DTF printing from Hannover

DTF printing

DTF (Direct-to-Film) brings photorealistic, multi-colour artwork onto textile from small runs onwards – with no extra cost per colour. Ideal for complex designs, gradients and short series.

DTF transfer film with multi-colour artwork at TIME/LESS Prints.

What is DTF printing?

DTF stands for Direct-to-Film – a modern printing technique that brings your artwork onto textile in full colour and rich detail. Here's how it works: the design is first printed mirrored onto a special film. A hot-melt adhesive powder is then applied to the still-wet ink. Under heat and pressure, the print transfers permanently onto your garment.

The big advantage: DTF prints photorealistically, with the finest details and smooth gradients. There is no colour limit and no surcharge per colour – a design with two colours costs exactly the same as one with twenty. That makes DTF especially flexible for colourful, complex designs.

Premium DTF – Mimaki & original ink

Not all DTF is the same. The difference is in the technology. We print on Mimaki printers using original ink – and you can see it in the result: brilliant colours, maximum detail accuracy and above-average durability compared with common, cheap DTF transfers.

Everything is produced in-house – since 2011, from 10 pieces per design. Short distances mean direct quality control and reliable deadlines for you. On Google we are rated 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Important: we deliver finished, printed garments. You don't have to press anything yourself – your order arrives ready to wear.

Colour matching over DTF transfer prints at TIME/LESS Prints.

Why DTF?

DTF complements our screen printing: where screen printing reaches its limits – small runs, many colours, fine gradients – DTF plays to its strengths.

  • 01

    From 10 pieces – ideal for small runs.

  • 02

    Full colour – photos, gradients and fine details with no per-colour surcharge.

  • 03

    Versatile – works on many materials and colours.

  • 04

    Soft and wash-resistant – long-lasting transfers.

When DTF, when screen printing?

DTF is ideal for small runs and photorealistic artwork with many colours or gradients. For larger runs and for special or effect inks, screen printing is more cost-effective and even more durable. We're happy to advise which technique fits your project.

What DTF is particularly good for

DTF plays to its strengths with small, colourful runs and personal designs. Typical use cases:

Graduation shirts

Individual designs with lots of names and colours, small class runs, often on a tight deadline – with DTF and no colour surcharge.

Stag & hen party shirts

Colourful, playful designs in very small runs, including one-off pieces within a team set.

Club & team short runs

Personalised names and numbers from 10 pieces.

Printed inner & neck labels

DTF as a soft, tagless label solution – your brand label printed directly onto the garment instead of sewn in, ideal for fashion labels.

Sleeve prints

Small, fine prints on the sleeve or in unusual placements.

Promo wear

Give-aways, campaign and promotional textiles in small quantities, produced quickly.

For larger runs, screen printing remains the more economical choice – just get in touch and we'll find the right technique for your project.

Which textiles does DTF work on?

DTF is pleasingly versatile. Cotton, polyester or blends – light and dark fabrics, smooth or lightly textured: the technique handles almost anything. We print T-shirts, hoodies, longsleeves, zip hoodies, tote bags and more.

DTF is especially strong for small runs and personalised one-off designs that call for many colours or fine details. If you're unsure whether your preferred garment is suitable, we'll clarify it with you beforehand.

Freshly printed textiles on hangers in the TIME/LESS Prints workshop.

How it works

  1. 1

    Send us your request with artwork, garment and quantity.

  2. 2

    You get a quote incl. mockup.

  3. 3

    Approval of the print files.

  4. 4

    Print and transfer – express on request.

  5. 5

    Delivery, across Europe.

Tight deadline? DTF works express too.

Request express production

DTF printing near you

You'll find us at Südfeldstr. 1b, 30453 Hannover-Linden – easy to reach from the city centre, Nordstadt and the surrounding area. Personal consultation and pickup of finished orders are possible by prior appointment.

When capacity allows, we also produce express or overnight. If you'd rather not come by, we deliver across Germany and Europe.

DTF printing FAQ

Showroom & personal advice

Want to see garments and print samples for real? In our showroom in Hannover-Linden we show you fabrics, colours and finishes to touch – and advise you personally on your project.

Book an appointment
TIME/LESS Prints showroom in Hannover-Linden with garments and sample collection.

Your artwork, from 10 pieces

Small merch run, prototype or personalised one-off – we bring your artwork onto textile with DTF printing.