DTF Printing FAQ: What DTF Is, How to Prepare Artwork and other questions

DKOD is a Swedish print and production studio in Nynäshamn. On this page, you’ll learn what DTF (Direct-to-Film) is, how it works, how to apply it, and how to prepare print-ready files for the best results. Additionally we answer questions on 3D printing, design assistance, ordering, payment and shipping.

 

About DKOD

Who are DKOD?

DKOD is run by Kateryna and Sten—a family-driven business with a packed background across design, engineering, product management, legal consultancy, and music. We care about details, clear communication, and customer satisfaction—because we want you to be genuinely proud of the final result.

Where is DKOD located?

We’re based in the picturesque area of Nynäshamn:
DKOD – Teknikervägen 1M, 149 45 Nynäshamn, Sweden.

 

Who can order from you?

Anyone. We support everything from single personal projects and small creator drops to bulk orders for companies, teams, labels, and events.

How can I contact you?

Email us at order@dkod.se, or use the contact form. 

Do you have social media to follow?

Yes—find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

About DTF

What is DTF (Direct-to-Film), and how does it work?

DTF is a method where your design is printed onto a special film, coated with adhesive powder, cured, and then heat-pressed onto fabric—resulting in a vibrant, durable print that works on many materials. 

What fabrics can be pressed with DTF?

DTF works great on cotton, polyester, and blends, and it’s a strong choice for both light and dark garments.

How durable is DTF print?

DTF is known for wash resistance and durability, especially when pressed with correct settings. Proper application matters more than people think—pressure, temperature, and curing are the difference between “pro” and “meh.”

How is DTF different from screen printing, DTG, and sublimation?

DTF is often the “most flexible” option for many creators:

  • Versus screen printing: no screens/setup, great for small runs, and handles full color + fine detail easily.

  • Versus DTG: DTF can be more versatile across fabric types and is easier to store/ship as transfers.

  • Versus sublimation: sublimation is best on polyester (typically light colors), while DTF works on a broader range of fabrics and colors.

Why choose DTF?

DTF is a great choice when you want:

  • Full color, gradients, and crisp detail

  • Strong vibrancy on light or dark garments

  • Flexibility across many fabric types

  • Efficient production for one-offs, small drops, or bulk

Do you sell just printed DTF film (transfers)?

Yes. You can order printed DTF film / gang sheets from us (ready to press).

Can I transfer DTF at home by myself?

Yes—if you have a heat press (or a suitable alternative) and follow the provided settings. If you’re new, start with a small test print before doing a full batch.

How do I press DTF on fabric?

A good starting point for most garments is: pre-press the garment briefly, press the transfer with medium pressure, then optionally do a short finishing press for a smoother feel. Exact time/temperature depends on the film, fabric, and press—so always follow the instructions included with your order and test when in doubt.

How do I peel the film?

We usually use hot-peel film. That means you peel shortly after pressing (per the included instructions). Some films are cold-peel, so treat the included settings as the source of truth.

Are DTF prints eco-friendly?

DTF uses consumables (film + adhesive), but we prioritize certified, professional materials. Our Mimaki DTF solution uses water-based pigment inks (PHT50) and those inks are OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified, which is designed to support safer chemistry in textile production.

DTF care instructions (how to wash & keep prints looking good)

Follow these basics to maximize longevity:

Before first wash

  • Wait 24 hours after pressing before washing, if possible. This helps the adhesive fully stabilize.

Washing

  • Turn the garment inside-out.

  • Wash cold to 30°C (40°C is sometimes fine, but 30°C is safer long-term).

  • Use a gentle cycle when possible.

  • Use mild detergent. Avoid “extra strong” detergents if you can.

What to avoid

  • No bleach (chlorine bleach is especially destructive).

  • Avoid fabric softener if possible (it can affect the print surface and adhesion over time).

  • Don’t wash with rough items like heavy zippers/velcro if you can avoid it.

Drying

  • Best: hang dry.

  • If tumble drying: use low heat only. High heat is the enemy (it can soften the adhesive and stress the print).

Ironing

  • Do not iron directly on the print.

  • If you must iron: turn inside-out or place a protective sheet (baking paper/parchment) over the print and use low heat.

Important note

  • Prints last longest when pressed correctly (right time/temperature/pressure). If you’re pressing at home, start with test prints and follow the settings provided with your order.

How to store DTF transfers (so they stay press-ready)

For best results:

Storage conditions

  • Store flat (not rolled if you can avoid it).

  • Keep in a dry environment at room temperature.

  • Avoid humidity, temperature swings, and direct sunlight.

Best practice

  • Keep transfers in a clean plastic sleeve or sealed bag to protect from dust and moisture.

  • Store them between two flat sheets (cardboard or clean paper) to prevent curling.

What to avoid

  • Damp rooms, garages, window sills, or near radiators.

  • Stacking heavy objects on top that could crease the transfers.

  • Leaving transfers exposed where adhesive can pick up dust.

How long can I store them?

  • Transfers generally store well for a while when kept dry and flat, but for best consistency we recommend using them within 6 months after the moment they were printed.

Artwork guidelines and file preparation

What resolution (DPI) should my artwork be?

300 DPI is best for sharp prints. If your file is too small/low-resolution, we can offer artwork upscaling for 50 kr.

What file format is best for uploading designs?

Best options:

  • PNG (with transparency) for most artwork

  • PDF (print-ready, vector where possible) for logos and clean graphics

We currently accept: .png, .pdf, .ai, .svg, .eps, .psd, .tif/.tiff, .jpg/.jpeg.

Should I design in CMYK or RGB?

Design in RGB (sRGB) unless you really know you need CMYK. DTF printers use CMYK + white internally, and our RIP will convert your file for production. If you have strict brand colors, send us the exact specs (Pantone/CMYK/RGB + a reference image) so we can discuss expectations.

Is there a maximum or minimum size you can print?

  • For DTF gang sheets/roll printing: our film is 770 mm wide on a long roll, so length is flexible, but width is limited by the film.

  • For DTF transfers we press onto garments: maximum workable transfer size is 38 × 48 cm.

  • Minimum recommended design size is 25 × 25 mm (tiny details below this can get lost).

Do I need a transparent background? What if I don’t remove it?

If you want only your design printed (no rectangle), you should upload with a transparent background (PNG is ideal). If the background is not removed, it will print as part of the design. We can offer background removal for 50 kr.

Will you adjust, resize, or color-correct my artwork? Or do you print exactly what I send?

Normally, we print exactly what you provide, following your size instructions.

If we spot major issues (for example extremely low resolution) or unclear instructions, we’ll contact you before printing.

Do I need to mirror or flip my design before uploading?

No. We assume files are not mirrored and we mirror as needed so the final transfer reads correctly after pressing.

If your design should not be mirrored (rare, but possible), tell us clearly.

I have strict requirements for printed colors—what should I do?

Contact us before production and provide all specs in detail (brand references, Pantone values, fabric type, and intended viewing conditions).

We’re happy to talk through realistic matching.

What are common artwork mistakes to avoid?

The most common issues are:

  • Low resolution (small files stretched bigger)

  • Unwanted backgrounds (white or black boxes, JPG artifacts)

  • Hairline details that are too thin

  • Tiny text that won’t survive on fabric

  • Colors that rely on screen glow (neons may shift in print)

Will you check my artwork for any issues?

Yes—we do a basic pre-flight check.

But the best results happen when the file is already print-ready and sized correctly.

How do I set up a gang sheet with multiple designs?

  • Set your canvas to 760 mm wide usable area

  • Use PNG or PDF

  • Leave 3–5 mm spacing between designs so cutting and handling is easier
    If you want us to print a gang sheet for you, email your files and instructions.

3D printing

What can 3D printing be useful for?

3D printing is excellent for prototyping and small-scale production—enclosures, mounts, display parts, product tests, and custom components.

What materials can you print in?

We mostly print PLA and PETG, and we can order special materials on request (depending on requirements).

What 3D printing technology do you use?

We use FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling).

How big is your printing facility?

We run 6 Bambu P1 series printers and 2 Bambu H2D printers.

How big prints can you make? (Build volume)

  • Bambu P1 series: up to 256 × 256 × 256 mm per part.

  • Bambu H2D: up to 325 × 320 × 325 mm in single-nozzle mode (dual-nozzle printable volume is slightly smaller).

What file formats do you accept for 3D printing?

Common formats: .STL, .3MF, .STEP/.STP, .OBJ (and other standard CAD/export formats). If you’re unsure, send what you have.

Will you check my 3D files for any issues?

We normally print what you provide to your specified dimensions. If we spot major problems (non-manifold geometry, impossible tolerances, missing walls), we’ll contact you before printing.

 

Ordering from DKOD

How do I place an order on dkod.se?

Choose a product/service, upload your files if applicable, add instructions (size, placement, quantity), and check out or write to us if you need a quote.

How can I pay for my order?

You can pay using the payment methods available in checkout, or we can provide an invoice for an order.

Will I get to see a proof/preview before you print?

If instructions are clear and there are no obvious issues, we print directly. If anything is unclear or risky, we contact you.

What is a “gang sheet”?

A gang sheet is one film layout that contains multiple designs arranged together, so you can press many items efficiently.

How do I order a gang sheet?

Email us your print-ready layout (PNG/PDF) and instructions (size, quantity, deadline).

I don’t have a ready-made design—can you help?

Yes. We can offer a designer to help translate your idea into print-ready artwork.

Can I reorder a design I’ve had printed before?

Yes. We store designs for a few months after production to make reorders easier.

I already placed my order but want to add another design/item—can I modify my order?

If production hasn’t started, changes are usually possible—contact us immediately.

Do you offer sample packs or test prints?

Yes—we can help with test prints so you can validate feel, stretch, and wash performance before a larger run.

Do you print copyrighted/trademarked artwork?

Only if you have permission.

If your design includes things like band logos you don’t own, movie/game characters, brand names, sports team marks, or existing artworks, you must have the legal right to reproduce them.

What we may ask for

  • Proof of permission/licensing (especially for business orders or recognizable brands).

  • Confirmation that you created the artwork or own the rights.

What we won’t print

  • Designs that clearly infringe someone else’s IP rights (copyright/trademark), or that put us in a legally risky situation.

Why we’re strict

  • It protects you, us, and the actual creators/rights holders.

 

Shipping

How do you ship orders?

We use PostNord as our standard shipping provider with tracking. If you need another carrier or express delivery, contact us before shipping.

How much does shipping cost?

We aim to keep shipping simple and competitive, and we currently offer free delivery. 

I can’t find an apparel item that suits my needs—what can I do?

We list garments we’re confident in for consistent results. If you want something else, contact us—often we can source it from suppliers.

How long is processing time?

Typical processing time is about 2 weeks. If you need express manufacturing/delivery, contact us and we’ll discuss options.