DTF and UV DTF are two versatile printing methods that make it possible to create detailed, full-colour designs without the limitations of traditional vinyl. Although their names sound similar, they are designed for completely different types of products.
The simplest distinction is:
- DTF transfers are applied to clothing, bags and other textiles using a heat press.
- UV DTF transfers are applied to hard surfaces such as glass, metal, acrylic and plastic without using heat.
Whether you want to print transfers yourself or upload your artwork for us to print, this guide will help you choose the correct method.
What is DTF printing?
DTF stands for Direct-to-Film. A design is printed onto a specialist film using coloured and white DTF inks. Adhesive powder is applied to the printed design and cured before the finished transfer is pressed onto fabric using heat and pressure.
DTF is suitable for many light and dark textiles, including:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Cotton and polyester blends
- T-shirts and hoodies
- Workwear
- Tote bags
- Sportswear
- Fabric accessories
Unlike sublimation, DTF printing does not require a polyester fabric or a white surface. The white ink layer allows colourful designs to be applied to both light and dark materials.
If you want to produce transfers yourself, explore our DTF printers, DTF inks, DTF films and other DTF printing supplies.
If you do not own a printer, you can upload your artwork to our custom DTF transfer printing service and we will print the transfers for you.
What is UV DTF printing?
UV DTF is intended for decorating hard surfaces. The design is printed using UV-curable inks, usually with a white ink layer and clear varnish, before being transferred between specialist adhesive films.
The finished design is applied by positioning it on the product, pressing it firmly into place and removing the carrier film. No heat press is required.
UV DTF transfers can be suitable for surfaces including:
- Glass
- Metal
- Acrylic
- Plastic
- Coated wood
- Ceramic
- Bottles and tumblers
- Signs and promotional products
- Boxes and packaging
UV DTF is particularly useful for shaped or irregular products that cannot easily be placed inside a heat press.
Browse our UV DTF printers, UV DTF inks, UV DTF films and other UV DTF printing supplies if you want to produce your own transfers.
Alternatively, upload your artwork through our custom UV DTF transfer printing service and receive transfers that are ready to apply.
The main difference between DTF and UV DTF
DTF is for textiles. UV DTF is for hard surfaces.
Choose DTF when printing:
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Workwear
- Fabric bags
- Sportswear
- Cotton, polyester or blended fabrics
DTF transfers require a heat press to bond the design to the material.
Choose UV DTF when printing:
- Bottles
- Tumblers
- Glassware
- Acrylic products
- Metal products
- Plastic products
- Signs and packaging
UV DTF transfers are applied using pressure and do not require a heat press.
DTF application process
A typical DTF transfer is applied by:
- Preparing and lint-rolling the garment.
- Positioning the transfer on the fabric.
- Applying the recommended time, temperature and pressure with a heat press.
- Removing the carrier film according to the transfer’s peeling instructions.
- Repressing the design with a protective sheet when required.
Exact settings can vary according to the transfer, garment and heat press. Always follow the instructions supplied with your film or printed transfer.
Our custom DTF transfers use a hot-peel film, allowing the carrier to be removed while the garment is still hot or warm.
UV DTF application process
A typical UV DTF transfer is applied by:
- Cleaning and drying the surface thoroughly.
- Preparing the transfer and ensuring the design has adhered to the carrier film.
- Positioning the transfer carefully on the product.
- Pressing or squeegeeing it firmly across the surface.
- Slowly removing the carrier film.
UV DTF works best on clean, smooth and non-porous surfaces. Material compatibility and durability can vary, so we recommend carrying out a test before beginning a large production run.
UV DTF transfers should not be applied to food-contact areas. Unless you have tested a particular product and application thoroughly, hand washing is generally preferable to using a dishwasher.
Do I need to own a DTF or UV DTF printer?
No. You can use both technologies without purchasing your own printer.
With our DTF and UV DTF gang sheet printing service, you upload your completed artwork using our online design tool. We print the gang sheet and dispatch the finished transfers to you.
This is ideal if you:
- Do not have space for a printer.
- Want to avoid the initial equipment investment.
- Only need transfers occasionally.
- Want to test demand before purchasing equipment.
- Need extra printing capacity during busy periods.
- Want to offer DTF or UV DTF products without managing the printing process.
You remain responsible for applying the finished transfers to your garments or products.
What is a gang sheet?
A gang sheet is a larger sheet containing multiple designs arranged together. Designs can be repeated, supplied in different sizes or combined to make efficient use of the printable area.
Gang sheets can reduce the cost per transfer and are particularly useful when producing:
- Multiple customer orders
- Logos in several sizes
- Repeated designs
- Small product labels
- Mixed artwork for different products
You can order custom DTF gang sheets for textiles or custom UV DTF gang sheets for hard surfaces directly from Longforte.
Can DTF transfers be applied to hard surfaces?
Standard DTF transfers are formulated for fabric and require heat and pressure. They should not normally be used on bottles, glass, acrylic or other rigid items.
Use custom UV DTF transfers for compatible hard surfaces instead.
Can UV DTF transfers be applied to clothing?
No. UV DTF transfers are not designed to flex, stretch and wash in the same way as textile transfers.
For T-shirts, clothing, fabric bags and workwear, use custom DTF transfers.
Does UV DTF require a heat press?
No. UV DTF transfers are applied using their adhesive layer and pressure. This makes them useful for products that cannot withstand heat or do not fit inside a conventional press.
DTF transfers for textiles do require a heat press.
Can DTF be applied to cotton?
Yes. DTF can be applied to cotton, polyester and many blended fabrics. It can also be used on both light and dark garments because the transfer contains a white ink layer.
Always test unfamiliar or treated fabrics before committing to a large production run.
Should I buy a printer or order printed transfers?
Ordering printed transfers is usually the easiest choice when you are starting out, have limited space or only require occasional production.
Investing in a DTF printer or UV DTF printer may become more economical when you have regular demand, require faster in-house production or want complete control over your print schedule.
You should also account for the additional equipment, consumables, maintenance and working space required—not just the initial cost of the printer.
For more information about setting up your own system, read our DTF frequently asked questions or contact the Longforte team for advice.
Order custom DTF and UV DTF transfers
Already have print-ready artwork?
Choose custom DTF transfers for clothing and textiles or custom UV DTF transfers for bottles, glass, acrylic, metal, plastic and other compatible hard surfaces.
Upload your designs, select the required sheet size and we will print and dispatch your transfers ready for application.