DTF vs UV DTF: What is the Difference? (It's More Than You Think!)

Are you confused about the differences between DTF and UV DTF printing? 

You are not alone! They sound almost identical, they're both called "DTF," and they both make full color transfers with no cutting and no weeding. But they go on completely different things, and they are not interchangeable.

In this blog post I'll explain the difference between DTF vs UV DTF, including how and when each of these types of transfers can be used.

How to Put DTF Transfers on T Shirts

DTF transfers are becoming increasingly popular with crafters as many realize they offer a lot more flexibility than sublimation transfers. 

DTF transfers are cutless, weedless, full color transfers that are not only inexpensive and easy to apply, but they can go on any color or type of garment. 

A DTF printer is a high priced investment for a small business that plans to print transfers daily. But there are plenty of options for purchasing DTF transfers. 

In this tutorial I'll show you how to put DTF transfers on t shirts, whether you print them yourself or purchase the transfers.

Best DTF Printer for Small Business + Free Comparison Tool (2026)

The DTF printer market looks a lot different than it did a few years ago. When desktop direct to film printers first hit the market, a lot of people rushed to buy one for their custom t shirt business. And a lot of us found out pretty quickly that owning a DTF printer comes with a lot of maintenance. 

So before I tell you the best DTF printer for your small business, I want to do something most of these "best printer" posts won't - I want to help some of you decide whether you should buy a printer at all.

How to Remove DTF From a Shirt (Before and After)

If you're struggling with how to remove DTF form a shirt - either due to a mistake or you want to re-use the shirt - it is possible! 

Turns out you CAN remove DTF transfer mistakes and save your shirt even after you press the transfer.  I tried this method "just in case it worked" and was shocked to find out that not only did it remove the transfer really well, but it's nearly impossible to see the mistake. 

DTF Heat Press Settings: Time and Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

I am so excited to share this DTG time and temperature cheat sheet with you guys. 

I'm gonna be real honest. I made this for myself because I was tired of repeatedly having to look back at my own tutorials just to remember what temperature my heat press or curing oven needed to be on to press transfers. I can't be the only one...so I created this printable DTF and DTG transfer time and temp chart that you can print and keep close by.

DTF heat press settings, quick answer

If you just need the number and you're standing at your press right now: press DTF transfers at 320 F to 356 F (160 C to 180 C) for 10 to 20 seconds, then peel and post press at the same time and temperature. 

You don't need a cover sheet for the initial press. Full settings, including the powder curing step, are below. 

DTF settings chart

These work for any garment color, which is one of the nice things about DTF. There's no separate setting for lights and darks the way there is with DTG. 

Step	Setting
Powder curing temperature	250 F / 120 C
Powder curing time	120 seconds in a curing oven
Pre press the garment	Yes
Application temperature	320 F to 356 F / 160 C to 180 C
Application time	10 to 20 seconds
Post peel press	Yes, same time and temperature
Cover sheet	Not needed
Garment color	Any

The powder curing step only applies if you're printing your own transfers. If you ordered them, they arrive cured and ready to press, so you skip straight to pre pressing the garment. 

DTG heat press settings

DTG is a different animal because pretreatment and garment color both change what you do. 

Garment	Pretreat	Temp	Time	Pressure
White	No	338 F	30 to 45 seconds	5 (50 psi), medium
Black	Yes	338 F	75 to 90 seconds	5 (50 psi), medium
Dark	Yes, if white ink is used	338 F	75 to 90 seconds	5 (50 psi), medium

All three need a pre press and a fixing or heat set step, and all three use parchment paper as a cover sheet. 

The big difference is time. A white shirt with no pretreatment presses in about half the time of a black one, because there's no pretreat and no white ink underbase to cure. 

Why your settings might be different

A few things will change the numbers above, so don't treat any chart as gospel, including mine. 

Film brand matters most. Different DTF film and powder want different settings. If your supplier gives numbers, start with theirs and use this chart as a sanity check. 

Your press probably isn't accurate. Most heat presses read a few degrees off and some are off by a lot. If transfers are lifting at the recommended setting, that's the first thing I'd check. 

Bought transfers beat my numbers. If you ordered your transfers, whoever printed them knows exactly what film they used. Their instructions win. 

When in doubt, press one on a scrap and wash it before you run a whole order. 

Get the free printable chart

Want all of this on one page you can print and stick next to your press? Tell me where to send it and I'll email it over. 

Send Me the Cheat Sheet

Yes, please send me the downloadable and printable DTF and DTG settings chart.

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Want More DTF help? 

Still deciding on a machine? I put my picks in one place: best DTF printer for small business. 

Weighing DTF against sublimation? Here's the full side by side comparison. 

Live Look the NEW xTool Apparel Printer for DTF Beginners and Small Shops | Live Stream Event Details

I am SO excited to announce something I've been working on - a rare LIVE stream to answer your questions and do a live demo on the new xTool Apparel Printer. 

If you've been looking for a DTF printer that's MAC and PC compatible, while also being beginner friendly, easy to set up and use - the xTool DTF printer may just be what you're looking for. 

Add Puff HTV to Your DTF Transfers...and WOW!

Want your DTF transfers to stand out or just want a little extra..pop? 

While DTF transfers can do a lot they can not compete with special effects HTV like puff, glitter, and other specialized finishes. But did you know you can combine the two for the best of both worlds? 

Read on for how to add puff heat transfer vinyl to your t shirt transfers.

Designing for DTF Transfers with Glitter HTV Accents

If you want to give your DTF transfers a little extra sparkle or pop you can add speciality heat transfer vinyl like glitter, holographic or puff. 

To do this though you need to set up the DTF design ahead of time to leave room by knocking out the area where the HTV will go. 

This tutorial will explain exactly how to set up your DTF designs to add leave space for HTV. 

Find the Best DTF Printer in 30 Seconds! FREE Tool

Is your head spinning trying to find the best DTF printer for t shirts? 

With more and more t shirt transfer printers hitting the market each month, it can be overwhelming to compare features, prices, and reviews. Whether you're looking for a DTF printer for beginners or for small business there's a lot to consider. 

That's why I created a free and fast DTF Printer Comparison tool that you can enter just a few key pieces of info and in less than 30 seconds you'll know which direct to film printer is best for you and your business or hobby...or if a DTF printer is even a good idea for you at all.

DTF Transfer Printing With Roland BY-20

You won't believe how easy it is to print DTF prints with this printer!

If you have been looking for a DTF printer, the Roland BY-20 is a great option! 

How to Apply UV DTF Stickers and Transfers for Cups

Coming fast on the heels of the DTF or direct to film craze, are UV DTF stickers and transfers. 

UV DTF transfers are a popular and easy way to wrap tumblers and glassware with custom, full color, and long lasting stickers - so I'm starting to get more and more questions about these hard surface transfers (that are NOT limited to just drinkware). 

With crafters and many handmade businesses mostly buying UV DTF transfers right now, as opposed to printing them, I figured we'd start with the number one question I get: How do you apply a UV DTF sticker?! Glad you asked...

Roland BY-20 DTF Printer: Everything to Know & 3 Massive Changes from BN-20D

A year after releasing it's first 20" DTF printer, Roland has just launched a top to bottom re-designed direct to film printer - complete with a new name, new price, and a whole slew of new features.  Meet the Roland BY-20.

Beginning today the brand new BY-20 DTF Printer is on pre order with shipping on a limited number of printers beginning in February 2024. 

I'm excited to have one of the few and very first BY-20 direct to film printers so I can share all the details with you..so read (and watch) on.

First Epson Entry Level DTF and DTG Printer: Meet the F1070 for Small Business (Bonus Video)

Epson has announced it's first every entry-level, desktop size direct to film and direct to garment combo printer. 

I first saw the Epson F1070 DTF / DTG hybrid printer in October, but have been keeping this gem (and my first look video) under wraps until the official announcement this week.  

The desktop size, fully enclosed t shirt printer and transfer printer is geared toward beginners with it's small foot print and easy workflow...but I'm going to warn you, the price is a stretch...even though it's the lowest Epson has gone with their DTF/ DTG printers. 

Read on to learn more and check out the F1070 printer in action!

Sublimation vs DTF Transfers: Which Is Best?

Two of the most popular ways to make t shirt transfers are sublimation and direct to film or DTF transfers. 

While neither requires cutting or weeding, there are some big differences between the two. Read on for a list of pros and cons for each, along with a brief comparison of sublimation vs DTF transfers. 

Desktop DTF Printer for Home | Meet the Prestige A4 Direct to Film Printer

I saved the smallest desktop DTF printer unboxing for last this year!  

With the discontinuation of the Prestige A3+ and A3+ R, the Prestige A4 Direct to Film Printer is now the most affordable desktop DTF printer. 

Is a DTF Printer Worth It? Read Before You Buy! (Giveaway)

If you're wondering if it's really worth investing in a DTF Printer...or if buying DTF transfers is a better option for you - you're in the right spot. 

I get emails daily from people asking me which DTF printer is best for home.  My answer is always the same: are you going to be printing everyday? Because if you're not going to print every day - a DTF printer may not be worth it. BUT that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the benefits of iron on DTF film transfers without all the maintenance.  

Plus read on because I have an awesome giveaway opportunity for you!

What Is a White Toner Printer...and What Can It Do?

If you've been looking for an alternative to sublimation or DTF, a white toner printer could be the answer! 

But what is a white toner printer and what are the benefits over direct to film and sublimation - both of which also print weedless, cutless transfers?  

DTF and DTG Printer in One: Epson F2100 Everything You Need to Know

If you're looking for a t-shirt printer that will do it all to take your t-shirt business to the next level, I may have finally found the one. 

The Epson F2100 is a DTF and DTG printer in one meaning it can print directly on darks, lights, any fabric type and DTF film. It prints white, works on MAC and PC, has relatively easy maintenance, and includes everything you need to get started - including ink.  

That's a lot of box checking, right?

The Epson F2100 DTG and DTG Printer is as close to a do it all printer for t shirts and DTF transfers that you're going to find under $12k $10k (new price reduction!!).  This is not a printer for crafters - the size, the price, the use requirements to maintain it are just not for anyone who's not consistently selling.  

But for small businesses looking to stop turning down shirt orders that a sublimation printer isn't up for (at least efficiently) while also having the ability to print the finished garment or the ready-to-press transfer the F2100 is a great option.  Read on to find out more about the Epson Surecolor F2100 DTG and DTF combo printer. 

What is DTF Transfer Printing? Process Explained (Video)

You've probably heard the new "buzz" term "DTF" around the crafting and small business industry growing increasingly more frequent.  Today I'm going to not only explain, but show you the DTF transfer printing process. 

You'll see how DTF is so useful especially with full color designs that you want to put on dark or cotton shirts, or when you don't feel like weeding or when it's nearly impossible to cut and layer. 

There are currently a handful of desktop DTF printers available (and I have several of them: Roland BN-20D, Prestige A3+, Uninet 100 and Epson F2100 (DTF and DTG combo printer) for small businesses. 

The low price point of about $3500 and the routine maintenance required puts them out of what I would ever recommend for a hobby crafter (and there are other options if you want DTF transfers but won't be printing regularly). However if you have a small t shirt business and you're looking to grow by offering darks and cotton shirts, a direct to film printer is something to consider.

Desktop DTF Printer Comparison: Roland BN-20D vs Prestige A3+

If you're looking for the best desktop DTF printer then you've probably wondered which is better: the Roland BN-20D or the Prestige A3+ or A3+ R? 

Given that I have both and have used both, this is a question I keep getting and one that I am hoping I can help answer for you. 

I know it's important for you to invest in the best DTF printer and it's not an easy or inexpensive choice! Read on for a comparison between the Roland BN-20D DTF printer vs the Prestige A3+ DTF Printer.