DTF Full Colour Printing Guide

Embroidery machine with 10 different thread colours in motion stitching a blue logo on a black shirt.

Here at Curious Newt we take great pride in the service and products we provide. We want you to be really happy with anything we make for you. 

Below you will find some information about our DTF full colour transfers that we hope will help you decide whether this is best suited to your needs.

If you still have questions, please drop us a line at hello@curiousnewt.co.uk

MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY
There isn't a minimum order quantity for DTF textile transfers. This process works for designs large or small, in large or small quantities too. We print from one A4 through to hundreds of metres.

SET UP COSTS
There are no separate set up costs for our full colour printing if you use our design upload service. If you use our trade service to optimise or revise artwork files, we charge a small fee per file and service. See our Artwork information to find out more.

COLOURS
Our DTF printer prints in CMYK colour. Any other references given to us will be translated to the closest match we can see, however, supplying briefs with CMYK will provide what is requested.

RECOMMENDED SIZE
Size isn't really an issue as the limiting factor is more likely to be the garment you are purchasing and the printable surface area on it. We provide guides on our garments if you are designing with us. If you are just purchasing the transfers, then our print areas will help you decide on the best size for your order.

SMALL TEXT AND DETAIL
In general, DTF textile ink prints deal with detail really well, but there is a limit! Really fine lines and lettering of less than 2 point linage may not find enough fibres to cling to in most fabrics and, therefore, not give the result you would like.

PRINT FEEL
Our new technology, full colour, DTF prints have a lovely soft feel that generally isn't noticeable. If you print a large, solid shape, however, you may be more aware of it as an extra layer on the fabric. That said, the prints bend and stretch with the fabric without cracking and are far superior in terms of feel, longevity and flexibility compared to vinyl prints.

INK TYPE
DTF printing uses water-based textile inks. This gives lovely vibrant prints, but treads more lightly on the environment than some (but not all!) inks used in other methods, such as screen printing.

FABRIC TYPE
This method of printing works on most textile surfaces, whether the material is natural or manmade, including surfaces such as leather.

The main exceptions are the most fibrous materials: wool and knitwear. The pockets between fibres mean that there are gaps in the fabric to which the print is unable to adhere.

Some treated surfaces, such as rainproofing, can make the application a bit more specialist. Please contact us for advice or allow for experimentation when ordering, if applying the transfers yourself.

DURABILITY
Our DTF full colour prints are one of the most duarable ways of printing on clothing and other textiles. It easily surpasses vinyl print and many other print options to give a great result wash after wash after wash. The print should see out the natural life of the garment it is printed on.

That said, we do recommend treating your prints with a little bit of love! Wash at a low temperature, avoid tumble drying if you can and wash inside out.

HOT PRESSING
The final stage in creating a DTF print is to hot press the transfer onto the garment. This should be done by an industrial hot press as this gives the best temperature, pressure and resistance control in order to be sure of success. Home hot pressing and ironing is not recommended and may well lead to poor performing prints.

ARTWORK HINTS & TIPS
If you are purchasing the transfers directly, there are a few things to bear in mind as you set out your artwork:

  • Please allow equal space around your designs, this will help you cut them out and apply.
  • The maximum printer head width is 550mm.
  • If you upload JPEGs your prints will include the white box.
  • Upload high-resolution artwork to get the best results.
  • You do not need to mirror your artwork, we will do this prior to printing.
  • Hi resolution PNG files, EPS or PDF work best.
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