How accurate are DFT printed colours?

DFT (Direct-Film-Transfer) printing uses digital CMYK colour technology, which allows for vibrant, full-colour designs, smooth gradients, and rich shading. It’s capable of reproducing incredibly detailed and colourful artwork, but like all CMYK-based systems, it does have some limitations compared to spot ink mixing methods like screen printing.

Because DFT relies on a digital colour profile, exact matches to Pantone or brand-specific colours aren’t always guaranteed. Even after colour calibration, each DFT printer and brand has a slightly different colour profile, which means the same file can print with minor variations from one machine to another. Additionally, CMYK ink (physical print process) doesn’t display exactly the same way as RGB (computer screen colour), so what you see on your monitor may look slightly different when printed on fabric.

We calibrate our printers regularly to maintain consistency and strong visual accuracy, but it’s important to note that files will be printed as provided unless colour matching is specifically requested. If your design requires a high level of brand or Pantone accuracy, such as corporate colours or strict brand guidelines, please flag this early with your account executive so we can adjust your setup accordingly.

For clients where exact colour control is critical, screen printing with Pantone-matched inks remains the most colour-accurate option. But for the majority of full-colour and detailed artwork, DFT delivers bold, vibrant prints that look true to your design and stand out beautifully on the final garment.