How we grew our business with DTF Transfers
DTF grew our business, slashed our shop time, and gave us room to breathe—more family time, more of what lights us up outside work. Thirty years in, we’re not just surviving; we’re thriving.
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Our History
I won’t take you too far back, but picture this: 30 years ago, we kicked off our screen printing shop in a dimly lit room with a giant camera, a stack of negatives, and a whole lot of grit. Back then, it was all about burning screens the old-school way—messy, slow, and a constant test of patience. Starting out wasn’t easy. We were a small family business, hustling to make ends meet, but over time, we built something special. Loyal customers—like many of you reading this—stuck with us, and as the technology evolved, so did we. Growth came steady, one hard-earned step at a time. That’s the small business way, right? You don’t give up, you adapt, and you keep pushing forward.
Our DTF Journey
Fast forward to about 5-ish years ago. We’d heard the buzz about Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, and curiosity got the better of us. We started experimenting, but honestly? It wasn’t love at first press. Our customers—our north star—weren’t sold on the feel, and we weren’t about to force it. Still, we saw the potential shimmering beneath the surface. DTF wasn’t ready to replace everything, but we figured it could carve out a niche in our shop. So we dipped our toes in, using it where it made sense, waiting for the tech to catch up to what our customers deserved.
Then, about a year or two later, things shifted. The quality improved—colors popped, the feel softened—and we knew it was time to dive in headfirst. We got our own DTF printers and committed to mastering the process. Our goal? Five-star reviews from clients, not just a smoother day for our team. Happy customers trump happy production staff every time, and we optimized for them.
Those early days were a grind, no sugarcoating it. We wrestled with a double whammy: our own learning curve and a technology that was still finding its footing. It could’ve been a book’s worth of trial and error—spoiler: we won’t make you read that—but we powered through. From nailing digital art and color matching to perfecting the rip, print, and press workflow, we became DTF pros. Here’s what we learned in the trenches:
Our Key Learnings
DTF printers aren’t plug-and-play
They’re commercial beasts that demand maintenance and skill to deliver the quality customers expect.
Not everyone should own a printer
If you don’t have the volume, staff, or know-how, partnering with a reliable supplier might be smarter.
Core skills matter
Digital design, color translation, and pressing basics aren’t rocket science, but they’re non-negotiable for great results. Don’t let that scare you—it’s 101-level stuff that pays off big.
That first year was a wild ride. We printed in-house, tested suppliers (you know the usual suspects—no names needed), and hunted for consistency. Nothing quite clicked with outside partners, and with our volume climbing, we decided to go all in. Call us DTF Super Nerds—we earned it.
How we transformed our shop
This isn’t a sales pitch, so let’s cut to the chase: here’s how DTF transformed our shop and why it might do the same for you.
We Went 100% DTF
At first, DTF was our sidekick—perfect for small, colorful jobs like memorial shirts or quirky hats. Hobby stuff. But as the tech matured, it became our go-to for anything beyond one or two colors. Eventually, we ditched screen printing entirely. Sold the equipment, cleared the shop, and never looked back.
Our Customers Love It
We waited until DTF was ready—vibrant colors, crisp whites, a feel that didn’t scream “plastic.” The result? 100% satisfaction. The only feedback we get now is praise, especially about the improved texture. That’s a win in our book.
No More “No”
Saying “yes” to more orders was a game changer. High-color jobs? No sweat. Low-volume runs? Cost-effective. Suddenly, our market expanded, and customers who started small grew into big accounts because we became their reliable go-to. It was a snowball effect—more orders, happier clients, bigger business.
Same Team, Bigger Output
DTF’s simpler, cleaner workflow meant we didn’t need extra hands. Our crew picked up new skills—nothing crazy—and we handled the growth without breaking a sweat. Less mess, less stress.
More Life Outside the Shop
If you’ve screen printed for years, you get it: the shop owns you. 24/7, you’re on call, elbow-deep in ink and chaos. DTF flipped that script. We’re not exaggerating when we say switching triggered a sigh of relief—maybe even a little PTSD healing from the screen printing days. We spent exponentially less time on the floor and more time living life.
The Bottom Line Soared
Once we hit our stride, our profits more than doubled in under a year—and kept climbing. That’s not hype; it’s math.
Here’s the kicker: DTF isn’t just an option anymore—it’s the future. Big players and garage startups alike are racing to adopt it, eyeing local markets like ours. Ignore it, and you might get left behind. Embrace it, and you could grow like we did.
Making DTF Work for You
If you’re sold, here’s how to do it right:
- Find a Solid Partner. We’d love to earn your trust, but whoever you choose, pick someone consistent—prints that look good, feel good, and keep your workflow humming.
- Learn the Basics. Master DTF-ready artwork, color dynamics, and heat pressing. It’s simple stuff that makes a massive difference.
The Payoff
In summary, DTF grew our business, slashed our shop time, and gave us room to breathe—more family time, more of what lights us up outside work. Thirty years in, we’re not just surviving; we’re thriving. If we can do it, so can you.
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What People Are Saying
FIVE STARS!
"With Dmandprints, I’ve increased my business by over 30%, while saving both time and money. Their quality, service, and attention to detail have been outstanding—highly recommended!"
Essential Tips for Quality DTF Printing
Our guides are perfect for both beginners and seasoned print professionals. Discover valuable tips for creating artwork, mastering heat press techniques, and more. These resources ensure you achieve the best quality final product.
What Makes Dmandprints Different
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Q & A
Common Questions
Here are some quick questions and answers we frequently get about DTF prints and DMandPrints. We've placed them right here on the home page for your convenience!
What are DTF ( Direct to Film) Prints?
What are DTF ( Direct to Film) Prints?
DTF (Direct to Film) prints are a method of printing designs onto a special film, which is then transferred onto fabric. This process involves printing the design on a film, applying a powder adhesive, curing it, and then heat pressing the film onto the fabric. DTF prints are known for their durability, vibrant colors, and versatility, making them ideal for custom apparel and other textile products.
Do you sell printed garments?
Do you sell printed garments?
No, we only sell the prints.
You can purchase your own garment and a heat press to apply the heat transfer prints to your own garments. Our customers are typically small, medium and large screen printers that want to offer heat transfers as an alternative to their standard screen printing process.
Is Gang Sheeting Necessary for Your Artwork?
Is Gang Sheeting Necessary for Your Artwork?
There is no need to gang sheet your artwork.
We charge only for the actual print area. Our image processing system automatically removes any unnecessary transparent space around your image to accurately calculate the print area for our per-square-inch pricing.
Gang sheeting not only costs you time but can also cost you money. We can only trim transparent space around the edges of your artwork. If you create a gang sheet yourself, you might introduce unprinted space that increases the total square inches, leading to higher costs.
Summary
The easiest and most cost-effective way to get your prints is to simply upload your artwork. We'll handle the gang sheeting for you, saving you both time and money.
Are DTF prints better than traditional screen printing?
Are DTF prints better than traditional screen printing?
It's not a matter of being better or worse; DTF (Direct to Film) printing is simply an alternative to traditional screen printing. Both methods have their own unique advantages.
DTF heat transfers feel similar to screen-printed shirts and can often be more durable. Additionally, DTF printing allows for unlimited colors in a single print, providing flexibility for intricate and colorful designs. On the other hand, screen printing is well-loved for its ability to produce vibrant, long-lasting prints, especially in bulk.
Choosing between the two methods depends on your specific needs and preferences.
What types of fabrics can DTF prints be applied to?
What types of fabrics can DTF prints be applied to?
DTF prints can be applied to a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, leather, and even some non-textile materials.
Are DTF prints durable?
Are DTF prints durable?
Yes, DTF prints are known for their durability and can withstand multiple washes without fading or peeling.
Do DTF prints feel heavy or stiff?
Do DTF prints feel heavy or stiff?
No, DTF prints have a soft feel and do not add significant weight or stiffness to the fabric.
Can DTF prints be used for detailed and colorful designs?
Can DTF prints be used for detailed and colorful designs?
Yes, DTF prints are excellent for detailed and colorful designs, providing vibrant and high-resolution results.
Is DTF printing cost-effective for small batches?
Is DTF printing cost-effective for small batches?
Yes, DTF printing is cost-effective for both small and large batches, making it ideal for custom and limited-run designs.
Can I create DTF prints at home?
Can I create DTF prints at home?
While it's possible with the right equipment, most people prefer to use professional services for higher quality and ease of use.