There are plenty of reasons the cutting-edge decorating technique that is DTF continues to grow in popularity
For newbies and established businesses in the custom decorated apparel field, finding innovative methods to boost profits is essential. Whether you’re a seasoned T-shirt screen printer, a custom embroidery professional or just starting out in custom apparel decoration, integrating direct-to-transfer (DTF) heat press technology into your business offers immense potential. What follows is a brief survey of the equipment you’ll need, how DTF works and why now is a great time to get started in the DTF business.
Why DTF? Why now?
Direct-to-transfer heat press decoration has emerged as a game-changing solution for custom apparel businesses for a number of reasons:
- Low setup costs: Unlike traditional screen printing or embroidery, DTF printing does not require large investments in multiple screens or special embroidery setups
- Versatility: You can use DTF transfers to decorate a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends and even difficult materials like nylon
- Improved quality: Recent advancements in DTF technology mean transfers now offer a better “hand,” or feel, than ever, making finished products more comfortable; they are also more durable
- Design flexibility: DTF easily handles detailed multi-color designs, gradients and photo-like prints without the need for complex screen-printing processes
- Ease of use: In contrast to screen printing and custom embroidery, as is the case with heat-press decoration in general, training is minimal with DTF.
- With benefits like these, DTF heat-press transfers allow businesses to attract more customers by offering a combination of high-quality and fast-turnarounds. Note: DTF transfers can also be stored indefinitely, which means by laying in a stock of designs in advance you can make your turnaround times that much faster.
Beyond that, while historically DTF has found itself at a disadvantage to screen printing when it comes to higher production runs, a number of recent developments in terms of equipment and the transfers themselves have begun to close the gap.
On the equipment side, for example, long-time auto screen-printing press manufacturer ROQ has unveiled what it calls its IMPRESS, a fully automatic heat-pressing system.
On the transfer side of things, hot or cold peels are now available, cutting processing times dramatically. In the case of STAHLS’ Transfer Express, you can also take advantage of gang sheets (large sheets containing multiple transfers) that can be pulled apart by hand, as opposed to having to cut out into separate transfers with a pair of scissors.
Direct-to-Film Equipment Needs
Getting into DTF heat press decorating requires some investment in the right equipment and supplies. But the good news is it remains accessible to both startups and larger more established shops looking to expand. Here’s what you’ll need:
1) Heat Press Equipment
For applying DTF transfers, you’ll need a high-quality heat press. Look for one that delivers even heat and pressure, both of which are essential for consistent results. As is the case with pretty much any piece of equipment you buy, you get what pay for. All platens, for example, are not alike. The better ones provide even, reliable heat across their entire surface. Cheaper models do not. Same thing with the linkages uses to raise and lower the top platen. Well-made ones will last, while the many cheaper no-name models out there or many “craft” models on the market won’t.
This also is very much a situation in which it pays to buy American, not just because U.S. manufactures do better work, but because they stand behind their products and are easy to get hold of in the event something does wrong. Note: in addition to the many entry-level manual presses available, there are also various different specialist presses for decorating things like caps, mugs, sleeves and other kinds of merch.
Top brands include:
- Geo Knight & Co. Inc. — heatpress.com
- HIX Corp. — imprint.hixcorp.com
- Ricoma — ricoma.com
- STAHLS’ Hotronix — hotronix.com
- Insta Graphic Systems — instagraph.com
2) Custom DTF Transfers
Obviously, to get started in the DTF custom apparel business, you’ll need quick and easy access to top-quality transfers. The good news is not only do suppliers abound, but they are continually upping their game with respect to everything from transfer quality to special effects transfers. They are also increasingly offering
There are a lot of reasons why DTF is attracting so much attention these days, including fast turnaround times and ease of use. Photo courtesy of Impressions Expo
quick and affordable delivery times as well as the online design tools you’re going to need to ensure you get the designs you want.
Note: as is the case with heat presses, you get what you pay for with transfers as well. If you want transfers that look great and can stand up to dozens of washings, go for one of the big names. You’ll be glad you did. If and when you get your business to a point where you might want to consider bringing transfer production in-house there are any number of different DTF printer manufacturers to choose from. For those just starting out, though, outsourcing is not only a viable option, but the smart one.
Some of the industry’s leading custom DTF providers that you might want to consider include:
- 613 Originals — 613originals.com
- Ninja Transfers — ninjatransfers.com
- STAHLS’ — transferexpress.com
Contact any one of these companies, and they’ll be happy to not only help get you up and running, but provide you with samples as well as any number of reasons for you to make them your DTF provider of choice.
3) Ancillary Direct-to-Film Equipment
While the learning curve for basic DTF decoration may be a forgiving one, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some tricks of the trade for those looking to decorate heat-sensitive high-performance fabrics; hard-to-press spots like sleeves; or garments with things like zippers or a whole lot of seams that keep getting in the way.
To help out in these kinds of situations, today’s press manufacturers offer a host of pads, cover sheets, heat resistant tape and a wide range of customized platens to ensure even the most problematic pressing job will meet with success. Note: even if you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to stock up on some of these extra pieces of equipment so you aren’t left wishing you had one of them when you need it.
Making DTF Work for Your Custom Apparel Shop
If you’re currently running a screen-printing or custom embroidery business, DTF can be the perfect addition. For screen printers, this means offering high-quality, multi-color designs without setting up screens for each color. For embroiderers this means offering lower-cost products with especially quick turnaround times. You can also use a DTF heat press to attract those same smaller order volumes that can be so problematic when it comes to screen printing or embroidery. What follows is just a few of the things DTF allows you to do that might not be able to do otherwise.
1) Diversify Your Products
Easily expand your current product line beyond just T-shirts by tapping into such products:
- Hoodies
- Tote bags
- Hats or caps
- Activewear
- DTF’s versatility ensures you can increase your product variety without reworking your setup extensively. At most you might need a custom platen or two, or a maybe a specialized hat press. The increased revenue you’ll find yourself bringing in will likely result in a rapid return on investment.
2) Facilitate Low Minimum Orders
Unlike screen printing, in particular, which typically requires high minimum order requirements to compensate for setup costs, DTF decoration makes it easy to handle small, custom orders. This flexibility will appeal to niche customers like small businesses or individuals seeking personalized items.
3) Expedite Fast Turnarounds
DTF transfers allow for quicker production times compared to other methods. Because the leading custom transfer manufacturers mentioned in this article all offer same day or 24-hour shipping times, you can be up and running with fulfillment ASAP. As mentioned earlier, you can also get ahead of things by already having some of your more popular designs in stock for immediate pressing. Either way, use this as a selling point in your marketing efforts to attract clients working on a tight deadline.
4) Leverage Online Marketing Efforts
Increase visibility and drive sales online by showcasing your DTF custom products on platforms such as:
- Social Media (Instagram, TikTok)
- Etsy or Shopify for selling custom and ready-made pieces
- Your own website, highlighting the benefits of your DTF services and fast turnaround times
The aforementioned flexibility in terms of everything from design options to product selection and turnaround times are perfect for today’s digital customers. Attract their attention with your innate creativity, make it clear to them they can have whatever products they may be interested sooner rather than later, and watch the sales roll in.
The Time for Direct-to-Film is Now
As stated earlier, improvements in DTF technology over the past few years make this the perfect time to adopt heat press customization. Enhanced hot and cold peel performance means faster application, while advancements in transfer durability ensure long-lasting designs customers will love. With small order capabilities and efficient processes, DTF decoration ensures you can deliver exceptional quality profitably at any scale.
Whether you’re just starting a custom apparel business or looking to expand an existing one, direct-to-transfer heat press technology offers an accessible and highly profitable way to grow your business. So, what are you waiting for?
