DTF transfers for Reno t-shirt orders
Direct-to-film is how we do full-color art and short runs. The transfers are produced by DTF Tribe in Carson City, Nevada; we press them in our shop in Yerington on our own equipment. No screens, no minimum, and the price is quoted per job from the print size and the count.
What it costs
DTF is quoted per job. The two things that move the price are the size of the print (a 3-inch left-chest logo costs far less than a 12-inch back) and the quantity. There is no screen or setup fee, which is why DTF wins under 48 pieces. Send the art and the count through the quote form and you will usually have a number the same business day.
When DTF is the right call
- Runs of 1 to 47 shirts.
- Photos, gradients, drop shadows and designs with 4 or more colors.
- Mixed shirt colors in one order, including dark polyester.
- A small order of names or numbers on the back.
- Family reunions, bachelor parties, small team and club orders.
When screen print is better
At 48 and up with 1 to 3 flat colors, screen printing is cheaper per shirt and the print has a softer, more traditional feel. If your count sits near 48 we will price it both ways.
How it holds up
A properly pressed DTF transfer is washable and stretches with the shirt. It sits on the fabric like a thin plastisol print. We press on a commercial heat press with the settings the transfer supplier specifies; Battle Born Clothing's guide to pressing DTF at home is at https://battlebornclothing.com/blogs/custom-apparel-guides-screen-printing-embroidery-dtf-tips/how-to-press-dtf-transfers-heat-press-settings if you ever want to press a few yourself.
Artwork for DTF
- PNG with a transparent background, 300 dpi at print size, is ideal. Vector works too.
- No white box around the art unless you want one printed.
- Very thin lines and tiny text (under 0.1 inch) can lift; we will flag them on the proof.
Questions
Do you print DTF in-house?
No. The transfers are produced by a partner in Carson City. We press them in our shop on our own equipment and stand behind the finished shirt.
Is there a minimum?
No. One shirt is a normal DTF order.
Can you press transfers I already have?
Yes, as customer-supplied goods: $2 per item handling plus a press rate quoted per job.