How to Make Full Color Shirts Without Vinyl

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Whether you want to make shirts for yourself or for your small business, being able to create full-color designs without vinyl is ideal, because your design ideas will be endless!

If you don't want to use vinyl, or you are looking for something simpler, direct-to-film (DTF) transfers might suit your needs.

What is a DTF Transfer?

I use Ninja Transfers*, and this is what they say:

DTF Transfers, which stands for Direct to Film transfers, are an incredible new way of transfering any image onto any material or color without having to worry about technical printing specs as you might have had to worry about in the past when ordering in the past. 

Every transfer is printed the same way with the same underbase and transfers as the same temperature on all materials.  There are exceptions to this rule of course, but generally speaking, everything is the same on every material you transfer onto, making it much easier to have confidence that all transfers will adhere and appear as you desire on every order.

There is no limit to the color range, number of colors, or quantity that you can order in DTF transfers.  

Why I Use DTF Transfers

I use DTF transfers and heat transfer vinyl (HTV). For quick turnaround on simple designs, I use HTV, but for more colorful designs, I like to use DTF transfers for that extra oomph. 

There is a white coating on the back, which makes designs pop, no matter what color the shirt is. However, keep in mind that it is probably best to not use like colors together, because it will be difficult to see (ex. a black design on a black shirt)

I also love that I am able to turn my character illustrations into apparel! 

I use Ninja Transfers, because the first company I had an experience with was disappointing (my order was lost, and they pretty much said "oh well, too bad"),. I was even more annoyed about it, because they were viral on Instagram at the time, and I felt like a sucker.

Anyway, I found Ninja Transfers while my order from the other company was traveling the world to find it's way to me, and I received my Ninja Transfer order within a week. 

I used both and tested both, and they were good. However, I think the customer experience is the most important thing in cases like these. Most of the time, this is how you win people over. 

I'm an affiliate for Ninja Transfers, because I was so happy with my experience that I applied to be one. You can too on their affiliate page. I do recommend you use the products you're an affiliate for so that you can give honest feedback. 

Tools You Need to Make Full Color Shirts Without Vinyl

• DTF Transfer - I use Ninja Transfers Gang Sheet Builder* 
• Heat Press - I use the HTVRont Auto Heat Press* in White (there is also a blue one*)
• Shirt Blank - You can get these anywhere, or use one you have at home. I get mine from Jiffy Shirts, Walmart, Costco, Michaels, etc.
• T-shirt Ruler Guide (not required, but helps) - like this one*
• Parchment paper or teflon sheet

Steps to Make Your Shirts

• Build a Ninja Transfers Gang Sheet on their website*. A gang sheet is a large sheet (you choose the size from the options), and you can add as many images that will fit.
• You upload your images and make sure they fit within the dimensions of the builder. You do not need to mirror your images. They will do that for you if needed. Make sure to use the formats they accept. PNG images with a DPI of at least 300 and a transparent backgrounds are best. 
• When you receive your transfers, cut the designs out to separate them.
• Preheat your heat press.
• Place your shirt blank on the pad and use a lint roller to remove any fuzz.
• Preheat the shirt (press for 3-5 seconds) to remove moisture.
• Place the t-shirt wherever you want the design to be. I place mine under the collar, in the middle of the shirt.
• Find the middle of your design transfer, and fold in half to find the middle. Gently crease the top and bottom of the transfer sheet (the empty spaces - not where your design is)
• Place the design facing upward, and align it underneath the t-shirt ruler.
• Remove the t-shirt ruler. Do not press the ruler. It will melt and ruin your heat press.
• Place parchment paper/teflon sheet over the design.
• Press the shirt with your heat press. For the HTVRont Auto Heat Press*, I press at 320 F for 30 seconds. 
• Let the transfer cool down completely. 
• Gently peel back the clear transfer sheet. Your design should be completely set on the t-shirt. 
• (Optional step) - Place parchment paper/teflon sheet on top of the design and press again for 10 seconds or so to remove shine/seal.
• Do not wash for at least 24 hours.
• Turn inside out and wash with your normal laundry load.

Additional Tips for Making Full Color Shirts Without Vinyl

If you are going to be selling your shirts, ensure that you are using properly licensed artwork, fonts, and elements. You cannot just save images from the internet and use them. The original creators can take legal action if their work is used without permission. 

Have a shirt blank that you use for testers. This way you are not wasting blanks.

If it is not financially possible to stock shirts, use a preorder system with a turnaround time of a couple of weeks (choose a timeframe that works best for you). This will give you time to receive orders, place orders for the supplies, make them, and ship them out. 

You can also use a crowdfunding system (Kickstarter, Patreon, etc.) to pre-fund your project. 

I hope you found this blog post about How to Make Full Color Shirts Without Vinyl useful, and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or send me a message.