UV DTF is a peel-and-stick transfer for hard surfaces. No heat press, no weeding, no cutting. You peel it, stick it, and burnish it down.
- Applies to
- Hard, smooth surfaces
- Tools
- Hands and a squeegee
- Heat
- None
- Turnaround
- 3 to 5 business days
UV DTF vs regular DTF
Regular DTF is made for fabric. The ink is printed on film, coated in adhesive powder, and pressed into a garment with heat. UV DTF is made for hard goods. The ink is cured instantly with UV light and layered onto a clear adhesive film, so it sticks on contact.
| Regular DTF | UV DTF | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Shirts, hoodies, hats, bags | Cups, tumblers, glass, metal, plastic |
| Application | Heat press | Peel and stick |
| Finish | Soft, flexible | Raised, glossy |
| Equipment needed | Heat press | None |
What can you put UV DTF on?
Anything hard and smooth: glass cups, stainless tumblers, water bottles, phone cases, laptops, notebooks, signage, and packaging. Fabric and textured surfaces like brick or rough wood grain won't hold it well.
How to apply UV DTF stickers
- Clean the surface. Wipe it with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. Oil and dust are the main reason a decal lifts.
- Peel the backing paper. Leave the clear top film on. That film holds every piece of the design in place.
- Place it and press from the center out. Lay the decal down and smooth it outward with your fingers to push out air.
- Burnish hard. Rub firmly over the whole design with a squeegee or the edge of a card. Spend extra time on thin lines and edges.
- Peel the top film slowly. Pull low and slow at a sharp angle. If any piece lifts with the film, lay it back down and burnish again.
- Let it set. Wait 24 to 48 hours before washing so the adhesive fully bonds.
Care instructions
- Hand wash only.
- Skip the dishwasher, scrubbing pads, and long soaks.
- Keep metallic designs out of the microwave.
FAQ
Do I need a heat press for UV DTF?
No. UV DTF applies with pressure only.
Can UV DTF go on shirts?
No. Use regular DTF for fabric. It's built to flex and wash with the garment.
How long does UV DTF take?
UV DTF runs on a 3 to 5 business day turnaround.
Can I make my own UV DTF stickers?
You need a UV DTF printer and laminator, which is a big investment for small runs. Sending us the file is the faster route.
Got a design for cups or tumblers?
We print UV DTF in-house in Los Angeles.