Direct To Film (DTF) Printing for Custom Apparel & Merch
Royal Direct To Film (DTF) printing is our most advanced digital printing method for custom apparel, clothing and branded merch. It allows us to produce photo-like, full-colour prints on t-shirts, hoodies, workwear and promotional products, without the limitations of traditional print methods.
DTF printing combines the soft hand feel and durability of a screen print with the vibrancy and detail of digital printing. Unlike Direct To Garment (DTG), DTF isn’t limited by fabric type, making it a flexible solution for t-shirts, hoodies, jumpers, workwear, accessories and promotional products.
All Direct To Film printing is produced in-house at our Melbourne Warehouse and shipped Australia-wide.
How Direct To Film Printing Works
The Direct To Film process is simple, efficient and designed to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
Design to Film
Once your artwork or logo is print-ready, we use a large-format printer to transfer the design, in reverse, onto a clear PET film using water-based inks.
Set & Prepare
The printed film is then run through a heated curing unit, allowing the design to be handled without damage. For bulk orders, the film is cut into individual transfers, ready for application.
Heat Pressing
The film is placed onto the garment, design side down, and applied using a heat press. Heat and pressure activate the adhesive within the ink, bonding the artwork to the fabric.
Durable, Flexible Finish
Once the film is removed, only the ink remains, leaving a smooth, durable print that moves with the garment.
DTF Printing for Apparel, Clothing & Branded Merch
Direct To Film printing is well-suited to a wide range of custom apparel and merch, including:
- T-shirts and long sleeves
- Hoodies, crew necks and jumpers
- Workwear and uniforms
- Tote bags and fabric accessories
- Promotional clothing and branded merchandise
It’s a popular choice for apparel brands, businesses, events and creators who want high-impact prints without colour or fabric limitations.
Customise Apparel & Accessories
Screen Printing vs DTF Printing
Two different methods, two different strengths. Here’s how to choose the right one for your artwork, garment and quantity.
Direct to Film |
Screen Printing |
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Small runs, one-off prints, samples, staff uniforms, full-colour artwork and variable designs. |
Uniform programs, merchandise runs, event tees, workwear and retail brands ordering 20+ garments. |
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1 garment |
20 garments |
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Unlimited colours, gradients, shading and photographic artwork. |
Best suited to 1-12 spot colours. Ideal for logos, bold graphics and designs with block colours. |
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Higher cost per garment, with improved efficiency as order size increases. |
Lower cost per garment, with efficiency improving as order size increases. |
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Produces a slightly raised print as the film is placed on top of the fabric. |
Ink is printed directly into the garment, creating a soft, long-lasting finish. |
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Suitable for a wider range of garments, including hats and some coated fabrics. Unsuitable for: polar fleece, deep-pile fabrics and heavily textured materials. Unable to print over seams, zips or pockets. |
Works exceptionally well on cotton tees, hoodies, jumpers and most standard apparel. Unsuitable for: hats, polar fleece, puffer jackets and highly textured or uneven surfaces. Unable to print over seams, zips or pockets. |
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10-15 business days |
10-15 business days |
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You need small quantities, highly detailed artwork or flexibility across multiple garment styles. |
You want the best value on larger orders, maximum longevity and a premium retail-quality finish. |
Not Sure Which Is Right For You?
Choose DTF if:
- You need fewer than 20 garments
- Your artwork contains gradients, photos or lots of colours
- You're printing across different garment styles and colours
- You need names, numbers or variable artwork on each garment
Choose Screen Printing if:
- You're ordering 20+ garments
- Your artwork uses 1-12 colours
- You want the most cost-effective option for larger runs
- You're printing uniforms, merch or retail apparel that will be reordered regularly
Not sure if DTF printing is right for your project?
Get in touch with our team and we’ll help you choose the best printing method for your apparel, clothing or merch.
Ready to order?
Simply select Direct To Film when ordering online! If you'd like help placing your order, contact our customer service team, and we'll place the order for you.
I had stickers and shirts printed for my business. A couple of months in, and the stickers have held up really well in the weather so far, and the shirts have had several washes with no fading to the DTF print. Very reasonable price for a good quality product. Highly recommend, and will be returning for more in the future.
Direct to Film FAQs
Have a question that's not listed here? Shoot our team an email & we’ll get back to you ASAP.
What is the minimum order for screen printing?
What is the minimum order for screen printing?
The minimum order for DTF printing is 1 unit per design.
Unlike screen printing, DTF does not require individual screens, colour separations, or manual setup processes, making it a cost-effective option for smaller quantities.
How long does screen printing take?
How long does screen printing take?
Standard production time takes 1-15 business days from the date of artwork approval to your finished garments. If you require a faster turnaround, please talk to our team.
For more information, check out Turnaround & Delivery.
Will DTF prints crack or peel over time?
Will DTF prints crack or peel over time?
A properly applied and cured DTF print will maintain its colour and durability throughout the life of the garment.
To maximise print longevity, we recommend washing garments inside out on a cold cycle and avoiding harsh detergents or high heat drying.
Can you print detailed designs with DTF?
Can you print detailed designs with DTF?
Yes. DTF is one of the best options for detailed artwork including photographs, gradients, fine lines, and complex illustrations.
Unlike traditional screen printing, your design does not need to be separated into individual colour layers.
Can you print on dark garments?
Can you print on dark garments?
Yes. DTF works across both light and dark garments.
A white backing layer is printed underneath the artwork to ensure colours remain vibrant on darker fabrics.
How many colours can I have in my design?
How many colours can I have in my design?
DTF printing allows for unlimited colours in your design. Because the artwork is printed digitally rather than using separate screens, there are no additional setup costs for extra colours. This makes DTF ideal for logos, gradients, photographs, and highly detailed artwork with vibrant, full-colour prints.
What artwork do you need from me?
What artwork do you need from me?
We prefer vector artwork supplied in AI, EPS, or PDF format with all text converted to outlines. High-resolution raster files are also acceptable for certain types of designs.
If you only have a rough concept, our design team can help design and prepare production-ready files for you.
Is DTF the right method for my job?
Is DTF the right method for my job?
DTF is ideal for smaller runs, complex artwork, personalised garments, and designs requiring multiple colours or photographic detail.
For larger quantities with simpler artwork, screen printing may be a more economical option.