DTF Printing
We offer DTF printing — direct-to-film — when you need a vivid, full-color design that can go on almost any fabric. It's the flexible choice for complex artwork, smaller runs, and mixed garment types, with detail that stays sharp and durable. Proudly based in Traverse City, from one-off projects to large team orders across Northern Michigan and beyond.
Where direct-to-film is the right call.
Detailed, full-color art
Gradients, fine detail, and many colors print without the per-color cost of screen printing.
Mixed or tricky fabrics
DTF bonds to cotton, polyester, blends, and performance fabrics that other methods find difficult.
Smaller and varied orders
No screens to set up means low minimums and easy mixing of designs across an order.
How DTF works.
Print to film
Your full-color design is printed onto a transfer film.
Apply adhesive
A powder adhesive is bonded to the back of the print.
Heat-press on
The transfer is pressed onto the garment, fusing a durable, vivid graphic.
Choosing the right decoration method
A quick side-by-side of the four ways we decorate apparel, so you can match the method to the piece, the artwork, and the run size.
| Method | Best for | Look & feel | Color range | Minimums | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery | Polos, caps, outerwear, and bags | Premium, textured, dimensional | Best for simpler, solid-color logos | Low | Excellent — lasts the life of the garment |
| Screen printing | Larger runs of tees and hoodies | Bold, classic, opaque | Great for a few spot colors | Higher (setup per color) | Very good |
| DTF (direct-to-film) | Detailed art, mixed garments, smaller runs | Vivid, full-color, slight surface feel | Full color, gradients, and photos | None to low | Very good |
| DTG (direct-to-garment) | Photo-quality prints and one-offs | Soft, prints into the fabric | Full color, gradients, and photos | None | Good — best on cotton |
Where DTF works well.
Common questions.
How is DTF different from screen printing?
Is it durable?
Can you do one-offs or samples?
Explore the rest.
Let's talk about your direct-to-film.
Tell us what you need and we'll come back with a plan and a quote — no cost, no commitment.