As direct to film (DTF) transfers continue to dominate the apparel decoration industry, many decorators rely on them as their go-to method for customizing T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and accessories. However, if you’re using DTF transfers for everything, you might be overlooking other versatile and profitable heat transfer options that can elevate your business.
Screen Printed Transfers
Screen printed transfers deliver the classic look and feel of traditional screen-printed plastisol ink—without the hassle of mixing inks, cleaning screens, or investing in expensive equipment. They apply easily to cotton, polyester, and blends, with newer innovations even allowing application to spandex/Lycra®.
Benefits of Screen Printed Transfers:
- Cost-effective for large quantities
- Soft hand, vintage feel of real plastisol ink
- More flexible for small orders compared to traditional screen printing
- Lower equipment investment and less workspace required
Heat Transfer Vinyl
One of the original methods for heat printing, heat transfer vinyl (HTV) involves cutting designs from a roll of vinyl and applying them with a heat press. While it’s not ideal for bulk production, HTV shines in personalization and print-on-demand applications. With the growing demand for low-minimum transfers, HTV remains the top choice for achieving special effect finishes like metallic, glitter, glow-in-the-dark, and reflective designs—offering a premium look and feel.
Benefits of Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV):
- Create eye-catching special effects
- Add dimension and texture to designs
- Perfect for personalization, one-offs, and small batch orders
Heat Printing is the Future of Print on Demand
With so many transfer options available, heat printing continues to lead the way in print-on-demand apparel. Whether you’re fulfilling one-off custom orders or stocking up on bulk transfers to apply as orders come in, heat printing gives you the flexibility, efficiency, and quality needed to grow your business. By exploring screen printed transfers and HTV alongside DTF, you can expand your capabilities and say yes to more opportunities—while keeping production fast and hassle-free.
Ready to explore more heat printing options? STAHLS’ has everything you need to bring your designs to life with the best heat transfer solutions. Subscribe to our blog to stay up to date on everything apparel decoration. Or, request free samples to explore all the transfer options available.