Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a DTF transfer and how does it work? +

  For us, DTF feels like pure magic. It’s a printing process that lets you move any design onto almost any surface while preserving its exact colors. Technically, we print your artwork onto a clear, flexible film with an inkjet printer. While the ink is still wet, we dust it with a fine adhesive powder, then heat-cure the powder so it bonds to the ink. Place the film on your garment and press with heat, and the image releases onto the fabric in vivid, long-lasting color. Want to dive deeper or even build a business around DTF? Visit Iris Academy.

• What is the difference between “DTF” and “UV DTF”? +

  Standard DTF is ideal for soft items (e.g., apparel) and requires heat during application. UV DTF is formulated for hard surfaces like tumblers or walls—just peel and stick, no heat press needed.

  Also it is not recommended to use one for the surfaces suitable for the other one. For instance, while UV DTF is incredibly good for hard surfaces, it is generally not suitable for fabric applications like apparel, because the ink used in UV DTF printing doesn't bond well with fabric fibers and can peel or crack over time, especially with the flexibility and potential stretching of garments. In contrast, Standard DTF printing is perfect for fabric but , UV DTF is better suited for rigid materials like glass, metal, or wood.

• Can I mix and match “DTF” and “UV DTF”? +

  While Iris DTF offers both Standard DTF and UV DTF transfers, each is specifically suited to different surfaces. Standard DTF is ideal for soft items, such as apparel and fabrics, due to its flexibility and durability. While it's technically possible to apply Standard DTF transfers to hard surfaces, the adhesion and longevity won't match that of UV DTF.
  
  On the other hand, UV DTF transfers excel on rigid surfaces like tumblers, walls, and other solid materials. However, UV DTF is typically not recommended for fabrics, since the UV-cured ink doesn't bond effectively with fibers, making it prone to peeling or cracking, especially when garments stretch or flex.
  
  For best results, always choose the appropriate DTF transfer based on your surface: Standard DTF for fabrics and UV DTF for hard surfaces. You can learn more about DTF at Iris Academy.

• What materials can Iris DTF transfers be applied to? +

  We’ve tested our transfers on more than 200 products—cotton, polyester, blends, denim, canvas, caps, tote bags, drinkware, even car decals. With Iris DTF, the possibilities are virtually endless.

• What is a gang sheet? +

  A gang sheet is one large film packed with many smaller designs printed in a single pass. It’s perfect when you need dozens—or hundreds/thousands—of individual prints. Use our Gang Sheet Builder (or UV DTF Gang Sheet Builder for hard surfaces) to arrange your artwork efficiently; we’ll print the entire layout on a rolled film and ship it to you. If you are a pro, you can build your gang sheets yourself and upload them directly via our Gang Sheet Uploader (or UV Gang Sheet Uploader for hard surfaces). You can then cut out each image and press it yourself. Prefer us to do the trimming? Just tick the “Cut for Me” option in your cart, and we’ll separate every design for a small per-print fee. If you want to learn more about DTF, visit Iris Academy.

• Should my images have space between them on a gang sheet, or can their edges touch? +

  We strongly recommend that there is at least 1/4" gap between each design to ensure proper cutting and application.

• Can I submit my own artwork? +

  Absolutely! Upload your files through our Custom Upload option (“regular DTF” for soft surfaces or “UV DTF” for hard surfaces), and we’ll take it from there.

• Which file formats do you accept for custom designs? +

  Vector art delivers the sharpest results. For raster images, aim for at least 300 dpi. We prefer PNG or PDF, but we also accept SVG, AI, and EPS files.

• I have a design in mind but don’t know how to create it. Can you help? +

  Definitely! We know turning an idea into a print-ready design can be tough. Just contact us with your concept, and our team will craft the artwork—usually for much less than typical industry rates.

• My file has low resolution, can you still print it? +

  Yes, we can print low-resolution files, but the print quality will be lower too. We highly recommend 300 DPI PNG files for the best results. If you don't know how to improve the quality of your image, contact us and our team will help you improve the artwork—usually for much less than typical industry rates.

• Can you check my file before I place an order? +

  Yes! Send your file to info@irisdtf.com, and we will review it before you order.

• What sizes are available? +

  From a tiny 1" × 1" logo to prints several feet wide and up to 83 feet long, we’ve got you covered. If you need something oversized or have special requirements, let us know—we’ll exceed your expectations.

• What is your minimum order quantity? +

  No minimums! Order a single transfer or thousands—either way, you’ll get market-leading quality, and we can ship as fast as the SAME DAY.

• I need my order FAST! How quickly does Iris DTF ship? +

  You’ve come to the right place! Our high-capacity printers run 24/7/365 and we designed our operations to be able to handle the demand better than any of our competition. Orders placed before 2 p.m. Central Time ship the same day; orders after 2 p.m. go out the next business day (we would ship it even then but shipping carriers stop pickups after that time).

• I need it EVEN FASTER than next-day delivery. Can we arrange something? +

  Of course! Check out IRIS PASS to jump the queue—most jobs print within a couple of hours. You can then pick up at our Richardson, TX location. Tell us your timeline and we’ll make it happen.

• How do I press a DTF transfer onto my product? +

  It’s simple: position the film, apply firm heat (home iron, heat press, or similar) for 15–20 seconds, and peel while hot. Done!

  If you want more advanced instructions, here they are:

  • Heat Press Temperature: 280-300°F (155-160°C)
  • Medium Pressure: 9-13 seconds (6 KG pressure)
  • Cooling Time: Wait 10 seconds before peeling
  • Peeling Type: Cold Peel / Hot Peel

  For more tips and tricks, visit Iris Academy.

• How long do Iris DTF transfers last? +

  Applied correctly, they’re exceptionally durable—your garment will likely wear out long before the print does. Colors stay bright through countless washes and everyday use.

• What is your refund policy? +

  Your satisfaction is our priority. If something isn’t right, Contact Us and we’ll make it right—refund, replacement, or whatever it takes.

• Do you ship internationally? +

  We ship regularly to Canada. If you’re elsewhere, reach out and we’ll explore the best way to deliver some Iris DTF magic to you.