DTF vs UV DTF Transfers: What's the Difference?

DTF and UV DTF sound alike, but they are made for different jobs. Here is how to choose.

DTF transfers: for fabric

DTF transfers are applied with a heat press. They are made for T-shirts, hoodies, bags and other fabric projects. We also offer glitter and glow-in-the-dark finishes.

  • Applied with: a heat press.
  • Best for: fabric.
  • General press guide: medium pressure and cold peel. Follow the instructions on the product page.

UV DTF transfers: for hard surfaces

UV DTF transfers are peel-and-stick. You apply them by hand with no heat press, with a raised, textured finish. They bond to glass, metal, plastic, wood and ceramic, so they work well on tumblers, mugs, bottles, phone cases, notebooks and labels.

  • Applied with: your hands or a squeegee.
  • Best for: hard surfaces.
  • Durability: once applied, the transfer is waterproof and scratch-resistant.

Quick comparison

DTF UV DTF
Surface Fabric Glass, metal, plastic, wood, ceramic
How to apply Heat press By hand, no heat
Finishes Standard, glitter, glow in the dark Raised, textured

Which should I order?

Printing on a shirt or bag? Choose DTF. Decorating a tumbler or phone case? Choose UV DTF. Both come as gang sheets, so you can fit many designs in one order.