“DTF” covers two genuinely different products we produce — standard DTF patches and our newly launched Raised UV DTF patches. They look similar but behave very differently, so it’s worth understanding which one you’re actually ordering.
Standard DTF Patches
A standard DTF patch starts as a DTF (direct-to-film) sheet, transferred onto fabric, then cut into shape — often finished with an embroidered or merrow border for a clean edge. In terms of durability and care, it behaves very similarly to a sublimated/printed patch. It’s also very sensitive to heat — never iron directly on a DTF patch. Direct heat can damage the print and, in some cases, the garment underneath it as well. If a DTF patch ever needs reheating or reattaching, that should only be done indirectly, never with a hot iron pressed straight onto the design.
Raised UV DTF Patches (Newly Launched)
Raised UV DTF is a different process entirely. It comes as a film transfer, built on TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), which gives it a raised, glossy, slightly 3D texture instead of a flat printed surface. As a patch, it can be applied to fabric, leather, or PVC — a broader range of surfaces than standard fabric patches.
The TPU construction is what makes the durability difference: it holds up through 50+ wash cycles without fading or peeling, meaningfully more durable than standard DTF or sublimated prints. Unlike a dye-based print that gradually loses sharpness, TPU-based Raised UV DTF is built to resist both fading and edge peeling over repeated wear and washing.
Care Instructions
- Wash cold, inside out, gentle cycle — for both standard DTF and Raised UV DTF
- Never iron directly on either type — direct heat can damage the print and potentially the garment
- Avoid high-heat drying — use a low setting or air dry when possible
Which One Should You Choose?
If you need a patch that can go on non-fabric surfaces like leather or PVC, or you want maximum durability with a distinctive raised, glossy finish, Raised UV DTF is the stronger choice. For a standard fabric patch where sublimation-level detail is what matters most, standard DTF works well — just remember the heat sensitivity.
Getting Started
Send us your design and let us know what surface it’s going on, and we’ll recommend whether standard DTF or Raised UV DTF is the right fit. No minimum order, and a free digital mock-up within 24 hours.
