Getting Started with Transfers & Stickers
Choose the right product, understand how it is applied, and place your first order.
On this page
Start with the application surface
Garment DTF
Heat-applied Standard, Glitter, Holographic, Reflective, Metallic, Neon, or Glow in the Dark transfers for compatible textiles.
UV DTF
A pressure-applied transfer for compatible smooth, rigid surfaces. It is not for garments and uses no heat.
Stickers
Self-adhesive, precision-cut Gloss, Matt, Holographic, Glitter, Clear, or Reflective vinyl.
Check the product page for current availability, including UV DTF. See the Films & Stickers guide for finish comparisons, sticker cut choices, and application details.
What is garment DTF printing?
DTF (Direct to Film) is a transfer printing method where designs are printed onto film with a white ink backing and prepared with heat-activated adhesive. The result is a ready-to-press transfer for compatible garments.
Garment DTF can work across many cotton, polyester and blended textiles, but coatings, dyes and heat sensitivity vary. Confirm the film instructions and test unfamiliar garments before a production run.
How DTF transfers work
The process is straightforward. We handle the printing and curing; you handle the pressing.
Upload your artwork
Choose a garment DTF product, then upload your design the right way round; we handle mirroring for print. High-resolution transparent PNG is the safest option for most irregular shapes.
We print & cure
Your design is printed in CMYK + white onto PET film, coated with adhesive powder, and cured for a ready-to-press transfer.
You receive your transfers
Transfers arrive ready to apply. Cut gangsheet designs apart without cutting into the print, and keep unused transfers dry in their packaging.
Apply using the product instructions
Position the adhesive side against the garment, with the clear carrier on top. Use the pressing and peel instructions for your transfer.
What equipment do you need?
A heat press and protective cover sheet are needed for garment DTF. UV DTF and stickers are pressure-applied and do not use heat.
Essential
- Heat press — clamshell, swing-away, or auto-opening. Choose a platen (the pressing surface) large enough to cover the whole design in one press, with reliable temperature and even pressure.
- Protective cover sheet — use the material specified in the transfer instructions
- DTF transfers — from SpeedShirt
Recommended
- Temperature test strips or contact probe — check the platen using your press manufacturer’s method
- Lint roller — remove debris before pressing
- Pressing pillow — helps with seams, zippers, and uneven surfaces
Placing your first order
Choose the ordering route that matches your job. Check live availability, the finished size, quantity and basket total before paying. Production time and delivery time are separate; contact us before ordering if you have a firm deadline.
Gangsheet builder
A gangsheet is one sheet containing several designs. Arrange them with room to cut each one out. Ideal for production runs, multi-design orders, and trade customers.
Open gangsheet builderSingle transfers
Order individual transfer products. Upload your artwork, choose your size, and add to cart. Simple and fast for one-off jobs.
Browse productsCustom stickers
Choose vinyl, finished size, quantity, cut shape and border while checking the live preview.
Order stickersGangsheets vs single transfers
Understanding the difference helps you pick the right ordering method for each job.
| Feature | Gangsheets | Single transfers |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Volume, multi-design orders, production runs | One-off jobs, sampling, simple orders |
| Pricing | Based on the selected film and sheet; compare the live total | Per item — simple and predictable |
| Layout | You arrange designs on the sheet in the builder | We handle layout |
| Reorders | Sign in to save eligible layouts; check the film, sizes and preview again before ordering | Sign in to use your artwork library; check the size and quantity again |
Same-day dispatch
Yes. Same-day dispatch is available for eligible orders placed before 2pm (UK time) on working days, excluding holidays. Orders placed after the cutoff enter production on the next working day. Production times vary by media; check your selected product and the delivery estimate at checkout. Same-day dispatch does not mean same-day delivery.
Next steps
Now that you understand the basics, here's where to go next:
Films & stickers
Compare every transfer film, sticker vinyl and application method.
Pressing guide
A Standard DTF baseline plus product-specific film and garment checks.
Artwork preparation
File formats, resolution, and prepping art for print.
Colour & resolution
DPI guidelines and managing colour expectations.
Troubleshooting
Common issues and how to fix them fast.