The easiest way to choose between DTF and UV DTF is to start with the item you want to decorate. For a T-shirt or hoodie, choose a garment DTF transfer that you apply with a heat press. For a tumbler, glass jar, or another hard surface, choose a UV DTF decal that you apply without heat.
The names sound similar, but the application methods and intended surfaces are different. Here is how to pick the right option and prepare your order.
DTF vs UV DTF at a glance
| Question | DTF transfers | UV DTF transfers |
|---|---|---|
| What are they for? | Garments such as T-shirts, hoodies, and fabric bags | Hard surfaces such as tumblers, glass, metal, and acrylic |
| How do you apply them? | With a heat press, following the transfer instructions | Peel, position, rub firmly, and remove the top film |
| Do you need a heat press? | Yes | No |
| How can you order? | By design size, with an online gang sheet builder, or by uploading a finished sheet | By design size, with an online gang sheet builder, or by uploading a finished sheet |
Choose DTF transfers for shirts and other garments
A regular DTF transfer is the option for custom apparel. Your design arrives printed on transfer film, ready for application to your garment with a heat press. Quick DTF Transfer offers options for cotton, polyester, and blends; check the current product instructions for your particular project.
For one design at a chosen size, start with custom DTF transfers by size. This is a straightforward way to order a chest logo, back graphic, or a small test print without laying out a whole sheet.
Use the pressing instructions supplied with your transfers for time, temperature, pressure, and peel method. The UV DTF application process below does not apply to garment transfers.
Choose UV DTF decals for hard surfaces
UV DTF is a peel-and-stick transfer for hard surfaces. At Quick DTF Transfer, the printed design is carried between backing and transfer films. You remove the backing, position the design, rub it down firmly, and slowly remove the clear top film. No heat press is required.
Use UV DTF transfers by size for individual decals on items such as tumblers, glass, metal, and acrylic. They are not the option for decorating T-shirts or hoodies. Check the product application and care instructions before applying a decal to a new surface.
By size, builder, or print-ready upload?
Once you have chosen the transfer type, choose how you want to send your artwork:
- Order by size when you have a single design and know its final printed dimensions.
- Use a gang sheet builder when you want to arrange several designs together online. You can mix designs and sizes on one sheet and use auto-nesting to make better use of the space.
- Upload a print-ready gang sheet when you have already arranged the layout in your own design software.
For garment work, open the DTF gang sheet builder. For hard-surface decals, use the UV DTF gang sheet builder. Keep the two transfer types separate when choosing your product.
Check your artwork at the size it will print
A file that looks sharp on a phone screen may not have enough detail for a large print. Prepare transparent PNG artwork at 300 DPI at its final printed size, and check the accepted file formats on the ordering page.
The free DTF print size and DPI checker helps you see the printed dimensions, assess sharpness, and preview the design on a shirt. It runs on your device without an account. Confirm your measurements before sending artwork to a builder or uploader.
Try both transfer types before a larger order
If you are choosing a supplier, the free DTF and UV DTF sample pack lets you test pre-printed garment transfers and hard-surface stickers. The pack uses our own designs rather than your custom artwork. It is limited to one pack per business, with $4.99 shipping and no subscription.
For more help choosing a print option, contact the Quick DTF Transfer team with the item you are decorating, the design size, and the quantity you need.