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What is DTF Printing? Complete Guide for Beginners

by Md Abdur Rahman

DTF printing — short for Direct-to-Film printing — has become one of the most popular and beginner-friendly printing methods in the apparel world. If you're new to customizing shirts, hoodies, bags, or branded merchandise, you’ve probably heard creators talk about DTF because it’s affordable, flexible, and produces high-quality results without the learning curve of screen printing or DTG.

Whether you're launching a clothing brand, starting a home-based T-shirt business, or expanding your print shop services, this beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know about DTF printing, how it works, what equipment is needed, and how to order high-quality transfers from Axo Brands.

Let’s break it down in a simple, easy, beginner-friendly way.

What Is DTF Printing? (Simple Definition)

DTF printing is a process where your design is printed onto a special film using high-quality DTF ink. After printing, the film is coated with hot melt adhesive powder and cured. The final printed film is a ready-to-press transfer that you can apply to almost any fabric using a heat press.

In short:

Design → Print on film → Apply powder → Cure → Press on shirt

Unlike vinyl or screen printing, you don’t need to weed anything, create screens, or pre-treat garments. This makes DTF incredibly beginner-friendly.

Why Beginners Love DTF Printing

DTF is the easiest way for new creators to produce professional-quality prints without expensive equipment. Here’s why beginners choose it:

✔ Works on Any Fabric

DTF transfers apply beautifully on:

  • Cotton

  • Polyester

  • Blends

  • Fleece

  • Nylon

  • Hoodies

  • Tote bags

This versatility makes it better than DTG, sublimation, and vinyl for mixed material orders.

✔ No Weeding or Layering

Unlike HTV, you don’t have to cut or weed your design. Multi-color graphics print perfectly every time.

✔ Super Durable

DTF transfers are:

  • Stretchy

  • Wash-resistant

  • Fade-proof

  • Crack-proof

Perfect for long-lasting apparel.

✔ Vibrant Colors

Beginners love that DTF printing handles:

  • Gradients

  • Shadows

  • Small text

  • Detailed artwork

  • Photos

The color quality is unmatched.

✔ Low Start-Up Cost

You don’t need a printer to get started — just order transfers from Axo Brands and start pressing shirts the same day.

How DTF Printing Works (Beginner-Friendly Process)

Here’s a simple step-by-step explanation:

1. Your Design Is Printed on DTF Film

A specialized DTF printer prints your artwork onto film using CMYK and white ink.

2. Hot Melt Powder Is Applied

A fine adhesive powder is spread over the printed film. This powder is what allows the design to stick to your clothing.

3. The Film Is Cured

The powder is melted using:

  • An oven

  • A curing device

  • A heat press hover method

This prepares the transfer for pressing.

4. The Transfer Is Pressed Onto the Garment

Use a heat press to apply the design:

  • Temperature: Usually around 285°F–315°F

  • Time: 10–20 seconds (varies by film type)

  • Pressure: Medium to firm

5. Cool Peel or Warm Peel

Depending on the film type, peel after it cools or immediately after pressing.

6. Final Press

A second press improves durability and creates a softer finish.

Why Order DTF Transfers Instead of Printing Yourself?

Beginners often start by ordering transfers instead of investing in a printer. That’s because:

✔ No equipment costs

DTF printers can cost thousands — buying transfers lets you start instantly.

✔ No maintenance

DTF printers require daily upkeep; transfers do not.

✔ No learning curve

Just press and sell.

✔ Higher profit margin

Transfers are affordable and fast to apply.

✔ Easy to scale

From 1 shirt to 1,000 shirts, transfers grow with your business.

This is why many successful apparel brands rely on Axo Brands for bulk and custom transfers.

Best DTF Products for Beginners from Axo Brands

Below are the most popular DTF solutions for new creators.

⭐ 1. QuickFilm DTF Build-A-Gang Sheet (Perfect for Beginners)

👉 Build yours here:
https://axotransfers.com/products/quickfilm-dtf-build-a-gang-sheet

A gang sheet allows you to place multiple images on one large sheet — great for saving money and creating multiple shirts at once.

Beginners love this tool because it’s:

  • Easy to use

  • Drag-and-drop

  • Affordable

  • Beginner-friendly

  • Perfect for small businesses

⭐ 2. QuickFilm DTF Upload-A-Gang Sheet (For Ready Layouts)

👉 Upload your sheet:
https://axotransfers.com/products/quickfilm-dtf-upload-a-gang-sheet

If you already know how to arrange artwork, this option is FAST and delivers premium results.

⭐ 3. QuickFilm DTF by Size – Order Only What You Need

👉 Buy prints by size:
https://axotransfers.com/products/quickfilm-dtf-by-size-copy

Great for beginners who:

  • Only need one or two designs

  • Want exact print sizes

  • Are doing small custom orders

⭐ 4. Premade Gang Sheets (Ready-to-Press Designs)

👉 Shop premade sheets:
https://axotransfers.com/collections/pre-made-gang-sheet

Perfect for beginners who don’t have artwork but want to start selling shirts immediately.

Add More Value With UV DTF Stickers

Many beginner apparel shops also sell UV DTF stickers because they’re easy, profitable, and require no heat press.

⭐ 5. UV DTF Gang Sheet Builder

👉 Build UV sticker sheets:
https://axotransfers.com/products/uv-dtf-gang-sheet-build-a-gang-sheet

Great for:

  • Tumblers

  • Water bottles

  • Packaging

  • Small gifts

⭐ 6. Raised UV Stickers (Premium 3D Texture)

👉 Order raised stickers:
https://axotransfers.com/products/uv-dtf-raised-stickers

Luxury decal option for premium branding.

What Do You Need to Start Using DTF Transfers?

Beginners only need:

✔ A heat press

✔ Blank apparel

✔ Transfers from Axo Brands

✔ Scissors or a paper trimmer

That’s it. No printer, no software, no chemicals.

You can start a T-shirt business TODAY with minimal investment.

How to Make Money with DTF Printing (Beginner Tips)

1. Sell custom shirts online

High profit margins and endless designs.

2. Fulfill local school and sports orders

One of the most consistent income streams.

3. Sell at vendor events

Snag impulse buyers with trendy prints.

4. Offer personalization

Names, numbers, quotes — all sell extremely well.

5. Sell transfers themselves

Many creators sell custom gang sheets to other shops.

DTF printing is one of the most profitable beginner-friendly industries in 2025.

Why Beginners Choose Axo Brands for DTF Transfers

Axo Brands offers:

✔ Premium QuickFilm quality

✔ Vibrant, long-lasting colors

✔ Fast nationwide shipping

✔ Beginner-friendly ordering

✔ No minimum order quantity

✔ Easy online builders

✔ Ready-to-press sheets

✔ UV sticker options

✔ Affordable pricing

Whether you’re in your first week or already building a brand, Axo Brands is the best place to order DTF transfers online.

How to Start DTF Printing Today (Beginner Roadmap)

Step 1: Choose your transfer type

Gang sheet, single print, or premade.

Step 2: Upload or create your design

Use Axo’s builder for easy layout.

Step 3: Order your transfers

Printed with premium QuickFilm technology.

Step 4: Heat press your design

Follow recommended temperature and pressure.

Step 5: Wear it or sell it

Your finished product looks professionally printed.

DTF is simple, profitable, and perfect for new creators.

by Md Abdur Rahman