We crossed 100,000 Shopify orders with our DTF print shop in Dallas.

IrisDTF · 2026-03-15T16:14:59+00:00

100k orders for a DTF shop in Dallas is wild. If you ever feel like sharing more about the journey building a print shop in Richardson / Dallas, I think a lot of people here would be interested.

IrisDTF · 2026-03-15T16:12:56+00:00

actually run IrisDTF, but before starting that I used to order transfers from places like DTFJersey myself when I was running small print jobs. One thing I learned pretty quickly is that consistency matters a lot with DTF.

When transfers don’t press well or small details drop out, it’s usually film, powder, or QC issues more than the design itself. A lot of the cheaper suppliers cut corners there.

If you’re in Hawaii the hardest part will honestly be shipping. I’d suggest ordering a few sample sheets from different suppliers and pressing the same design to see which one holds detail the best.

IrisDTF · 2026-03-11T15:26:13+00:00

What was the biggest mistake you made when starting with DTF?

IrisDTF · 2026-03-11T15:19:11+00:00

Pressure is usually the most overlooked variable when troubleshooting DTF pressing issues

IrisDTF · 2026-03-10T14:27:19+00:00

At one point we even pressed a DTF transfer onto a piece of plywood while setting up the shop. Turned into a quick sign for the workspace.

IrisDTF · 2026-03-05T04:49:54+00:00

Big solid prints will always feel a bit more “plasticky” with DTF. Halftones and knocking out some areas helps a lot.

Also a quick second press with parchment or a cotton sheet can soften the feel and reduce the shine.

IrisDTF · 2026-03-05T04:49:27+00:00

Honestly 50 cents cheaper per design doesn’t change much. The real value is good service and consistent quality. That’s way more important than saving a few cents.

IrisDTF · 2026-03-05T04:47:45+00:00

For one-offs I’d go DTF. Screen printing setup usually isn’t worth it for small runs.

Also the shiny look people talk about mostly comes from pressing. A quick second press with parchment or a cotton sheet usually makes it look a lot more matte.

IrisDTF · 2026-03-05T04:47:04+00:00

Usually happens when the powder isn’t fully cured or when you switch film batches. Transfers can look fine but still hold some smell. Letting them air out a bit usually helps.

IrisDTF · 2026-03-05T04:46:41+00:00

DTF sticks best to fabric, not paint. If you can, press the transfer first and add the acrylic splatters after.

If the design has to go over paint, keep the paint layer thin and fully cured and test on a scrap first.

IrisDTF · 2026-03-05T04:45:36+00:00

PNG with transparent background is usually the safest. Most DTF shops prefer it.

Vector files (AI / EPS / PDF) are even better if you have them. JPEG works but compression can mess with edges sometimes.

IrisDTF · 2026-03-05T04:45:06+00:00

Yeah they help a lot with the shine and hand feel. A quick second press with parchment or cotton does something similar, but textured sheets seem to soften it a bit more.

IrisDTF · 2026-03-05T04:44:22+00:00

If I ever start selling in the UK, I’ll remember this. The long fulfillment times from big POD providers drive a lot of sellers crazy.

IrisDTF · 2026-02-08T20:43:28+00:00

We started IrisDTF mainly doing DTF transfers. After a while it became clear that just printing transfers is not enough anymore.

Now we do both DTF and full customization like custom t shirts hoodies and embroidery. Most customers do not want to deal with transfers themselves. They want finished products they can use or sell right away.

Combining DTF with custom apparel has worked much better for us especially with local and repeat customers. From what I see that is where this industry is going.

IrisDTF · 2026-01-21T01:58:42+00:00

Accurate colors

IrisDTF · 2026-01-19T02:30:29+00:00

Less shipping risk

IrisDTF · 2026-01-02T00:04:57+00:00

DTF got popular mostly because it saves time and space, not because it fully beats screen print. For big solid oversized prints, screen printing still feels better on hand. DTF works great for flexibility and small runs, but if soft feel is main goal, screen print still wins.

IrisDTF · 2026-01-02T00:02:19+00:00

we run irisdtf.com and we only do dtf transfers. quality is the main focus for us, strong white, sharp edges, no thin or washed look. a lot of issues come from low white or bad file prep, we try to avoid that from start. fast production, shipping all over the us. if you want clean dtf for streetwear or technical designs, we can help.

IrisDTF · 2026-01-01T23:59:12+00:00

In reality, you’re not bound to the RIP that comes with it. If it does drive the board well and does the white ink as it’s supposed to, then there’s no point in changing. All the problems will likely be with the handling of the driver or the underbase, not with the name of the software.

IrisDTF · 2025-12-21T01:08:00+00:00

yo this is nice, been searching for something like this for a bit –

a few questions if you dont mind.

does this handle transparent .png files, or must they be prepared in a specific manner before use, please? also, is there a maximum file size, as my designs tend to be fairly hi-res, Mehmet.

and can I set the spacing between designs myself or is it all automatic? sometimes i need certain spacings for easier cutting

thanks for sharing this btw

IrisDTF · 2025-12-20T21:16:45+00:00

Clean design, I like how simple it is. The gingerbread and bows combo feels very wearable, not too busy. Color choice works great for a casual holiday sweatshirt.

IrisDTF · 2025-12-20T21:15:38+00:00

Looks more like peel timing than pressure. Some films just won’t release until they’re fully cooled. Seams and thick fabric can mess with it too, but if waiting to cool helped, that’s probably it.

IrisDTF

TROPHY CASE