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BENEFITS OF DTF TRANSFERS
We can not print trademarked or copyrighted materials without written proof of ownership. Please do not send us Disney, Harley Davidson, Marvel/DC, NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, Schools/Universities, etc. We will remove those images from your order. If you have written documentation giving you authorization, please send a copy to [email protected] so we can review and keep on file. |
Running a screen print shop and want to be able to offer full color graphics without investing in new equipment? Want to be able to say yes to the customer who only needs a few shirts?
Are you a home crafter selling on Etsy or shopify and don't have space at home for a large DTF printer? Or if you do have space, do you want a machine that emits fumes you don't want your family to breathe in? We can help! FrogTown Tees offers Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfers. It doesn't matter how many colors are in your design. It doesn't matter the number of copies either. How's that work?
Clicking on the button below will take you to the DTF Gangsheet ordering page. Still have questions, call us or send us an email. We're happy to assist you with your DTF transfer needs. |
what are direct to film (dtf) transfers?
Direct to Film or DTF Transfers are created using a special film that the ink is printed onto and then a special adhesive powder is applied which is then 'cured'. This process results in a transfer that can be applied to a substrate for decoration purposes.
is there a set-up fee for dtf transfers?
No. We do not charge a set-up fee for DTF Transfers. If any art work needs to be adjusted or re-created, there may be an artwork fee charged depending on how long it takes us to make the artwork print ready.
what are the artwork requirements for dtf transfers?
DTF Transfers can be photographs or text. The number of colors involved does not matter. The general rule of thumb when submitting artwork for DTF is to remember that the artwork needs to be 300 DPI at the size you want it printed at. Vector artwork is best for logos, which means the file should be an .ai, .cdr, .pdf, .svg, .eps type. We can use high quality .png files, just make sure they are of sufficient size and DPI.
Also, please remember to have a transparent background if that is what you desire. If you do not want a box around your design, then please provide a graphic with a transparent background.
A .JPG or .JPEG file format is not usually conducive to great results with DTF. This file format will have the whole image printed. This includes any "box" around the image. We can not manipulate JPG graphics.
Also, please remember to have a transparent background if that is what you desire. If you do not want a box around your design, then please provide a graphic with a transparent background.
A .JPG or .JPEG file format is not usually conducive to great results with DTF. This file format will have the whole image printed. This includes any "box" around the image. We can not manipulate JPG graphics.
can you match pantone color codes with dtf transfers?
The short answer is no. DTF Transfers are printed using CMYK colors. DTF Transfers can get close but an exact match is not guaranteed.
How long do dtf transfers last?
The industry standard for DTF is 40-50 washes. This is all relative to how the garment is cared for also. Typical care instructions are for washing the garment inside out in cold water without bleach or fabric softener, and drying either on low in the dryer or hang dry. We can tell you that we have many shirts that have been washed 30-40 times that we did not follow the care instructions and they are still holding up.
is there a minimum quantity to order?
Yes. ONE is the minimum. One of the benefits of this process is the capability of printing 1 design to decorate a garment.
is there a per color charge?
No. Whether it is 1 color or a photograph with gradients, the charge is the same.
What type of press do I need?
A heat press is recommended. People have expressed having good results with an ordinary iron. Our instructions are for the heat press. An iron application will take extra time as you have to ensure proper time and temp are applied to the whole transfer.
Vector vs Raster
Vectorization of a graphic file is converting a Raster based graphic file to one that allows for scalability of the graphic.
Vector-based files are images that are built by mathematical formulas that establish points on a grid. Conversely, Raster files are composed of the colored blocks commonly referred to as pixels.
The key difference between vector and raster files comes down to utility.
Raster files are composed of a set number of pixels. Because of this set number, if a raster file is printed at a larger dimension than what it was designed for, it will appear visibly grainy and pixelated because the dots that compose the image are forced to grow larger as the medium they’re printed on grows. In other words, don’t print an image from Instagram at poster size and expect it to look as crisp as it did onscreen.
Since vectors are based around formulas, a vector image can scale at high resolution to virtually unlimited sizes. If you have a business logo saved in a vector format, it can be resized to fit on a billboard with no problems or reduced to be printed on a ballpoint pen or business card. Many printing processes can only work with vector file input.
Vector-based files are images that are built by mathematical formulas that establish points on a grid. Conversely, Raster files are composed of the colored blocks commonly referred to as pixels.
The key difference between vector and raster files comes down to utility.
Raster files are composed of a set number of pixels. Because of this set number, if a raster file is printed at a larger dimension than what it was designed for, it will appear visibly grainy and pixelated because the dots that compose the image are forced to grow larger as the medium they’re printed on grows. In other words, don’t print an image from Instagram at poster size and expect it to look as crisp as it did onscreen.
Since vectors are based around formulas, a vector image can scale at high resolution to virtually unlimited sizes. If you have a business logo saved in a vector format, it can be resized to fit on a billboard with no problems or reduced to be printed on a ballpoint pen or business card. Many printing processes can only work with vector file input.
Can you assist us in vectorizing a file?
Yes. We have a graphic designer on retainer that will convert images into vector format, or create a vector file from scratch. This typically costs between $30 and $75 depending upon the complexity of the image. Sometimes an image is too complex or intricate of a design to convert.
Why does my transfer look different than on my screen?
The short answer to this has to do with the differences between RGB color spectrum and CMYK color spectrum. Computer screens use the RGB color spectrum which has a broader spectrum of color. Printers use the CMYK color spectrum for printing which has a narrower spectrum of color. An interesting article on the difference can be found HERE.
