What is DTF Printing and Why is Nairobi Embracing It?
DTF (Direct to Film) printing has taken the garment decoration industry by storm across East Africa. Unlike traditional screen printing — which requires separate screens per colour and high minimum orders — DTF printing produces full-colour, photographic-quality transfers on PET film, which are then heat-pressed onto virtually any fabric. The result: vibrant, durable prints with no minimum order and zero setup fees.
At Luna Graphics, we operate industrial-grade DTF printers in Nairobi's CBD, serving corporate clients, political campaigns, NGOs, event organisers, and individual customers who need anything from one T-shirt to 10,000 branded garments.
How DTF Printing Works: Step by Step
The DTF process involves four key steps:
- Print: Your design is printed in CMYK + white ink onto a special PET film using a DTF printer.
- Powder: Hot-melt adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink while still on the film.
- Cure: The film is passed through a curing oven to bond the powder to the ink.
- Press: The finished transfer is heat-pressed onto your garment at 160°C for 15 seconds, bonding permanently to the fabric fibres.
The entire process from artwork approval to finished garment takes as little as 2 hours for small quantities.
DTF vs Screen Printing vs Sublimation: Which is Right for You?
| Factor | DTF Printing | Screen Printing | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Order | No minimum | 12–24 pieces typically | 1 piece |
| Setup Cost | None | KES 500–2,000 per colour | None |
| Fabric Types | Any fabric | Most fabrics | 100% polyester only |
| Colour Limit | Unlimited | Cost increases per colour | Unlimited |
| Best For | Short runs, complex designs | Large runs, simple designs | Sportswear, all-over prints |
| Wash Durability | 50+ washes | 100+ washes | Permanent |
| Print Feel | Slightly raised, soft | Flat, embedded | Smooth, part of fabric |
| Price per piece (50 pcs) | KES 120–150 | KES 80–100 | KES 400–800 |
What Fabrics Work with DTF Printing?
One of DTF printing's biggest advantages is its compatibility with virtually any fabric type:
- 100% Cotton — the most popular choice for T-shirts
- 100% Polyester — jerseys, sportswear
- Cotton/Polyester blends — most corporate polo shirts
- Nylon — jackets, bags
- Denim — jeans, jackets
- Canvas — tote bags, aprons
- Leather and faux leather
The only fabrics DTF does NOT work well on are heat-sensitive materials like nylon at very high temperatures, and waterproof/treated fabrics that prevent adhesion.
DTF Printing Prices in Nairobi (2024)
At Luna Graphics, our DTF pricing is transparent and competitive:
| Quantity | Transfer Size | Price per Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 pieces | Up to A4 | KES 200 each |
| 5–20 pieces | Up to A4 | KES 150 each |
| 21–100 pieces | Up to A4 | KES 120 each |
| 100+ pieces | Up to A4 | KES 90 each |
| A3 size | Any quantity | Add KES 50 per transfer |
Prices above are for the DTF transfer only. Garments supplied separately or sourced from us at cost price.
Common DTF Applications We Handle in Nairobi
Corporate branded T-shirts: Company logos, staff names, and department branding on any quantity of polo shirts or T-shirts — popular with NGOs, government agencies, and private companies.
Political campaign merchandise: Face prints, party colours, and candidate branding on T-shirts, vests, and caps. We handle both short pre-launch runs and bulk election-day quantities.
Event merchandise: Conference T-shirts, team-building branded shirts, marathon jerseys — DTF is ideal because you can print specific sizes and quantities without waste.
School and sports kits: Numbered and named sports jerseys, school house colours, tournament kits.
Promotional gifts: Branded bags, caps, and garments for corporate gifting and trade show giveaways.
How to Get a DTF Print Quote in Nairobi
Getting a quote from Luna Graphics is simple. WhatsApp us at +254 791 159 618 with your design file (PNG with transparent background preferred), the quantity you need, and the garment type. We will respond with pricing and turnaround time within the hour during business hours.
Walk-in customers are welcome at our Kweria Road, Nairobi CBD office Monday–Friday 8AM–6PM and Saturday 9AM–2PM.
Ready to print? Explore our services:
- DTF Printing Nairobi — No minimum, same-day available
- T-Shirt & Garment Printing — Bulk & corporate orders
- Sublimation Printing — For polyester & all-over prints
Written by Luna Graphics Team
Print Specialists
Professional contributor at Luna Graphics specializing in printing and branding solutions.
