DTF Printing FAQ

DTF Printing FAQ

Find answers to common questions about DTF transfers, gang sheets, artwork preparation, same-day printing, heat pressing, delivery and ordering from Pinery DTF London.

We offer three simple ways to order:

  • Build your own DTF gang sheet online

  • Order individual DTF transfers by size

  • Upload your own completed print-ready gang sheet

Our DTF transfers are professionally printed in London and supplied ready for heat application.


What is DTF printing?

DTF stands for Direct to Film.

DTF printing is a garment-decoration process in which a design is printed onto a specialised transfer film using DTF inks. Adhesive powder is then applied and cured onto the printed design.

The completed transfer can then be applied to a suitable textile using a heat press.

DTF printing is popular because it can reproduce:

  • detailed artwork;

  • photographs;

  • gradients;

  • small text;

  • full-colour designs;

  • logos; and

  • complex multicolour graphics.

It is suitable for many clothing and textile applications.


What are ready-to-press DTF transfers?

Ready-to-press DTF transfers have already been:

  • printed;

  • coated with adhesive powder;

  • cured; and

  • prepared for heat application.

You do not need to print or prepare the transfer yourself.

You simply place the transfer onto a suitable garment and apply it using a heat press according to the recommended settings.


What products does Pinery DTF London offer?

We currently provide:

  • custom DTF transfers;

  • DTF transfers ordered by size;

  • DTF gang sheets;

  • online DTF Gang Sheet Builder;

  • upload-your-own gang sheet printing;

  • same-day DTF printing;

  • bulk DTF printing;

  • trade DTF printing; and

  • wholesale/B2B DTF printing.

We specialise specifically in DTF transfers.


Ordering

What are the three ways I can order?

There are three main ways to order from Pinery DTF London.

1. Build Your Gang Sheet

Use our online Gang Sheet Builder to:

  • upload multiple designs;

  • position designs;

  • resize designs;

  • duplicate artwork;

  • organise your sheet;

  • maximise available print space; and

  • see your pricing before ordering.

This option is useful if you have several designs or quantities and want to fit them efficiently onto one sheet.

2. Order Transfers by Size

Upload your designs individually and select the sizes and quantities you require.

This option is particularly useful when you do not want to create a gang sheet yourself.

Pricing is calculated according to factors including the dimensions, quantity and print area of the designs selected.

3. Upload Your Gang Sheet

If you already have a completed print-ready gang sheet, upload the file directly.

We will print the layout supplied without requiring you to rebuild it using our Gang Sheet Builder.


Which ordering method should I choose?

Choose Build Your Gang Sheet if you have multiple designs or quantities and want to arrange them yourself.

Choose Order Transfers by Size if you simply want individual transfers in specific sizes and quantities without creating a full gang sheet.

Choose Upload Your Gang Sheet if you already have a completed print-ready layout.


Is there a minimum order quantity?

Individual transfers ordered through our Transfers by Size service can be ordered according to the sizes and quantities available through the ordering system.

Gang sheet pricing is based on the selected sheet configuration or linear length.

Any applicable minimums or pricing increments are displayed on the relevant product page before checkout.


Can I order just one design?

Yes.

Our Transfers by Size service is suitable for customers who need individual designs or small quantities.

You do not necessarily need to purchase a full gang sheet.


Can I order multiple different designs?

Yes.

You can either:

  • upload multiple individual designs through Transfers by Size; or

  • combine multiple designs into one gang sheet using our Gang Sheet Builder.


DTF Gang Sheets

What is a DTF gang sheet?

A DTF gang sheet is a larger transfer sheet containing multiple designs arranged together.

Instead of printing each design separately, several graphics can be positioned onto the same sheet.

This can be useful for:

  • multiple logos;

  • different garment sizes;

  • different customer orders;

  • clothing brands;

  • workwear printing;

  • merchandise production;

  • print shops; and

  • larger production runs.


How wide are your DTF gang sheets?

Our standard gang sheet printing width is approximately:

22 inches / 56 cm

The length depends on the selected product or configuration.


How is gang sheet pricing calculated?

Gang sheet pricing can be calculated according to the selected linear length of the sheet.

The standard production width remains approximately 22 inches / 56 cm.

The applicable price is shown through the product page or Gang Sheet Builder.


Can I leave empty space on my gang sheet?

Yes, but customers are responsible for making efficient use of the available area.

Unused space on a customer-created gang sheet does not normally create an entitlement to a partial refund.

If you want better value, arrange your artwork to use the available sheet space efficiently.


Does the Gang Sheet Builder automatically arrange my designs?

The Gang Sheet Builder provides tools that allow you to position, resize, duplicate and arrange your artwork.

Depending on the functionality available in the builder, some assistance may be provided.

However, you should always review the final gang sheet carefully before completing the order.

You remain responsible for confirming:

  • design sizes;

  • quantities;

  • placement;

  • duplicates;

  • orientation; and

  • final layout.


Artwork

What artwork file types do you accept?

Our system may accept:

  • PNG;

  • PDF;

  • SVG; and

  • TIFF.

The exact upload options available will be shown through the relevant ordering tool.


What resolution should my artwork be?

We recommend artwork at a minimum of:

300 DPI at the intended final print size.

This provides better results for raster images.

For example, simply changing a low-resolution file to say “300 DPI” does not create missing image detail.

The original artwork should contain sufficient resolution for the intended print size.


Should my artwork have a transparent background?

Yes, where the background is not intended to be printed.

A transparent PNG is generally recommended for raster artwork when you want only the design itself transferred.

If your file contains a white or coloured background, that background may be printed as part of the design.


Will you remove the background from my artwork?

Our website includes an optional AI-assisted background remover.

This tool can help remove backgrounds from suitable artwork before ordering.

However, automated background removal is not guaranteed to be perfect.

It may occasionally:

  • remove parts of the design;

  • retain parts of the original background;

  • affect hair or fine edges;

  • affect shadows;

  • alter small details; or

  • create unwanted edges.

Always inspect the processed result before submitting your order.


Can you improve the quality of a low-resolution image?

Our website includes an optional AI-assisted image quality enhancer.

It may improve the apparent clarity, sharpness or resolution of some images.

However, it cannot guarantee perfect results.

AI enhancement cannot always recreate information or detail that is completely missing from the original image.

Customers should review the enhanced image carefully before ordering.

For professional results, supplying high-quality original artwork remains the best option.


Do you manually check every artwork file?

We may identify and contact customers regarding obvious artwork issues that prevent reasonable production.

However, customers remain responsible for checking their artwork before ordering.

We cannot guarantee that every:

  • spelling error;

  • unwanted background;

  • incorrect colour;

  • incorrect dimension;

  • duplicated design;

  • missing design;

  • low-resolution area; or

  • other artwork issue

will be identified before production.


Will you resize my artwork?

We do not routinely manually resize artwork for customers.

You should select or enter the required final dimensions through the website before ordering.

Please check your measurements carefully.


Will my print look exactly like the image on my screen?

Not always.

Screens display colours using light, while physical DTF printing uses inks and transfer materials.

Colour appearance may therefore be influenced by:

  • screen calibration;

  • monitor brightness;

  • RGB-to-print conversion;

  • colour profile;

  • artwork quality;

  • DTF ink;

  • white underbase;

  • receiving garment colour; and

  • receiving fabric.

Minor differences between screen colours and printed transfers are normal.


Can DTF reproduce neon, fluorescent or metallic colours?

Standard DTF printing may not reproduce true fluorescent, neon or metallic effects exactly as they appear digitally.

Very bright screen colours can appear differently once physically printed.

Unless a specific specialty ink service is stated, customers should not expect genuine metallic or fluorescent effects from standard DTF inks.


Same-Day DTF Printing

Do you offer same-day DTF printing?

Yes.

Eligible print-ready orders placed before:

12:00pm UK time

on a business day are intended to be produced and dispatched on the same working day.


What does same-day dispatch mean?

Same-day dispatch means that we aim to manufacture and hand the order to the selected carrier on the same business day.

It does not mean that the customer will receive the order on the same day.

Delivery speed depends on the shipping service selected.


What is required for same-day printing?

Your order must be suitable for immediate production.

This normally means:

  • the order is placed before 12pm;

  • payment has been completed;

  • artwork has been uploaded;

  • dimensions have been confirmed;

  • quantities have been confirmed;

  • artwork is suitable for printing; and

  • we are not waiting for additional information from you.


What happens if there is a problem with my artwork?

We may contact you if an artwork issue prevents production.

If your response is required, production may be delayed until the necessary information or replacement artwork is received.

This can mean that the order no longer qualifies for same-day production.


Can I collect a same-day order?

Yes, where collection is available and the order has been completed.

Please wait until you receive confirmation that your order is ready before travelling.

Collection is available from:

Pinery DTF London
New Wave House
4 Humber Road
London
NW2 6DW
United Kingdom


Heat Pressing

What heat press settings should I use?

Our general recommended settings are:

Temperature: 135°C–150°C

Pressure: Medium

Initial press: Approximately 10 seconds

Peel: Hot or cold peel depending on application conditions

Second press: Approximately 10 seconds

Different heat presses and garments can behave differently.

Testing is recommended where appropriate before beginning a large production run.


Do I need to pre-press the garment?

A short pre-press can help remove moisture and wrinkles from the garment before applying the transfer.

You should also ensure the print area is clean and free from lint.


Is the transfer hot peel or cold peel?

Our transfer can generally be peeled hot or cold depending on the application conditions.

For best results, use consistent heat, pressure and pressing time.

If you experience lifting or poor adhesion, allow the transfer to cool and test the application settings.


Do I need to press the transfer twice?

We recommend a second press of approximately:

10 seconds

after peeling.

A suitable protective sheet can be placed over the printed area during the second press.


Can I apply DTF transfers with a household iron?

A professional heat press is strongly recommended for reliable results because it provides more consistent:

  • temperature;

  • pressure; and

  • surface contact.

Household irons can produce inconsistent pressure and temperature.

If commercial-quality results are required, use a suitable heat press.


Washing and Care

How long should I wait before washing a DTF-printed garment?

Wait at least:

24 hours

after application before the first wash.


How should I wash a DTF-printed garment?

For better durability:

  • wash inside out;

  • use a suitable low-temperature wash;

  • avoid harsh detergents where possible;

  • do not iron directly over the printed area; and

  • follow the care instructions of the garment itself.


How many washes will a DTF transfer last?

We do not guarantee a specific number of washes.

Durability depends on factors including:

  • heat press quality;

  • pressing temperature;

  • pressure;

  • pressing time;

  • garment material;

  • washing temperature;

  • detergent;

  • drying method; and

  • general garment care.

Correct application and washing can significantly affect longevity.


Garments and Materials

What fabrics can DTF transfers be used on?

DTF transfers are commonly used on many textile materials including suitable:

  • cotton;

  • polyester;

  • cotton/polyester blends;

  • hoodies;

  • sweatshirts;

  • T-shirts;

  • workwear;

  • tote bags; and

  • other compatible textiles.

However, fabric coatings, treatments, heat sensitivity and construction can affect suitability.

Always confirm that the receiving item can safely tolerate the required heat and pressure.


Can DTF transfers be applied to dark garments?

Yes.

DTF printing uses a white ink underbase that enables colourful designs to be applied to dark as well as light garments.


Can I use DTF transfers on polyester?

DTF transfers can be suitable for many polyester garments.

However, some polyester fabrics may be prone to dye migration or heat sensitivity.

Testing is recommended for unfamiliar garments.


Delivery and Collection

Where do you deliver?

We currently deliver to:

  • mainland England;

  • Scotland;

  • Wales; and

  • Northern Ireland.

We do not currently provide standard website delivery to the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or international destinations unless separately agreed.


What delivery services are available?

Depending on the order and availability, services may include:

  • Royal Mail Tracked 48;

  • Royal Mail Tracked 24;

  • DPD Next Day;

  • Evri;

  • DHL;

  • UPS; and

  • other appropriate courier services.

Available options are shown at checkout.


Do you offer free delivery?

Free standard delivery may be available on qualifying orders over:

£75

Any current conditions are displayed during ordering or checkout.


Can I collect my order?

Yes.

Free collection is available for eligible completed orders from:

New Wave House
4 Humber Road
London
NW2 6DW

Please wait for confirmation that the order is ready before travelling.


How long do you hold collection orders?

Completed collection orders are normally held for up to 30 days after the customer is informed that they are ready.


Business and Trade Orders

Do you print DTF transfers for businesses?

Yes.

Pinery DTF London provides DTF printing for:

  • clothing brands;

  • print shops;

  • workwear companies;

  • garment decorators;

  • merchandise businesses;

  • schools and organisations;

  • event suppliers;

  • ecommerce businesses; and

  • other trade customers.


Do you offer bulk DTF printing?

Yes.

Bulk and trade DTF printing is available.

Customers can use Gang Sheets or Transfers by Size depending on their production requirements.


Do you have minimum trade quantities?

There is no universal minimum quantity across all DTF ordering methods unless the relevant product page states otherwise.

Pricing depends on the ordering method, artwork size, quantity and sheet configuration.


Are your prices inclusive of VAT?

Because our website serves both consumers and businesses, customer-facing prices may display the VAT-inclusive total along with a separate VAT-exclusive trade price.

For example:

£10.50 incl. VAT
Trade price: £8.75 ex. VAT

Applicable VAT is charged in accordance with UK tax rules.


Problems With an Order

What should I do if my transfers appear faulty?

Contact us at:

inquiries@pineryprintwear.com

Please include:

  • your order number;

  • a description of the issue; and

  • clear photographs or videos where relevant.

We may request additional information to determine whether the issue relates to manufacturing, supplied artwork or application.


What happens if Pinery DTF prints my order incorrectly?

Where an order has been incorrectly manufactured because of an error on our side, an appropriate remedy may include:

  • reprinting;

  • replacement;

  • refund; or

  • another reasonable solution.

Applicable statutory rights are not affected.


What if I ordered the wrong size?

Customers are responsible for checking design dimensions before ordering.

Because custom transfers are manufactured specifically according to the submitted specifications, an incorrect size entered by the customer will not normally constitute a manufacturing fault.


What if my artwork was low quality?

Customers are responsible for supplying suitable artwork.

If a print-quality issue results from a low-resolution or otherwise unsuitable source file, this will not normally be treated as a production defect.

For best results, provide artwork at approximately 300 DPI at final print size.


About Pinery DTF London

Where are you based?

Pinery DTF London operates from:

New Wave House
4 Humber Road
London
NW2 6DW
United Kingdom


Is Pinery DTF London a registered company?

Pinery DTF London is a trading name of:

Pinery London Ltd

Company number: 12673625

VAT number: GB351 965675


How can I contact you?

Sales:

sales@pineryprintwear.com

General enquiries, customer service and order issues:

inquiries@pineryprintwear.com

Telephone:

0330 633 9922


Ready to Order?

Choose the method that works best for your project.

Build Your Gang Sheet

Upload, arrange and resize multiple designs directly through our online Gang Sheet Builder.

Build Gang Sheet →

Order Transfers by Size

Upload individual designs and select exactly the sizes and quantities you need.

Order Transfers by Size →

Upload Your Gang Sheet

Already prepared your own layout? Upload your print-ready gang sheet and let us handle the printing.

Upload Your Gang Sheet →

For eligible print-ready orders placed before 12pm UK time, same-day production and dispatch may be available.