FAQ

Direct-to-Film (DTF) is a printing method where your design is printed onto a special clear film, coated with a bonding powder, and cured. This creates a durable, vibrant “sticker” for fabric that can be applied to cotton, polyester, blends, and more.

• Small businesses: Brand uniforms or merch without ordering hundreds at a time.
• Hobbyists: Professional results at home.
• Designers: Ideal for artwork with lots of colors, shadows, or fine detail.

Yes. If you can use a heat press, you can do this.

• No weeding: No picking tiny pieces of vinyl out of your design.
• No mess: No inks or chemicals to clean up.
• Versatile: Works on cotton, polyester, hoodies, hats, tote bags, and more.

When applied correctly, our transfers are rated for 50+ washes without significant cracking or fading. They are more flexible and durable than traditional vinyl or many screen-print transfers.

Local pickup is available through our partner UPS Store (not at the production facility):

The UPS Store
1283 Carling Ave
Ottawa, ON K1Z 7L1

• We drop off pickup orders daily between about 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
• Wait until your order status is marked Completed before heading over—that confirms the package is ready.

We aim for high color accuracy, but DTF uses a CMYK process—not solid mixed inks like screen printing. We can get very close to most colors, but an exact 100% match to a Pantone (PMS) shade or physical sample cannot be guaranteed.

Design artwork in CMYK rather than RGB when possible. RGB “neon” or ultra-bright screen colors often can’t be reproduced by physical printer inks.

If your brand needs specific Pantone codes, contact us before a large order. For critical jobs, order a small sample gang sheet first to verify output on your press and garment.

Monitors are calibrated differently, and backlit screens make colors look more vibrant than printed film. Garment color, press temperature, and fabric type also affect the final look.

• Embroidered patches: Classic textured thread look.
• DTF patches: Complex gradients and fine detail that thread can’t capture.
• Sublimated patches: Near-photographic quality with a fabric feel.

Most patches include a heat-seal (iron-on) backing for a standard heat press. For heavy wear or frequent washing, add a perimeter stitch after pressing for maximum security.

Yes. We can create standard shapes (circles, rectangles, shields) or custom die-cut shapes that follow your logo outline.

Some specialized patch types may have small minimums. Check the specific product page for current quantity options—we aim to keep patches accessible for both small shops and larger runs.

High-resolution files work best. For embroidered patches, very tiny text or extremely thin lines may need slight simplification so they translate well into thread.

If there is an error in our printing or a mistake on our end, we will make it right with a refund or replacement.

• We generally do not accept returns or exchanges for custom work.
• Report incorrect, missing, or defective items within 72 hours of receiving your order.
• Approved replacements for our errors are evaluated case-by-case at no extra charge.

Email contact@discountdtf.ca within 1 hour of placing your order. Later cancellations usually can’t be accommodated because production may have already started.

Submit refund requests through the contact form on our website. After we review your case (or photos you’ve provided), we’ll confirm whether a refund is approved. Approved refunds go back to your original payment method within about 5 business days.

Still waiting? Check your bank statement, then follow up with your card issuer if needed. You can also email orders@discountdtf.ca.

Mailing address for returns when instructed: 223-1826 Robertson Rd Ste 16, Nepean, ON K2H 1B9

Most orders are processed and printed within 1–2 business days. Need it sooner? Choose “Same Day Printing and Shipping” (expedited production) at checkout when available.

We ship from our Canadian facility for fast delivery across Canada. See the shipping map on the storefront for province and territory transit estimates.

Transit times are estimates. Delays caused by the carrier or circumstances beyond our control are not our responsibility.

We offer specialty options such as glitter, glow-in-the-dark, reflective, and other effect transfers. Check the specialty product pages for current finishes and pressing notes.

Sublimation prints specialized ink onto paper, then heat and pressure turn the ink into a gas that bonds with polyester fibers. The result is a breathable, “zero feel” design with no layer sitting on top of the fabric.

Sublimation works best on high-polyester fabrics (at least 65% polyester; 100% recommended) and specially coated blanks like mugs, tumblers, and mousepads.

Note: Sublimation does not work on 100% cotton or dark garments—the ink is transparent and needs a light-colored base.

• Permanent & fade-proof: The design becomes part of the fabric—no cracking or peeling.
• Full color: Ideal for photos, gradients, and complex art.
• Breathable: No physical ink layer on top of the garment.

• Temperature: 385°F – 400°F (195°C – 205°C)
• Time: 45 – 60 seconds
• Pressure: Medium

We recommend high-resolution 300 DPI files. Sublimation transfers are typically printed mirrored so they appear correctly once pressed.

UV DTF transfers are printed for hard goods and smooth surfaces. They apply as a durable sticker-style transfer—ideal for tumblers, bottles, phone cases, and similar blanks—without a traditional heat-press fabric workflow.

• Small businesses: Brand hard goods and merch without large minimums.
• Hobbyists: Pro-looking results on cups, cases, and décor.
• Designers: Great for detailed, full-color art that vinyl can’t match.

To keep designs looking fresh:

1. Turn the garment inside out.
2. Machine wash cold with mild detergent.
3. Tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry.
4. Do not iron directly on the transfer.