Printing solutions by material
What works, what fails, and the exact settings for 45 substrates. Written from shop-floor parameters, not marketing copy.
DTF — fabric
Cotton, blends, dark garments. Needs a heat press.
T-Shirts
100% cotton, 50/50 blends, tri-blends
150–160 °C (300–320 °F)
Hoodies
Cotton fleece, poly fleece, French terry
150–155 °C
Hats & Caps
Cotton twill, poly twill, mesh backs
140–150 °C
Denim & Jeans
Cotton denim, stretch denim (2–4% elastane)
150–160 °C
Polyester
100% polyester, poly spandex, sports mesh
130–140 °C
Nylon
Nylon, ripstop, coated nylon
130–140 °C
Canvas Tote Bags
Cotton canvas 8–16 oz
150–160 °C
Socks
Cotton, poly, bamboo blends
130–140 °C
Sports Jerseys
Polyester mesh, interlock, dri-fit
130–140 °C
Leather
PU leather, genuine leather (chrome-tanned)
120–130 °C
Dark & Black Shirts
Black, navy, dark grey cotton
150–160 °C
Light & White Shirts
White, cream, pastel cotton
150–155 °C
50/50 Blends
50% cotton / 50% polyester
140–150 °C
Workwear & Uniforms
Heavy cotton, poly-cotton, hi-vis
150–160 °C
Baby & Kids Clothing
Organic cotton, cotton blends
145–150 °C
Shoes & Sneakers
Canvas sneakers, PU leather panels
120–135 °C
Backpacks & Bags
Canvas, nylon, polyester bags
130–150 °C
Umbrellas
Polyester canopy, pongee
130–140 °C
Towels
Cotton terry, microfibre
150–160 °C
Aprons
Cotton canvas, poly-cotton
150 °C
Small Business
Any cotton or blend garment
150–160 °C
Home Business
Cotton garments and blanks
150–160 °C
Beginners
Cotton t-shirts first
150–160 °C
Print Shops
Mixed garments, contract work
150–160 °C
Event Merch
Cotton tees, totes, hoodies
150–160 °C
UV — hard surfaces
Acrylic, glass, metal, wood, tumblers. Cures instantly, no press.
Phone Cases
TPU, PC, blank phone case inserts
No heat — UV cures instantly
Acrylic
Cast acrylic 2–10 mm, clear or colored
No heat
Wood
MDF, plywood, birch, pine
No heat
Glass
Borosilicate, soda-lime, coated glassware
No heat
Metal
Aluminum, stainless steel, brass (coated)
No heat
Ceramic
Coated ceramic mugs, tiles, plates
No heat (UV cure)
Leather (UV)
PU leather, finished genuine leather
No heat
Golf Balls
Urethane and ionomer covers
No heat
Tumblers
Powder-coated stainless tumblers
No heat
Mugs
Coated ceramic and enamel mugs
No heat
Keychains
Acrylic, wood, metal keychain blanks
No heat
Pens
Plastic, metal, coated pens
No heat
Signs & Plaques
Acrylic, aluminum composite, PVC
No heat
Stickers & Labels
Vinyl sticker sheets, PET labels
No heat
Product Labels
Coated paper, PET, BOPP labels
No heat
Canvas (UV)
Poly-cotton canvas, artist canvas
No heat
Plastic
ABS, PC, PET, PVC, acetate
No heat
Silicone
Silicone wristbands, cases, mats
No heat
Custom Gifts
Mixed: acrylic, wood, metal, glass
No heat
Promotional Products
Pens, bottles, power banks, USB drives
No heat
Looking for a comparison instead?
DTF vs sublimation, DTF vs DTG, A3 vs A4, Epson vs Ricoh printheads — the trade-offs laid out side by side.
Open the comparison library