Regular DTF is for fabric. UV DTF is for hard surfaces. DTF transfers go onto shirts and bags with a heat press, while UV DTF stickers peel and stick onto cups, bottles, cases, and other hard goods with no heat at all.
- DTF goes on
- Fabric
- UV DTF goes on
- Hard surfaces
- DTF applies with
- Heat press
- UV DTF applies with
- Pressure, no heat
The short version
| DTF | UV DTF | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Shirts, hoodies, bags | Cups, tumblers, hard goods |
| Application | Heat press | Peel and stick |
| Ink | Water-based pigment | UV-cured ink |
| Adhesive | Hot-melt powder | Built into the film |
| How to order from us | Online builder | Contact form |
How regular DTF works
A regular DTF transfer is printed in color and white ink on PET film, coated with adhesive powder, and cured. Heat from a press melts the adhesive into the fabric, then you peel the film away.
Our transfers press at 300°F for 10 seconds with high pressure, then peel hot. Same settings on cotton, polyester, blends, and fleece. The full steps are in our DTF heat press settings.
How UV DTF works
UV DTF uses ink that cures under UV light the moment it's printed. The print sits on a film with an adhesive layer and gets covered by a clear top film. What you get is a sticker that's ready to use.
To apply it, you peel off the backing, place the design, rub it down firmly, and peel away the top film. No heat press, no oven. For the full background, read what is UV DTF.
Durability
DTF on fabric
DTF is built to flex with fabric and survive the wash. Care makes the difference: wait 24 hours before the first wash, wash inside out in cold or warm water with mild detergent, skip bleach, and tumble dry low or hang dry. Never iron directly on the print.
UV DTF on hard goods
UV DTF is made for smooth, hard surfaces like glass, metal, plastic, and ceramic. It holds up well to everyday handling once it's applied properly. It isn't made for fabric, because it isn't built to stretch and go through a washing machine.
How long a sticker lasts depends a lot on prep. A surface that wasn't cleaned with alcohol, or edges that weren't rubbed down firmly, are the usual reasons a UV DTF sticker lifts early. For drinkware, hand washing is the safe call. We cover prep and care in how to apply UV DTF stickers.
What to order for what
- T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, totes. Regular DTF.
- Hats and other fabric goods. Regular DTF.
- Tumblers, mugs, water bottles. UV DTF.
- Phone cases, laptops, notebooks, signs. UV DTF.
- Glass, metal, and hard plastic items. UV DTF.
- A mix of both. Place two separate orders. UV DTF can't share a gang sheet with standard DTF.
Not sure which side your project falls on? Ask one question: will it go through a washing machine? If yes, it's DTF. If it's a hard item you wipe clean or wash by hand, it's UV DTF.
How ordering differs at Infynite
Standard DTF
Order through the builder. Build a gang sheet or upload by size, at the same link. It's as low as $0.03 per square inch, no minimums, and orders placed before 1PM PT ship the same business day.
UV DTF
UV DTF is ordered through our contact form only and takes 3 to 5 business days. Design with thick lines, since very thin details are harder to apply cleanly. See what we offer on our UV DTF transfers page.
FAQ
Can I put UV DTF on a shirt?
No. UV DTF is made for hard surfaces. For shirts and other fabric, use regular DTF.
Can I put regular DTF on a tumbler?
Regular DTF adhesive is made to bond with fabric under a heat press. For tumblers and other hard goods, UV DTF is the right product.
Do UV DTF stickers need heat?
No. You apply them with pressure. Clean the surface, stick, rub it down, and peel the top film.
Can I put UV DTF and DTF on the same gang sheet?
No. UV DTF can't share a gang sheet with standard DTF, so order them separately.
Need stickers for hard goods?
Tell us what you're decorating and we'll get your UV DTF order started. Allow 3 to 5 business days.