals looking for vibrant, durable, and versatile custom prints.
What is DTF Printing?
DTF, or Direct to Film, is a process that involves printing a design onto a special film and then transferring that design onto a garment using heat and pressure. The result? A soft, durable print that looks and feels professional on a wide variety of fabrics—including cotton, polyester, blends, and more.
Unlike DTG, which prints directly onto the fabric, or screen printing, which requires extensive setup for each design, DTF gives us the best of both worlds: high-quality results and maximum efficiency.
1. Unmatched Versatility Across Fabrics
One of the biggest reasons we use DTF at Graphic Impact is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re customizing 100% polyester team uniforms, soft cotton t-shirts, or blended hoodies, DTF prints adhere beautifully. This eliminates the need to choose your fabric based on print method limitations.
We can print on:
Cotton
Polyester
Nylon
Blends
Leather and other synthetics
This flexibility makes DTF ideal for clients who need consistent branding across multiple product types.
2. Bright, Vibrant Colors Every Time
DTF prints are known for their exceptionally vivid color reproduction. The process allows for high-resolution images with smooth gradients and fine detail—perfect for photo-quality artwork, intricate logos, or bold, high-impact designs.
Because the ink sits on top of the fabric and is sealed with adhesive powder, colors don’t sink into the garment or fade easily. That means what you see on screen is what you get on your apparel.
3. No Minimums = More Freedom
Unlike traditional screen printing, DTF doesn’t require costly screens or long setup times. That means we can offer no minimum order quantities—you can order just one shirt or one thousand. Whether you’re a small business testing a new design or a large organization outfitting a team, DTF offers the freedom to print what you need, when you need it.
This low-barrier entry also makes it a favorite for:
Startups and merch sellers
Small event organizers
Personalized gift creators
DIY fashion brands
4. Faster Turnaround Times
Time is money—especially when you’re launching a campaign, preparing for an event, or fulfilling a rush order. Because DTF requires minimal setup and fewer production steps, we can produce high-quality prints faster than many other methods.
Our customers benefit from:
Same-day or next-day printing (in many cases)
Quick sampling and prototyping
Reliable fulfillment for ongoing print-on-demand needs
At Graphic Impact, we understand that speed and quality are not mutually exclusive, and DTF helps us prove that every day.
5. Exceptional Durability
Let’s face it—no one wants their custom apparel to crack, peel, or fade after a few washes. DTF prints are made to last. The combination of pigmented inks and heat-bonded adhesives means your design stays bright, flexible, and intact, even after dozens of laundry cycles.
This makes it ideal for:
Workwear and uniforms
Athletic apparel
Retail merchandise
When you invest in custom apparel, you expect it to look good for the long haul. DTF ensures it does.
6. Eco-Conscious Production
We’re proud that DTF printing can also be a more sustainable option. With less water usage compared to screen printing and minimal waste due to on-demand production, DTF aligns with our values of reducing environmental impact.
In addition, we use OEKO-TEX® certified inks and recyclable film to minimize our footprint while maximizing print quality.
7. Compatible with Complex and Custom Artwork
From metallic finishes to fine line art, DTF handles it all. Unlike vinyl or screen printing that may limit detail or color variation, DTF gives our designers the flexibility to bring your most imaginative ideas to life. Want multi-colored gradients? Photorealistic imagery? Transparent edges? No problem.
Final Thoughts: Why We Believe in DTF
DTF isn’t just a trendy technology—it’s a game-changer. At Graphic Impact, we believe in offering the best possible solutions to our customers. DTF allows us to provide:
✅ Faster production
✅ No minimums
✅ Rich, durable color
✅ Versatile fabric compatibility
✅ Environmentally friendlier printing
Whether you’re launching your next fashion line or need a few custom tees for a family reunion, Graphic Impact is here to make it happen—vividly, quickly, and professionally.
Ready to try DTF printing for yourself?
📞 Contact us or drop by our shop today to see samples, ask questions, or start your order.


You can apply DTF Transfers to your own apparel
