07 · Embroidery & T-Shirt Printing
DTF printing in Calgary
Full colour, no screens, no fuss. DTF is how we print photos, gradients and short runs on apparel.
Quick answer
DTF (direct-to-film) printing prints your design onto a special film, then heat-presses it onto the garment. SURE Print Foothills offers DTF printing in Calgary for t-shirts, hoodies, bags and more. It handles full-colour artwork, photos and gradients, and it suits small runs and personalized shirts because there are no screens to set up.
DTF changed what's practical for small apparel orders. The design prints on film with a layer of adhesive powder, then gets pressed onto the fabric with heat. Because there are no screens, a design with twelve colours takes the same setup as a design with one. That makes it the natural fit for detailed art and short runs.
It also works on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester and blends, and on dark garments as well as light ones. If you need ten hoodies with a full-colour logo, or a set of jerseys with a different name on every back, DTF is usually where we start.
Options
Where DTF makes sense
Full-colour logos
Gradients, shadows and lots of colours print exactly as designed, with no colour limit.
Photos and detailed art
Pet portraits, memorial shirts, band art and anything with fine detail.
Small runs
One shirt or a few dozen, without paying for screens you'll only use once.
Names and numbers
Personalize every shirt in an order for teams, staff and events.
Mixed fabrics
Cotton, polyester and blends, plus bags and other items that don't suit screen printing.
What to expect
How your dtf printing order works
- 1
Send the artwork
High-resolution PNG or vector files work best. We'll check the resolution before anything prints.
- 2
Proof
We show you the size and placement on your chosen garment for approval.
- 3
Print the film
Your design prints on transfer film, gets a coat of adhesive powder and is cured.
- 4
Press
We heat-press the transfer onto each garment, peel the film and check the result.
Common DTF jobs
- Short runs of staff or volunteer shirts
- Team jerseys with individual names and numbers
- Full-colour merch for small brands and creators
- Memorial, birthday and family reunion shirts
- Tote bags and accessories with detailed artwork
DTF or screen printing?
DTF wins on detail, colour count and small quantities. Screen printing wins on price per shirt once your order gets large and the design uses only a few colours, and screen printed ink sits a little softer in the fabric. A DTF print has a smooth, slightly raised feel. If you're somewhere in between, we'll quote both so you can compare.
FAQ
DTF Printing questions
What is DTF printing?
DTF stands for direct-to-film. The design prints on a transfer film, is coated with adhesive powder and cured, then heat-pressed onto the garment. It gives you full colour with no screens.
How long do DTF prints last?
A well-applied DTF print holds up through many washes. Turn the garment inside out, wash it cold and avoid high dryer heat to help it last.
Can DTF print on dark shirts?
Yes. DTF prints include a white base layer, so colours stay bright on black, navy and other dark garments.
Is DTF good for a single shirt?
Yes. With no screens to set up, DTF is often the most practical way to print one shirt or a small batch.
Ready when you are
Ready to order dtf printing?
Tell us what you need and we'll email you a detailed quote. Or just bring your files by the shop. You don't need an appointment.