Transfers: DTF, plastisol or silicone — which suits your project?
We produce three types of transfers, each with its own strength: DTF for full-colour and smaller runs, plastisol transfer for robust prints on dark textiles, and silicone transfer for stretch and sports fabrics. Below you can read when to choose which type.
The three types of transfers
DTF transfers
Direct to Film. A full-colour image on a special film with an adhesive layer, pressed onto the textile. From 10 pieces per design, no colour limit. Works on almost any fabric — cotton, polyester, nylon and blends.
Plastisol transfers
Classic screen printing transfer: the design is first screen-printed onto transfer film and then pressed onto the textile. Gives an opaque, robust layer, ideal for dark textiles and larger runs where screen printing precision is required.
Silicone transfers
Silicone ink on transfer film for extreme stretch and adhesion on difficult materials (sportswear, polyester blends, seamless fabrics). A rubber-like finish that moves with the textile without cracking.
At a glance: which transfer fits?
| DTF | Plastisol transfer | Silicone transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From | 10 pieces | 25 pieces | 50 pieces |
| Colours | Full-colour, photos | Pantone colours | Pantone colours |
| Best for | Small runs, colourful designs, fine detail | High runs, sharp Pantone colours, dark textiles | Sportswear, corporate clothing, stretch fabrics |
| Hand-feel | Opaque layer | Soft, opaque layer | Soft, moves with the fabric |
| Stretch | Good | Limited | Excellent |
| Dark textiles | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Lifespan | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
What do you need to order?
The design
- DTF: vector (.AI, .EPS, .PDF, .SVG) or high-resolution PNG with a transparent background (300 dpi at actual size). Full-colour and photos no problem.
- Plastisol transfer: vector. Colours are mixed to exact Pantone match, so include Pantone codes if you have them.
- Silicone transfer: vector. Pantone codes welcome for exact brand colour matching.
The textile
- DTF: works on almost everything — cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, fleece, softshell. Stretch on stretch fabrics is limited — for dedicated sportswear we recommend silicone transfer.
- Plastisol transfer: ideal for cotton, blends and heavy-quality shirts.
- Silicone transfer: the choice for polyester sportswear, stretch and seamless fabrics where DTF or plastisol may crack or fail to adhere.
The quantities
- DTF: from 10 pieces, minimum 10 pieces per design.
- Plastisol transfer: from 25 pieces. On larger runs the unit price drops considerably.
- Silicone transfer: from 50 pieces.
Delivery time & price indication
Standard delivery time: on average 7–10 working days after proof approval. Rush delivery: possible by arrangement.
Price: depends on size, quantity and complexity. Request a quote for a tailored price.
This is what it looks like in real life
Photos say more than text. This is a recent project from our print shop, from proof to finished product, all in-house.
Ready for your transfer project?
Whether it’s 10 pieces of DTF or a large run of plastisol or silicone transfers, send in your design and we’ll respond as soon as possible.