DTF Printing
Our head office is based in Vancouver, and we support clients across Canada and select U.S. cities through our extended production network, delivering high-quality DTF printing for T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and custom apparel projects.
Premium Direct to Film (DTF) printing for apparel brands, events, and businesses.
Vibrant colors, soft feel, excellent durability, and fast local production.
Best for: T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, uniforms, merch drops, and promo apparel.
- Local Vancouver production
- Small orders available
- Fast turnaround
- Great for detailed artwork
If you’re looking for DTF printing in Vancouver, Firebird Prints offers a modern, high-quality Direct to Film printing service that delivers sharp detail, rich colors, and long-lasting results.
Whether you’re printing a single custom piece, staff uniforms, or a full merch drop, DTF is one of the best methods for clean, durable prints on a wide range of fabrics.
We work with brands, startups, creators, schools, gyms, and event organizers across Metro Vancouver, helping them get professional prints without the high minimums and long wait times.
What is DTF Printing?
DTF (Direct to Film) printing is a modern apparel decoration method where your design is printed onto a special film and then heat applied onto fabric.
Unlike methods that struggle with complex artwork, DTF can reproduce fine lines, gradients, and detailed graphics with excellent clarity.
DTF printing is ideal when you want:
- High-resolution designs
- Full-color prints with strong vibrancy
- A soft finish that holds up after washing
- Reliable results on cotton, blends, and many synthetics
Trusted By Industry Leaders
DTF Printing Service in Vancouver (What We Offer)
At Firebird Prints, we provide end-to-end DTF printing services so you can focus on your brand or event while we handle production with consistency and quality control.
Our DTF printing service includes
- Professional DTF print production
- Print quality checks before pressing
- Heat application (pressing) to apparel (optional)
- Order support for small to bulk quantities
- Fast local pickup options in Vancouver area
Common orders we handle
- Custom merch for creators and drops
- Branded uniforms for teams and staff
- Promo apparel for events and conferences
- Small business printing for salons, cafes, and startups
Why Choose Firebird Prints for DTF Printing in Vancouver?
At Firebird Prints, we provide end-to-end DTF printing services so you can focus on your brand or event while we handle production with consistency and quality control.
1. Sharp Detail and Full-Color Accuracy
DTF is the go-to option for artwork that includes:
- gradients
- small text
- illustrations
- complex logos
Your design stays crisp and clean, even with detailed elements that would be difficult with other printing methods.
2. Soft Feel (Not Thick and Plastic-Like)
We aim for a finish that looks premium and feels comfortable.
DTF prints can be strong and flexible without the heavy feel of older transfer methods.
3. Strong Durability for Real Use
DTF is made to be worn and washed. With correct application and garment care, DTF prints maintain:
- color vibrancy
- edge cleanliness
- flexibility
4. Flexible Order Sizes
Not every customer needs 500 pieces. We welcome:
- small runs
- one-off custom items
- test batches for new brands
- bulk production for businesses
5. Vancouver Local Speed
We’re based in Metro Vancouver and designed our workflow for faster turnaround than most online-only providers.
DTF Printing vs Other Methods (Quick Comparison)
If you’re comparing printing methods, here is the practical breakdown:
DTF vs Screen Printing
- Screen printing is excellent for bulk and simple designs
- DTF is ideal for full-color artwork, small runs, and detailed graphics
If your design has multiple colors or a photographic look, DTF usually makes more sense.
DTF vs DTG (Direct to Garment)
- DTG prints directly into the garment and can feel very soft
- DTF is more versatile across fabrics and can be more consistent for some artwork
DTF often performs better on blends and various garment types.
DTF vs Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
- HTV is best for simple text/numbers
- DTF is best for full-color designs and detailed work
If you want clean, professional merch, DTF looks far more premium than typical vinyl.
What Products Can You Print with DTF?
DTF printing is versatile and works beautifully on many popular items.
Most common DTF printing products:
- T-shirts (cotton, poly, blends)
- Hoodies and sweatshirts
- Tote bags and fabric bags
- Workwear and uniforms
- Crew shirts for events
- Promotional apparel
If you want consistency across different garments in the same order, DTF is one of the most reliable options.
Looking for full apparel production? We also offer Custom T-Shirt Printing in Vancouver for brands, events, and businesses.
Turnaround Time for DTF Printing in Vancouver
We understand that speed matters, especially for last-minute events or brand launches.
Typical turnaround depends on:
- quantity
- artwork complexity
- garment availability
- whether you need pressing on apparel or film-only prints
In many cases, we can offer fast turnaround for local Vancouver orders.
If you have a deadline, send it to us with your request and we’ll confirm what’s realistic.
Who is DTF Printing Best For?
DTF printing is not just for clothing brands. It’s an excellent solution for Vancouver businesses because it gives fast, clean results without needing large minimum orders.
For Small Businesses
If you run a local business and want professional branded apparel, DTF is ideal for:
- staff shirts
- uniforms
- promo clothing
- seasonal campaigns
For Events and Conferences
Vancouver events move fast. DTF is a strong choice for:
- staff “CREW” shirts
- sponsor tees
- volunteer shirts
- event merch tables
For Apparel Brands and Merch Drops
If you are launching:
- limited runs
- test designs
- small drops with multiple artworks
DTF gives you speed and detail without needing huge budgets
For Schools, Teams, and Clubs
DTF is great for:
- club hoodies
- student merch
- team training shirts
Artwork & File Requirements (To Avoid Print Issues)
To get the best results, it’s important that your artwork is production-ready.
Recommended file formats:
- PNG (transparent background)
- AI or SVG (vector files for logos)
For best print clarity:
- High resolution (preferably 300 DPI)
- Clean edges (avoid low-quality screenshots)
- Transparent background when needed
If you’re not sure, just send your file. We can review it and tell you what needs improvement before printing.
DTF Printing Quality Standards (What We Focus On)
Some DTF prints look cheap, thick, or inconsistent. That usually happens due to rushed production or low-quality settings.
At Firebird Prints, we focus on:
- accurate color output
- clean fine detail
- strong edge clarity
- consistent pressing results
- clean alignment and placement
Our goal is simple: when someone wears your apparel in Vancouver, it should look like a premium brand piece, not a quick DIY print.
If you already have blank apparel and only need film prints, you can order DTF Transfers in Vancouver (Ready-to-Press Transfers).
Local Pickup & Service Area
We serve customers across Metro Vancouver
- Vancouver
- Richmond
- North Vancouver
- West Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Surrey
- Delta
- Langley
- Coquitlam
- Port Coquitlam
- Pitt Meadows
- Maple Ridge
Get a Quote for DTF Printing in Vancouver
If you want high-quality DTF printing that looks professional, lasts long, and is ready fast, Firebird Prints is ready to help.
Send us:
- your artwork
- the product type (T-shirt, hoodie, tote, etc.)
- print size and placement
- quantity
- your deadline (if any)
Frequently Asked Questions
DTF (Direct to Film) printing is a modern method where your design is printed onto a film and then heat-pressed onto fabric. It’s known for vibrant color, sharp detail, and strong durability.
DTF is best for:
- full-color logos and artwork
- detailed illustrations and gradients
- small business uniforms
- merch drops (small or bulk orders)
- event and promotional apparel
Yes. When properly applied and cared for, DTF prints hold up very well to repeated washing, staying vibrant and flexible without cracking or peeling.
Yes. DTF works great on:
- 100% cotton
- polyester
- cotton/poly blends
That’s one of the biggest advantages of DTF compared to some other methods.
Yes. Firebird Prints supports small runs and one-off orders, which makes DTF a strong option for startups, creators, and small businesses.
Best file formats:
- PNG (transparent background)
- AI / SVG (preferred for logos)
If you’re not sure, you can send your file and we’ll check it before printing.
For best results, we recommend high resolution artwork:
- ideally 300 DPI
- clean edges (avoid screenshots or low-quality web images)
Yes. We can help with basic print prep such as:
- resizing
- placement setup
- background cleanup (when possible)
- minor adjustments for print quality
Turnaround depends on order size and production queue, but many orders can be completed with a fast local turnaround. If you have a deadline, include it in your quote request.
We offer DTF printing services and can also support printing on apparel depending on your order. If you need custom apparel printing, tell us the garment type and quantity.
It depends:
- Screen printing is great for simple designs in large bulk.
- DTF is better for full-color artwork, small batches, and detailed designs.
Both are excellent methods. DTF is often preferred for:
- higher versatility across different fabrics
- consistent results for detailed, colorful designs
DTG can be great for ultra-soft prints on cotton.
DTF is commonly used for:
- t-shirts
- hoodies
- sweatshirts
- tote bags
- uniforms / workwear
Yes. DTF is a strong choice for uniforms because it’s durable, vibrant, and professional looking, especially for logos and multi-color designs.