DIRECT-TO-FILM (DTF) PRINTING

FULL-COLOR CUSTOM APPAREL WITH SHARP DETAIL & VIBRANT PRINTS

Custom church t-shirt being printed at Katalyst Ko Printshop in Mesa, AZ

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is a versatile way to create vibrant, highly detailed custom apparel without many of the limitations of traditional printing methods. Your design is digitally printed onto a specialized transfer film and then applied directly to the garment using heat and pressure, producing a durable, full-color print with excellent detail.

At Katalyst Ko Printshop, we provide custom DTF printing for businesses, churches, schools, teams, nonprofits, events, brands, and organizations throughout Mesa, Gilbert, Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, and surrounding Arizona communities.

DTF is especially useful for full-color artwork, detailed designs, gradients, no minimum quantities, and designs with lots of colors. It works across a wide variety of apparel, including T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, performance wear, youth apparel, tote bags, and more.

Because we offer both DTF and traditional screen printing, you don’t have to figure out which process your project needs. We’ll look at your artwork, garment, quantity, and budget and recommend the printing method that makes the most sense.

VERSITLE DIRECT-TO-FILM (DTF) PRINTING

How Custom DTF Printing Works

Whether you’re ordering custom apparel for a business, school, church, team, organization or event, getting started is simple. From choosing the right apparel to approving your artwork, we’ll help you through each step of the DTF printing process.

1

CHOOSE IT

Pick the apparel, colors, sizes and quantities that will work for your project. Not sure which ones to choose? We can help!

2

DESIGN IT

Send us your logo, artwork or even just an idea. We’ll make sure your design is set up properly and ready to print.

3

APPROVE IT

Review your mockup and confirm artwork, placement and order details before anything goes into production.

4

WE PRINT IT

Once approved, we bring your order to life with quality DTF printing, get it ready for pickup, delivery or shipping.

ABOUT DIRECT TO FILM (DTF) PRINTING

What Is Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing?

Direct-to-film printing uses specialized inks and transfer film to create vibrant, detailed designs that are heat-applied directly to apparel. DTF allows us to reproduce full-color artwork, gradients, fine details, and complex designs without requiring separate screens for each color.

Why Choose DTF Printing?

DTF is a versatile option for custom apparel, especially when your design has lots of colors or intricate details. It works across a wide variety of garments and is ideal for both smaller orders and designs that may not be practical for traditional screen printing.

Full-Color Designs

Print vibrant artwork with virtually unlimited colors.

GREAT FOR Fine Details

Great for intricate artwork, small details, gradients, and complex graphics.

NO MINIMUM Quantities

An excellent option for smaller runs without sacrificing print quality.

Versatile APparel

Works well on T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, performance apparel, youth products, bags, and more.

Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing vs. Screen Printing?

Both DTF and screen printing produce high-quality custom apparel, but the best method depends on your project. DTF Printing is often best for full-color artwork, detailed designs, gradients, lots of colors, and smaller quantities. Screen Printing is often best for larger quantities, simpler artwork, and designs using fewer solid colors.

Not sure which one you need? We offer both, so our team can recommend the best printing method based on your artwork, apparel, quantity, and budget.

 

What Can We DTF Print?

DTF works on a wide range of apparel and products, including T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, performance wear, polos, youth apparel, tote bags, and more. Whether you’re creating staff apparel, event shirts, branded merchandise, team gear, or something completely custom, we’ll help you find the right product for your project. And the best part? No minimums!

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions about screen printing, embroidery, DTF, engraving, and promotional products in Mesa and the greater Phoenix area.

DTF is especially well suited for smaller quantities because it doesn’t require individual screens for each ink color. Contact us with your project details and we’ll recommend the most cost-effective option.

When properly applied and cared for, DTF prints are designed to withstand regular wear and washing while maintaining their color and detail.

Yes. Full-color artwork is one of DTF’s biggest advantages. It can reproduce detailed graphics, gradients, photographs, and designs with many colors.

DTF works with many common apparel fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and cotton/poly blends. We’ll help determine whether DTF is appropriate for the specific garment you’re considering.

We typically recommend to wait at least 24 hours to wash your new custom printed apparel. Turn inside out when washing and run on a cold or lukewarm cycle. Be mindful of use of detergents and softeners as they can break down your print faster over time. Avoid excessive heat when washing and drying.

DTF (Direct to Film) printing allows full-color designs with no minimums, making it ideal for smaller orders or detailed artwork. While screen printing is better for bulk, DTF offers flexibility and fast turnaround.

It depends on your artwork, quantity, garment, and budget. DTF often makes sense for detailed or colorful designs and smaller runs, while screen printing can be ideal for larger quantities and simpler designs. Since Katalyst Ko offers both, we’ll recommend the method that best fits your project.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

LETS CHAT ABOUT YOUR PROJECT AND FIND A SOLUTION THAT WORKS!

Recent DTF Printing Projects

Explore some of our recent direct-to-film printing projects for businesses, churches, schools, teams, events, and organizations throughout Arizona.

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CLIENT HUB

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NEED PROMO ITEMS?

KATALYST KO CAN HELP!

New this year, Katalyst Ko is now a full scale apparel and promotions company! We can help katalyze your brand even further with custom promo items such as banners, cups, journals, pens, and so much more! Something for all budgets!