Are DFT prints shiny or matte?

Our standard DFT (Direct-Film-Transfer) prints have a finish with a slight sheen, designed to blend naturally with the fabric for a clean, modern look. The print's surface helps colours appear rich, consistent, and professional under most lighting conditions.

That said, some variation in sheen is normal, especially on darker garments or thicker materials like fleece, hoodies, or heavyweight cotton. Dark inks tend to reflect more light than lighter tones, which can create a slight satin or semi-gloss effect depending on the fabric texture. This is not a defect, it’s simply the way light interacts with the surface of the ink and fabric weave.

If you’re planning a tone-on-tone design (for example, black ink on a black hoodie or dark grey on charcoal), it’s important to know that this natural sheen difference will make the print more or less visible under certain lighting. It gives the design a subtle, dimensional effect rather than a fully matte or invisible look. For clients who want an ultra-flat finish, we can suggest alternate tones or finishes to achieve the desired level of contrast.

Overall, DFT delivers a balanced finish that looks premium across all fabric types, matte and modern in most lighting, with a slight sheen on darker colours that adds depth without looking glossy as some traditional plastisol screen prints.