Knowledge / 01

Direct to Film, explained.

The printing process that's quietly taking over custom apparel. No screens, no weeding, no minimums — just sharp, durable transfers ready for the press.

How it works

From ink to garment, in four steps.

  1. 01

    Print

    Your design is printed onto a special PET film using CMYK + white ink.

  2. 02

    Powder

    Hot-melt adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink and cured.

  3. 03

    Press

    The film is heat-pressed onto the garment — cotton, poly, blends, nylon.

  4. 04

    Peel

    Peel the film. The transfer is bonded. Done.

Why it wins

DTF vs. Screen vs. DTG

Screen Print

Strength

Cheap at scale

Trade-off

Minimums. Setup fees. Color limits.

DTG

Strength

Photo detail

Trade-off

Cotton mostly. Expensive maintenance.

DTF

Strength

Any fabric, full color, no minimums

Trade-off

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Now you know the craft. Time to earn from it.

See the Opportunity