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What Is DTF Printing? The Complete Guide for NZ Businesses
If you've been searching for a better way to get custom designs onto clothing, you've probably come across the term DTF printing. It's one of the fastest-growing print methods in New Zealand — and for good reason. Whether you're a business owner, sports club, or just someone with a great design idea, DTF printing makes it easier than ever to get vibrant, professional-quality prints on almost any garment.
What Is DTF Printing?
DTF stands for Direct to Film. It's a printing process where your design is printed onto a special film, then transferred onto fabric using heat and pressure. Unlike traditional screen printing, there are no screens to set up and no minimum order quantities — making it perfect for small runs, one-offs, and bulk orders alike.
How Does DTF Printing Work?
The process is straightforward:
- Your artwork is printed onto a PET film using specialist DTF inks
- A hot-melt adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink
- The film is cured in an oven to bond the powder to the ink
- The transfer is applied to your garment using a heat press
The result is a soft, flexible print that bonds directly to the fabric fibres — durable, wash-resistant, and full of colour.
Why Choose DTF Printing?
- Full colour, no limits — gradients, fine detail, and photographic images all print beautifully
- No minimum orders — order one transfer or one thousand
- Works on almost any fabric — cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and more
- Soft feel — unlike vinyl, DTF prints feel like part of the garment
- Fast turnaround — ideal for last-minute orders and events
What Is a Gang Sheet?
A gang sheet is a single large transfer sheet packed with multiple designs. Instead of ordering each design separately, you arrange them all onto one sheet to maximise your print space and get the best value per design. It's the most cost-effective way to order DTF transfers — perfect for businesses printing multiple logos or sports clubs needing a variety of designs.
DTF Printing vs Screen Printing vs HTV
| DTF | Screen Print | HTV (Vinyl) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full colour | ✅ | Limited | Limited |
| Small runs | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Soft feel | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Detail & gradients | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Any fabric | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
How to Order DTF Transfers in NZ
At Blanks and Print, ordering is simple. Upload your artwork as a transparent PNG, choose your size or build a gang sheet, and we'll handle the printing and ship it to you fast anywhere in New Zealand. No experience needed — just your design and we'll do the rest.
