UV DTF transfers are peel-and-stick decals for hard surfaces — glass tumblers, mugs, metal, acrylic, wood, plastic and phone cases. No heat press, no oven, no curing equipment. You peel, position, rub and remove the top film. That is the whole process.
They are the hard-surface counterpart to regular DTF: DTF transfers go on fabric with a heat press, UV DTF goes on everything that is not fabric, cold.
How UV DTF transfers work
- Clean the surface. Wipe with alcohol and let it dry completely — any grease or dust weakens the bond.
- Peel the backing. Separate the printed A film from its liner.
- Position the design. Place it on the object. On curved items like tumblers, start at one edge and roll it on.
- Burnish firmly. Rub the whole design with a squeegee, credit card or your thumb for 30–60 seconds.
- Remove the top film. Peel it back slowly at a sharp angle. Done — no heat, no cure time.
Hand wash decorated drinkware and avoid soaking or the dishwasher; that is what keeps a UV DTF wrap looking new.
UV DTF vs. regular DTF
- Surface. UV DTF bonds to hard, non-porous surfaces. Regular DTF bonds to fabric.
- Equipment. UV DTF needs nothing at all. Regular DTF needs a heat press.
- Finish. UV DTF has a slightly raised, glossy, textured feel. DTF on fabric is flat and soft.
- Durability. UV DTF is waterproof and scratch resistant with hand washing. DTF on fabric is tested past 50 machine washes.
What UV DTF is used for
- Tumblers and glass cups — 16 oz Libbey glasses, Stanley-style cups, wine glasses.
- Mugs — ceramic and enamel, without sublimation or a mug press.
- Phone cases, laptops and water bottles.
- Signage and packaging — logos on acrylic, wood, metal and glass storefronts.
- Small-business branding — labels and stickers that survive handling and moisture.
UV DTF prices
| Option | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| UV DTF ready-to-press wraps | Pre-made designs for 16 oz Libbey glass cups | $2.75 each |
| Custom UV DTF stickers | Your own artwork, cut to size | from $0.50 |
| UV DTF sticker gang sheets | Many stickers on one sheet — lowest cost per decal | from $14.90 |
No minimum order and no setup fee. Orders placed before 2 PM CST ship the same day from Dallas, TX.
Artwork requirements
Send a PNG with a transparent background at 300 DPI, sized to the final print dimensions. Very thin lines and small text below about 6 pt can lift during application, so keep strokes reasonably thick. Solid white areas print as white ink, so leave anything you want to show the surface underneath fully transparent.
UV DTF FAQ
Do I need a heat press?
No. UV DTF is applied cold. Peel, position, burnish, remove the top film.
Can I put UV DTF on a t-shirt?
No — it will not bond to fabric and will crack. Use regular DTF transfers for garments.
Are they dishwasher safe?
We recommend hand washing. Repeated dishwasher cycles will eventually lift the edges.
Will it work on a curved tumbler?
Yes. Apply from one edge and roll the film on gradually so no air gets trapped. Very tight curves may need the design split into sections.
What is a UV DTF gang sheet?
One sheet packed with as many of your sticker designs as will fit. You pay for the sheet, not per sticker — the cheapest way to order in volume.
Can I remove it later?
Yes, with heat from a hair dryer and patience, though the decal itself will not survive removal.