Stickied.

 

It's just my own experience, but over the 3 years of printing DTF custom tees myself, I have never received any complain regarding the print's durability. I do receive a few cases of the print peels off, but that's due to using a softer TPU powder which I stopped using then. Most of the complains I got involves the clothing instead of the prints (size too small, different tone than the mockups etc).

I think the key is finding the best type of materials & method then stick with them. Find a reliable supplier that knows their stuff, but still take their recommendation with a grain of salt.

 

Hi Debi

What equipment do you use?

Thanks
Rober

 

It's just my own experience, but over the 3 years of printing DTF custom tees myself, I have never received any complain regarding the print's durability. I do receive a few cases of the print peels off, but that's due to using a softer TPU powder which I stopped using then.

The same thing happens with all other transfer types (vinyl, laser toner, inkjet , etc), and people have been selling these for many years.
Nobody will come back to ask for refund or replacement after 10-15 washes, especially when sellers do actually provide these silly wash instructions.
People do notice however, and this is why reputable brands do NOT use DTF or laser toner transfers etc.

All I'm saying here is that from what I've seen so far, DTF is not better than other types of transfers, and in some cases it is actually worse.

I think the key is finding the best type of materials & method then stick with them. Find a reliable supplier that knows their stuff, but still take their recommendation with a grain of salt.

This is important because bad transfers can fail in one or two washes.
The forum is full of such cases, and the real world situation is even more dire.
I've witnessed this firsthand with tees given to friends and family as gifts.
Again, most people simply discard these substandard tees, ending the matter there.

 

Great post, very informative.
I think you should redo it though and substitute the word 'better' with the phrase 'more durable'. It seems to be your main point.
Better is quite ambiguous and could refer to a lot of things, and to be fair, DTF is much 'better' than these other processes in quite a few areas.

 

I think you should redo it though and substitute the word 'better' with the phrase 'more durable'. It seems to be your main point.
Better is quite ambiguous and could refer to a lot of things

Durability is the main point in this post, BUT it is not the only point.
I'm sure other people reading would understand this, just as you do.

and to be fair, DTF is much 'better' than these other processes in quite a few areas.

Possibly, but not for the type of thing people often ask me about, which is the reason I wrote this post.
The only thing I can think of, is not having to weed complex designs.

Please, feel free to share with us what those "few areas" are.

 

Your first point is so generic it could be said about any print process. They all depend on quality of materials and they are all 'better' than some others and not better than some depending on your specific requirements. We have, over a 2.5 year period, tested and researched many brand and manufacturers, and are more than happy with our results for durability, colour reproduction, versatility, feel could still be better but we're working on it and speed of turn around is excellent. And this is only going to get better, as this is still an emerging technology it is getting improved day by day, there are very few, if any, advancements in most other processes.

The second point I'm assuming is a joke, toner transfer paper is the lowest quality process we use reserved only for one day events and on white t-shirts only. Unless you are referring to a different process in which case I have no experience of it and apologise for my ignorance.

Third point. We use 2 types of heat pressed vinyl, cut single colour and print and cut. The single colour vinyl is superb, I love it, but it works for only simple designs and small runs. The print and cut stuff is OK for quick small runs, but the durability is poor and feel is terrible.

All processes have they're pros and cons, I just think DTF has less cons than pros. Maybe that's because of our business model, we do a lot of small to medium runs and are known for our fast turn around times, for which dtf is perfect. Since going with dtf our screen, transfer, vinyl or other processes have become virtually extinct.

I'm sure I'm missing something, I'm not very good at this sort of thing. And do apologise if I come across a bit abrupt, I just though someone should stick up for DTF.

 

Hi Sam

What equipment are you using? We are looking for a DTF printer.

Thanks
Robert

 

Your first point is so generic it could be said about any print process.

Correct... because quality depends on supplies and correct application.

The second point I'm assuming is a joke, toner transfer paper is the lowest quality process we use reserved only for one day events and on white t-shirts only.

Not a joke.
just like DTF... Results depend on what you are using.

Third point. We use 2 types of heat pressed vinyl, cut single colour and print and cut. The single colour vinyl is superb, I love it, but it works for only simple designs and small runs. The print and cut stuff is OK for quick small runs, but the durability is poor and feel is terrible.

Again... Results depend on what you are using.
Printable HTV washable at 90°C clearly outperforms DTF.

 

Correct... because quality depends on supplies and correct application.


Not a joke.
just like DTF... Results depend on what you are using.

the thread is getting a little muddied, but you are correct here
i think the comparison of dtf to laser transfers is the perfect analogy to bring it from hype to reality

unfortunately magikdude does not know much about laser transfers is they say if is only for 'one day events and on white t-shirts only'
there are many people who use it successfully on lights and darks, maybe they are thinking about inkjet (jpss)

 

FWIW Stahls' DTF transfer instructions do not specify a second press and their washing instructions are simply

Durability & Wash Instructions
Withstands 50+ washes.
Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low or hang dry.

I haven't had any complaints or negative feedback yet after selling these for two years.

 

FWIW Stahls' DTF transfer instructions do not specify a second press and their washing instructions are simply

Durability & Wash Instructions
Withstands 50+ washes.
Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low or hang dry.

thanks for making TABOB's point more clear
this is the same reason i wouldn't sell inkjet for darks, they could last 50+ washes with special instructions, but nobody is going to do it
i'm not sure dtf will ever get to the point of normal wash/dry because of the powdered glue layer (maybe the new liquid glue setup will help alleviate this issue)

Hopefully somebody will come up with a way to produce durable DTF transfers, washable at 60°C without any special wash instructions.
Let's wait and see.

 

i'm not sure dtf will ever get to the point of normal wash/dry because of the powdered glue layer (maybe the new liquid glue setup will help alleviate this issue)

Powder adhesives with 90°C wash resistance do exist. The problem is compatibility.
Heat resistant adhesives for example have higher fusing temperature (around 140-160°C), so a heat resistant film has to be used.

 

I have worn a few dtf printed T-shirts, in fact, it is pretty good and cheap, washed for 2 years, today just wear on the body. Wash 1-2 times a week, just wear during the summer. Washing machine wash, also did not pay attention to whether to turn the T-shirt, sometimes dry. At present, except for a little gelatinous feel and some of the printing is slightly cracked (do not notice that it can not be seen), I feel OK. It's just not breathable.

 

I've had much better results with DTF than DTG. A few DTG shirts we've received over the years from other sellers would wash out to white only after the first wash. I'm sure there are better methods. But we've found DTF is more durable and better looking.

 

Objectively speaking, the finished product of dtf printing is very cost-effective.

 

I have worn a few dtf printed T-shirts, in fact, it is pretty good and cheap, washed for 2 years, today just wear on the body. Wash 1-2 times a week, just wear during the summer. Washing machine wash, also did not pay attention to whether to turn the T-shirt, sometimes dry. At present, except for a little gelatinous feel and some of the printing is slightly cracked (do not notice that it can not be seen), I feel OK. It's just not breathable.

Two years old shirts, but worn only in the summer...
Come on now... Can you not just estimate the number of washes?

Most transfer products claim 30-40 washes durability, but in my experience estimates are always optimistic and testing is done under optimal conditions.
The same apply to many products by the way... Fuel efficiency in cars, and page yield in printers are two examples.
We all know that the real world performance is always less.

Objectively speaking, the finished product of dtf printing is very cost-effective.

Compared to what?
I honestly cannot recommend using DTF for a brand, just like I wouldn't recommend most other transfer methods.
It is OK for one offs, BUT I personally prefer DTG, especially for white garments.
DTG is not necessarily more durable, but it does feel a lot better.
By the way... This surprisingly honest video from Prinful is worth watching.

EDIT: 29 June 2025
My sister just showed me this DTG vs DTF video from printful.
Again... Kudos to printful for being reasonably honest and showing the limitations of their printing methods.
As I've been saying DTF is basically the same as HTV and will crack, but I'm actually surprized the sample crack after just 5 washes.

These cracks are not too bad at this stage, but even the thicker areas will crack after 20-25 washes.
I think printful will not dare showing the shirt after 25 washes, and I don't blame them, because they have to stay competitive against less honest POD companies.

 

Mod Edit: Paragraphs added for readability. More will take the time to read your post if it doesn't look like one big run-on sentence.

I thought I would add my experience to this post - We have been doing DTF for the last year and half - personally I think in just the last year DTF has really come a long ways with both machine technology and the ink and powders.

We switched in a DTF Station R2 about 9 months ago. I can't say enough about this machine compared to my previous STS machine. Well built and easy to maintain. (I can only speak to the STS VS the DTF Station unit, other than I've talked to a lot of folks using other machines). With the R2 I honestly rarely ever have any issues, and the amount of ink that is wasted with daily mainenance is so minimal. My old STS machine I wasted so much ink.

Any who... I love the R2 so much we just purchased a second machine the R2 Pro which is on it's way. As for the use and washability and stuff... we did numerous testing and washings, testing lower temp, one press, vs two presses, super high heats... ect.... the performance was really amazing in all regards.

Other than a few (talking and forgot to put the powder on)... we haven't had any customers come back to complain at all. Now the one thing I think has changed quite a bit is the powder... a year ago, the prints felt very paper'y .. which was ok for some things, but large solid prints really felt awful ..... the newer powders fell SO much better, and if you take the time to do a second press with butcher paper like material or even better, a t-shirt... you get a really nice feeling print. Smaller prints you can almost not even feel. We have gotten up into the 50's for washings and have seen some cracking in some prints and some were just fine... but we can't remember how we test pressed the cracking ones, LOL... but they just look like a typical screen printed distressed washed over time. So not a super big deal compared to what is expected over all currently in the industry.

We have even tested some of the glitter and holographic films... although they are subtle, the do work and look great. One difference to note we saw, the glitter and film coatings seem to come off on the DTF rollers, so when we use those films, we do have to clean them to move back to standard film. And they are for sure a cold peel and are pretty tough to peel off... but seem to peel just fine once you get them off.

One things I really like is the hot peel films now.... I personally don't think they are quite there, but are very close... usually 1 in 10 peels, the print doesn't come off the film in sections... so still giving it a quick air gun blow, helps... but compared to the cold and warm peels, it is for sure much faster. - With the business we do on average, we are looking to actually close down our screen printing department and expand our DTF department... will be a big transition... but one that will be well worth it I believe.

oh a few more notes --we tested if it has any value to anyone ---- you can achieve that weathered look with DTF as well (similar as to when you would mix softener into ink to achieve that water'd down print look) - with DTF you can reduce the white underbase down to a minimum (for the R2 we move from 36 down to 7)... then make sure to powder the ink a bit more carefully than you typically would quickly do... then press, peel and press with butcher paper or a t-shirt... you get a very similar print - and last,

 

We switched in a DTF Station R2 about 9 months ago.

Well built and easy to maintain.

Just a regular Chinese printer (Honson Boards with XP600 / i1600 printheads).
I have to admit, I do like the Chinese approach to making printers...
1. They let you use any bulk ink you want (no ink chips),
2. The printers can be upgraded/modified relatively easy.
DTF station had to ruin it though, demanding people use their own brand of ink, or void the warranty.

We have gotten up into the 50's for washings and have seen some cracking in some prints and some were just fine...

Do a forum search, and you will find posts claiming 50+ washes for laser toner transfers as well.

The important things are:
a) What are the wash instructions?
b) Can your transfers survive 30 regular cycle washes at 60°C?

 

Here is a DTG vs DTF video from Printful... Which one would you prefer wearing?
I don't know why they had to use a different image, but I'm sure people get the idea.
I really don't see how this better than printable HTV. For difficult to weed designs however, DTF is a good alternative.

 

there is a reason all the big print-on-demand companies use dtg
obviously complete failure after one wash is not a problem with the method

Failures do happen, and all reputable POD companies offer a free replacement when it does.
The same apply to DTF. Here is one example, apparently caused by a bad batch of adhesive powder (most likely exposed to moisture).
All printing methods can have failures, but in general, the more complex the method, the more things can go wrong.
Like I said in my previous post... There is no point comparing failures. The average durability for each method is a much better metric to use.

this comment from the vid is also something to think about with dtf (or htv) when doing larger designs with little to no negative space:
"think the DTF is good, but, in my place when the weather is mostly hot and humid, i already try dtf many times, it just not comfortable in this weather. Bcs it closes the fabric from getting enough air to flow. I like how easy and convenient DTF is, but if i want the comfortable, i maybe choose DTG"

DTF has it's place... but its not always the best option, and definitely not the only option.

 

Contributing to the dicussion I think DTF transfers perform better than DTG or Screen Printing! And I have been using DTF for almost 3 years now and yes there are few who complain of peel off but it happens when I forget to put the powder on or some other technical error! Other than few exceptions DTF do pretty good. And if you ask me DTG or DTF or Screen printing I would definetly recommend you DTF.

Still some people get unsatisfactory results in that case you should talk to your suppllier! Some times the problem is within the printers or films or powders but having a deep understanding about your stuff; what works and what doesn't is a key to better results in DTF.

I use one company for my supplies and they do know their stuff. Before I used to do screen printing for my customers but now more and more relying on DTF.

 

I think DTF transfers perform better than DTG or Screen Printing!

We all know this is not true.

there are few who complain of peel off but it happens when I forget to put the powder on or some other technical error!

The same argument is used for all transfer methods, and it is true.
This does not mean that customers are happy. The just don't feel comfortable complaining after 10 washes.

People should get samples and do their own testing.
This is the only way!

 

The same argument is used for all transfer methods, and it is true.
This does not mean that customers are happy. The just don't feel comfortable complaining after 10 washes.

How do you explain people that keep buying the stuff then? I mean, it's not the best product in the world but clearly they are satisfied enough to keep ordering?

 

I'm a bit tired of people asking me about DTF, so I decided to create this post.
This way I don't have to repeat myself all the time.

Question 1: Is DTF any good?
Obviously quality would depend where you are getting your transfers from.
If you are printing the transfers yourself, quality would depend on the process and the quality and compatibility of the supplies you are using.
Unfortunately, from what I've seen and tested so far, DTF is not better than other transfers, and in some cases the reverse is true.

Question 2: Is DTF better than laser/white toner transfers?
I would say these two transfer methods are comparable, but again this will depend on the supplies used.
Laser printer transfers have the advantage of better consistency (Less things can go wrong).
For people printing their own transfers, laser printers are also easier to maintain.
Personally, I don't use either method for garments I sell.

Question 3: Is DTF better than HTV (vinyl)?
Again, it depends on what vinyl we are talking about.
From what I've seen so far, some HTVs are by far superior to DTF.
Some HTV transfers can be washed hot (60°C and in some cases up to 90°C), and without any special wash instructions.
With the right combination of ink and adhesive, DTF transfers with similar durability are probably possible, but so far I've not seen anybody producing them.

Recently I've noticed some Chinese companies promoting UV ink printers as DTF.
The transfers produced by these printers are obviously not DTF, but they do look durable (I have not had the chance to test their durability yet).
They are very thick and do not stretch, so they will only be a good option for some applications, like small logos and similar.
They are pretty much the same to what is known as UV-DTF for hard surfaces, but they have a hot-melt adhesive layer instead of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and this way they can be heat-pressed onto garments.

DTF quality depends on materials and process—it's not inherently better than other transfers. Compared to laser transfers, DTF has more variables but can be comparable. HTV often outperforms DTF in durability, especially at high wash temperatures. UV ink printers marketed as DTF are misleading; they work for logos but lack stretch. Bottom line: choose based on your needs.

 

HTV often outperforms DTF in durability, especially at high wash temperatures. UV ink printers marketed as DTF are misleading; they work for logos but lack stretch. Bottom line: choose based on your needs.

It's a shame that the material cost are much higher on HTV printables (at least in my area), otherwise I would go for that over DTF. White ink is such a pain to deal with.

 

Now I can't imagine how it would look as multicolor print, I guess there will be some missing details around the edges?

Multi-color prints done with printable HTV look a lot better than a lot of DTF I've seen people selling.
Very similar to the more proffessional "DTF transfers" sold by Transfer Express and others.
It's not really possible to tell the difference between the two once pressed.

It's a shame that the sheets are expensive here, like more than double than using DTF stuff.

When you print your own transfers, HTV may be a bit more expensive.
Compared to buying DTF transfers however... Printing your own HTV may be a better option.
But, HTV is way less troublesome AND the equipment needed can be used for many other things, which is also a plus.
Also, HTV cutters (both laser and blade) are a lot cheaper and easier to maintain than DTF printers.

Bottom line is that DTF is the only option, ONLY when the business model is selling DTF transfers to others.
In addition to that... People interested in buying transfers, as well as those interested in making transfers for sale sould know that:
a) NOT all DTF transfers are made the same way.
b) Because of the above, NOT all DTF transfers are the same.
In short, some DTF transfers are very similar to good quality HTV, and some are rubish.

 

I thought I was the the only one who thinks that dtf is rubbish compared to htv. My htv prints last for 200+ washes (have some test ones that i sleep in, and my wife washes them everyday) no cracking no peeling they are amazing. My main concern is durability as well, because when you build a business you need people to recommend you. I only use sublimation, htv and embroidery. Bob you keep saying something about printing on htv, but when I tried it with a normal inkjet printer colors mix each other in like a month or so, they become faded and mixed.

 

Your wife washes your PJ's every day? Why?

Printable htv life span is comparable to DTF. Your current print methods are the best, besides direct screen printing.

 

Thanks, yeah she has a thing with one wear one wash. But thanks for the answer. I am currently looking into sublimating flock htv now.To achieve that long lasting print. Btw, I only do poliester active dry fit type of garment.

 

My htv prints last for 200+ washes

I very much doubt it.

Only direct screen-prints can do this, but even that depends on the ink and teqnique used.
Plastisol in particular can make the printed area much more durable than the unprinted fabric. It's basically composite (resin+fiber).
No other printing method can do this.

Bob you keep saying something about printing on htv, but when I tried it with a normal inkjet printer colors mix each other in like a month or so, they become faded and mixed.

Most desktop printers don't have the right type of ink for printable HTV.
Also, solvent Inkjet is a much better option for printable HTV.

Printable htv life span is comparable to DTF.

Absolutelly correct, because they are both a 3 layer film transfer. (color + opaque white +glue).
Single color HTV is different (one or two layers).

 

I am currently looking into sublimating flock htv now.

Flock HTV works well but will crack a bit after 30 or so washes, which is acceptable for this type of transfer.

have some test ones that i sleep in, and my wife washes them everyday

yeah she has a thing with one wear one wash.

She's obviously a civilised person...
Undertees boxers and socks are daily wash items.

I only do poliester active dry fit type of garment.

Sleeping in polyester should be prohibited.
Does your wife know? 🤣

 

Sleeping in polyester should be prohibited.
Does your wife know? 🤣

I sacrifice myself for the business 😅

Flock HTV works well but will crack a bit after 30 or so washes, which is acceptable for this type of transfer.

Thats pretty good, as long as it holds on a higher washing temp, I hate those instructions with 30 degrees and washing inside out, no one respects this instructions, just whites with whites and colored with colored.

I will come back with the results when I try it.

Thanks for all of your replies, have a great day guys 🙏

 

Thats pretty good, as long as it holds on a higher washing temp, I hate those instructions with 30 degrees and washing inside out, no one respects this instructions, just whites with whites and colored with colored.

Wash temperature may vary from brand to brand, but most flock can be washed up to 60°C.
People will also turn flock inside out instinctively, which does help a little bit as well.