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Production

Direct to Film (DTF) printing

Direct to Film creates full-colour transfers that press onto light and dark garments — useful for logos, names and mixed fabrics.

Request advice via info@ajdn.com or the AJDN App
DTF transfers being printed on film
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Direct to Film printing for clothing brands and businesses

Have garments professionally decorated with Direct to Film. AJDN handles artwork checks, full-colour transfer production and controlled heat application to your apparel, workwear or merchandise, giving you a complete finished product.

  • Full colour and fine detail

What is Direct to Film?

Direct to Film (DTF) is a digital printing method in which an artwork is printed in colour and white onto a specialist PET film. A hot-melt adhesive bonds the print to the textile during heat application. AJDN applies the transfer with controlled time, temperature and pressure.

This page is about having AJDN print your garments. If your business presses transfers in-house, visit our dedicated page to order ready-to-press DTF transfers.

DTF printing for brands, teams and organisations

Fashion collections

Consistent chest logos, back prints, artwork and size details for product drops, repeat orders and capsule collections.

Workwear

Professional branding for staff, events, hospitality, retail, construction and other business applications.

Merchandise

Full-colour prints for artists, creators, clubs, campaigns and short-run projects with several designs.

Personalisation

Variable names, numbers and small batches without creating separate screens for each variation.

On-demand production

Combine DTF with inventory, neck labels, hangtags, packaging, fulfilment and shipping per order.

What we control during DTF production

Consistent colour profiles

Controlled print settings help maintain colour consistency between samples and repeat orders.

Readable fine elements

Small text, thin lines and transparent areas are reviewed before production begins.

Accurate placement

Print dimensions and placement are matched to the garment style, size range and brand presentation.

Controlled application

Temperature, pressure, time and peel method are aligned with the transfer and textile.

From sample to volume

Begin with a prototype and scale to recurring production or on-demand processing.

When is DTF suitable for your apparel production?

DTF is a strong option for full-colour artwork, fine detail, variable graphics and production across different fabric types. For a particularly soft result on cotton garments, Direct to Garment may sometimes be preferable. We advise the most suitable available AJDN technique for the garment, artwork and production goal.

AJDN considers the artwork, garment use, desired finish, washing requirements, quantity and schedule. This allows us to recommend a method that supports the product and business objective.

Need garments printed with Direct to Film?

Share your garment, artwork, placement, quantities and required latest shipping date.

Prices, lead times and facts

  • DTF transfers per running metre: €17.50 for 1–3 metres, €15.00 for 4–10 metres and €12.50 from 11 metres.
  • Applied DTF, price examples: a chest logo of about 60 mm wide usually costs around €2.50 in print costs; a back logo usually €3.50 to €6; large, full-coverage prints can reach around €10. The garment is not included.
  • Machine: the transfers are produced in Ridderkerk on the Mimaki TxF300-75, then pressed and finished under controlled settings.
  • Lead time: DTF transfers are normally produced the same or the next working day; applied DTF, from one piece, normally ships within 1–5 working days once order, file and material are ready.
  • Capacity: up to around 800 DTF-printed items per working day, depending on design, size, positions and planning.
  • Files: by email to info@ajdn.com, not via WhatsApp. The phone number is for calls and short WhatsApp questions.

Quote and planning

Pricing depends on size, colours and quantity. You receive a proposal beforehand.

All details: prices, lead times and conditions

Chest logo example

  • A chest logo approximately 60 mm wide generally costs around €2.50 in printing charges. The garment and 21% VAT are not included.

Questions about Direct to Film garment printing

  • Wait at least 24 hours before the first wash. Wash inside out at a maximum of 30 °C, do not tumble dry and do not iron directly over the print.

In pictures

DTF transfers being printed on filmDTF transfer film in the curing oven
Navy T-shirt with a colourful DTF print, made at AJDNClose-up of a DTF print with rainbow lettering on a black shirtDTF print with red and white lettering on a black shirtPrinted navy shirt on the heat press at AJDNLarge-format printer in AJDN's production area

From design to production

  1. Submit your request

    Email info@ajdn.com or open the AJDN App. AI specialists are labelled as AI.

  2. Discuss garment and artwork

    We confirm the garment, placement, size, quantities and visual result required for your brand or organisation.

  3. Check artwork and fabric

    We assess resolution, transparency, fine lines, colour use and textile suitability. When necessary, we advise or test before production.

  4. Produce and press

    The design is printed with a white base, coated with adhesive powder, cured and applied with controlled time, temperature and pressure.

  5. Quality control and delivery

    We check position, adhesion and finish, then pack and deliver the garments or process them through your fulfilment workflow.

Frequently asked questions

Which garments can be printed with DTF?

DTF works on many cotton, polyester and blended garments. Coatings, technical textiles and fabrics at risk of dye migration are assessed and tested first.

Is DTF suitable for dark garments?

Yes. A white underbase supports bright colours on both light and dark garments.

Can AJDN supply the garments as well?

Yes. We can source textiles, print them, add neck labels and hangtags, store inventory and ship orders.

Which artwork files can I supply?

A transparent PNG at final size in 300 DPI is practical. Vector files such as AI, EPS, PDF and SVG are also accepted and checked before production.

Can I supply my own garments?

Yes, provided they are new, unworn and unwashed and pass our technical review. Customer-supplied garments are processed at the customer’s risk; we recommend a test for unfamiliar or valuable items.

How should I care for DTF-printed clothing?

Wash inside out at a maximum of 30 °C, do not tumble dry and do not iron directly over the print.

Which production files should I send?

A transparent PNG at actual size and at least 300 dpi, or AI, EPS or PSD, is preferred. Email new and corrected files to info@ajdn.com; do not send production files through WhatsApp.

Can I approve a sample first?

Yes. A sample helps evaluate size, placement, colour, hand feel and fabric compatibility; the terms are confirmed in the proposal.

Does AJDN also sell loose DTF transfers?

Yes. Printers and businesses that press in-house can use our dedicated DTF transfer ordering page.

How do I choose the right print technique?

It depends on artwork, fabric and use. Via info@ajdn.com or the AJDN App (AI specialists are labelled as AI) a concrete proposal follows.

Proposal within 1 working day

Discuss your project: Direct to Film (DTF) printing

Proposal within 1 working day

Choose your service, tell us briefly what you need and you will receive a proposal within one working day. Prefer to call or email? That works too.

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