DTF Printing Australia — The Gold Standard for Activewear Decoration

What Is DTF Printing?

DTF — direct-to-film — is a modern garment decoration method that has rapidly become the preferred technology for activewear and performance apparel printing. Unlike traditional screen printing, which requires separate screens for each colour and struggles with stretch fabrics, DTF printing produces full-colour, photographic-quality transfers that bond directly to virtually any textile.

At FITPRINT, we have invested in commercial-grade DTF printing equipment specifically calibrated for the fabrics and garments used in the gym and fitness industry. The result is a print that looks stunning, feels soft against the skin, and performs under the physical demands of training.

How DTF Printing Works — The Technical Breakdown

The DTF process involves four key stages:

1. Digital printing onto PET film — Your design is printed in CMYK plus white onto clear PET film using specialised water-based pigment inks. The white underbase ensures colour vibrancy and opacity on any garment colour.
2. Adhesive powder application — A fine hot-melt TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink, creating the bonding layer that adheres the print to fabric.
3. Curing — The film passes through a curing oven that melts and sets the adhesive powder, creating a stable, ready-to-transfer film that can be stored and applied on demand.
4. Heat press transfer — The cured film is heat-pressed onto the garment at 160–170°C, permanently bonding the design to the fabric fibres. Once cooled, the PET film is peeled away, leaving a vibrant, flexible print.

DTF vs Other Printing Methods

• DTF vs screen printing — Screen printing works for large-volume, simple designs on cotton, but DTF wins on fabric versatility, colour complexity, setup cost, and flexibility on stretch fabrics. DTF is also economical from a single piece with no screen setup fees.
• DTF vs DTG (direct-to-garment) — DTG produces excellent results on cotton but requires pre-treatment on dark garments, struggles with polyester, and cannot match DTF’s vibrancy on performance fabrics. For the gym and fitness market, DTF is the clear choice.
• DTF vs sublimation — Sublimation produces vibrant results on white or light polyester but cannot print on dark garments, cotton, or blends. DTF works on any colour and any fabric, making it far more versatile for gym apparel ranges.

Who Uses Our DTF Printing Service?

Our DTF printing service is used by gym owners, fitness studio operators, personal trainers, CrossFit boxes, activewear brands, sports clubs, and event organisers across Australia. Whether you are printing a single sample or a full production run, our DTF technology delivers consistent, premium results.

Quality You Can Trust

FITPRINT operates from our purpose-built production facility on the Gold Coast, QLD. Our DTF equipment is maintained and calibrated daily to ensure colour consistency across every print run. We use premium inks, high-grade PET films, and quality adhesive powders — because cutting corners on materials means cutting corners on your brand.

Order DTF Printing Today

Experience the difference that professional DTF printing makes for your activewear. Vibrant colours, any fabric, any quantity — all from Australia’s fitness-focused custom printing specialists.

Browse & order now at order.fitprint.co — upload your design, choose your garments, and let our DTF technology bring your brand to life.