DTF Transfers in LaPlace, LA
Full-color direct-to-film transfers, printed here and ready to press. Gang sheets, single images, UV DTF and glitter, with no per-color charges and no big minimums.
What DTF actually is
Direct-to-film printing puts your artwork on a clear carrier film in full color, then bonds a hot-melt adhesive powder to the back of the ink. You get a finished transfer you can store flat and heat press onto a garment whenever you are ready. The bond happens with the fibers of the fabric, not on top of them, so a pressed DTF print stretches with the shirt and holds up through the wash.
The reason it has taken over is economics. Screen printing charges you per color because every color needs its own screen burned and set up, which is why a full-color photo on twelve shirts is impractical. DTF has no screens at all. A twelve-color gradient costs the same as a one-color logo, and there is no setup to amortize, so twelve pieces is a perfectly reasonable order.
Transfer types we print
Gang sheets
One large sheet packed with as many designs as will fit, in mixed sizes. The cheapest way to buy per design. Send us your artwork and we will nest it tightly so you are not paying for blank film.
Single image transfers
One design, cut and ready to go, ordered in the quantity you need. Ideal for a repeat logo you press onto shirts as orders come in.
UV DTF
For hard surfaces rather than fabric. These apply to tumblers, glass, metal, wood, phone cases, coolers and signage with pressure instead of heat, and they do not need a press at all.
Glitter transfers
Sparkle finish for spirit wear, dance and cheer, bachelorette runs and anything that needs to catch the light. Popular for school and team apparel across the River Parishes.
What DTF presses onto
Standard DTF works on cotton, polyester, blends, tri-blends, canvas and most performance fabrics, in any garment color including black. There is no separate white underbase to order and no special dark-shirt product, since the white ink layer is built into the transfer. That flexibility makes it the practical choice for a mixed order of hoodies, tees, jerseys, hats and bags.
Why order transfers from us
- No color limits, no color charges. Photographs, gradients, fine detail and full-color logos all cost the same as simple line art.
- Small orders welcome. Need three transfers? That is a real order here, not an inconvenience.
- Local pickup. Skip the shipping wait and the mystery of an out-of-state vendor. Pick up on Airline Highway, or we can arrange delivery for customers around Reserve, Destrehan, Norco, Luling and Boutte.
- Art help before we print. We will tell you honestly if a file is too low-resolution to look good pressed, instead of printing a blurry transfer and cashing your check.
- Free estimates within 24 hours from a family-owned shop that has been printing here since 1987.
Who buys DTF from us
A lot of our transfer customers are small apparel businesses and crafters running a heat press at home, from LaPlace out to Kenner, Metairie and Gonzales. They print with us and press to order, which means no inventory sitting in a spare bedroom. The rest are teams, schools, churches and shops that need a short run in full color and do not want to pay screen setup for twenty shirts.
How to press a transfer
- Preheat the garment for a few seconds to drive out moisture and flatten wrinkles.
- Position the transfer ink side down where you want it, and press at the temperature, time and pressure we supply with your order.
- Peel the film hot or cold as instructed for the specific transfer type.
- Finish with a quick second press using parchment or a cover sheet to set the print and even out the finish.
Every order goes out with its pressing instructions. If you are new to it, ask when you pick up and we will walk you through it. No press of your own? We can print and press the whole job for you.
Frequently asked questions
DTF or screen printing, which should I order?
Quantity and color count decide it. Large runs of a design with one to three colors are usually cheaper screen printed. Small runs, full-color artwork, photos, or orders where every piece has a different name or number are cheaper as DTF. Tell us the job and we will tell you which way is less expensive.
How long do DTF prints last?
Properly pressed, they hold up through many dozens of washes without cracking or peeling. Wash inside out in cold water and skip the high-heat dryer and they will outlast the garment's shape.
What file should I send?
A PNG with a transparent background at 300 DPI at final print size is ideal. Vector files such as AI, EPS, SVG or PDF are even better. Screenshots and images pulled off social media are usually too low-resolution, and we will tell you before printing rather than after.
How long do transfers keep before I press them?
Months, if you store them flat, out of direct sunlight, and somewhere that is not hot or humid. Given Louisiana summers, keep them inside in air conditioning rather than in a garage or a truck.
Send us your artwork
Gang sheet, single image, UV or glitter. Free estimate back within 24 hours.
(985) 652-5511