DTF printing in Austin, Texas.
Direct to film printing at Austin Print Co. on a Roland DTF system. Full color, photorealistic detail, and no restrictions on fabric type. DTF transfers apply cleanly to cotton, polyester, poly blends, nylon, and performance wear. Built for band merch, team apparel, uniforms across mixed garment runs, and artwork screen printing cannot reproduce economically.
- Roland DTF system
- Full CMYK + white
- Low minimums
- Mixed garment runs
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What DTF printing is
DTF stands for direct to film. Artwork prints onto a specialty PET film with CMYK plus white ink, a hot melt adhesive powder bonds to the ink, and the transfer heat presses onto the garment. The result is a full color print with strong durability, soft hand, and no limit on color count or fabric type.
When DTF is the right choice
Dark and colored garments
Where screen printing requires a white underbase and DTG cannot penetrate the fabric, DTF lays down vivid color on any base.
ExplorePolyester and performance fabrics
Polyester and moisture-wicking fabrics reject water based DTG ink. DTF bonds cleanly with no migration.
ExplorePhotorealistic and gradient artwork
Dozens of colors, smooth gradients, and photographic detail with no extra screen charges.
ExploreSmall batch and multi-garment runs
One transfer file decorates T shirts, hoodies, polos, and bags in the same job.
ExploreGarments APC prints on with DTF
Cotton, polyester, cotton poly blends, tri blends, nylon, performance fabrics, fleece, and specialty materials. Bella Canvas, Next Level, Gildan, Sport Tek, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Richardson caps, and most apparel in the APC catalog.
DTF vs screen printing vs embroidery
Embroidery
The right call on polos, caps, and premium apparel where a stitched finish is expected.
EmbroideryDTF
The right call when artwork is photorealistic, the fabric is performance or polyester, or the order mixes multiple garment types on the same design.
Get a DTF quoteOur DTF process
- 1
Artwork submitted
Send your file. Transparent PNG, AI, EPS, or vector PDF preferred.
- 2
Color separations
CMYK and white channels prepared for the print engine.
- 3
Print to film
White underbase plus color layers print onto PET film.
- 4
Adhesive powder cure
Hot melt adhesive bonds to the ink and cures.
- 5
Heat press to garment
Transfer is pressed onto the garment with calibrated heat and pressure.
- 6
QC and pack
Every piece is inspected, folded, and packed for pickup or shipping.
Related services and resources
Other APC services
Industries & events
DTF printing FAQ
+What is the minimum order for DTF printing in Austin?
APC accepts DTF orders starting at 12 pieces per design. Smaller quantities are handled on request for samples and event specific runs.
+How long does DTF printing take at APC?
Same-day turnaround is possible based on art approval and queue availability. Rush service is available for event deadlines.
+What is the difference between DTF and screen printing?
Screen printing presses ink through mesh screens, one screen per color, and is the most efficient method for high volume, limited color designs. DTF prints a full color transfer onto film and heat presses it to the garment, which handles unlimited colors, gradients, and photorealistic artwork with no screen charges.
+What is the difference between DTF and embroidery?
DTF prints artwork onto the garment surface. Embroidery stitches thread into the garment. Embroidery is the premium finish for polos, caps, and corporate uniforms. DTF is the better fit for full color graphics, photographic images, and performance fabrics.
+Does DTF work on polyester and performance fabrics?
Yes. DTF is one of the few decoration methods that bonds cleanly to 100% polyester, nylon, and moisture wicking performance fabrics. DTG cannot. DTF can.
+Is DTF printing washable and durable?
Yes. Properly applied DTF transfers retain color and adhesion through 50 plus wash cycles. Cold wash inside out and tumble dry low is the recommended care instruction.
+Can APC apply DTF transfers across mixed garment types in one order?
Yes. This is one of the core advantages of DTF. A single artwork file can decorate T shirts, hoodies, performance polos, caps, and bags in the same production run.
+What artwork works best for DTF printing?
High resolution artwork at 300 DPI or higher, sized to the intended print dimensions. Transparent PNG, vector AI, EPS, or vector PDF are preferred. Complex photography and gradient artwork reproduce cleanly.
Request a DTF quote
Send your artwork and garment list. We'll quote your project, prep your transfers, and send a proof for approval before press.
Mon–Fri 9–6 · Sat–Sun 10–4 (CT)