If you’re searching for DTF transfers near St. Cloud or UV DTF prints in Minnesota, you might be wondering which option is right for your project. Maybe you have a project and you stumbled across our page. Don't worry we are here to help you out. At Fuzzy Loon Designs here in Waite Park, we print both DTF and UV DTF in-house and while they sound similar, they’re used for totally different things.
Choosing the wrong one can lead to frustration (like the customer who ordered DTF for decorative glass bottles… then discovered he needed UV DTF instead 😅).
Here’s a simple, friendly guide to help you choose the right transfer the first time.
What Is DTF?
DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers are made for fabric and apparel.
Best for:
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T-shirts
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Hoodies
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Crewnecks
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Bags & fabric accessories
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Sweatpants
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Kids’ apparel
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Craft show tees
- Really, any soft fabrics
Why people love DTF:
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Bright, vibrant color
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Works on cotton, poly, triblends, and more
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Soft feel
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Durable wash life
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Great for small businesses & boutiques or anyone just wanting to craft
If you’re printing clothing or soft goods, DTF is the right choice.
What Is UV DTF?
UV DTF transfers are made for hard surfaces, not fabric.
These are printed with UV-cured ink and come on a permanent adhesive decal — like a super-durable sticker.
Best for:
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Glass cups
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Tumblers
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Stainless bottles
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Acrylic
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Plastic
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Wood
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Laptops
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Home décor pieces
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Small business product labels
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Event favors, or any hard smooth surface
UV DTF is not for shirts. It won’t heat press, it’s a peel-and-stick transfer for rigid items with a strong permanent adhesive.
Quick Comparison: DTF vs. UV DTF
| Feature | DTF | UV DTF |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Shirts + Fabric | Hard Goods (cups, tumblers, signs) |
| Application Method | Heat Press | Peel & Stick |
| Surface Compatibility | Soft Goods Only | Hard, Smooth Surfaces |
| Durability | High | High (Not dishwasher safe) |
| Local Pickup at Fuzzy Loon | Yes | Yes |
| Great For | Apparel, Crafting | Tumblers, Glass, Gifts |
Why Choosing the Right Transfer Matters
We see this all the time, someone has a cool idea, Googles “stickers near me” or “DTF near me,” and picks the wrong transfer without realizing it.
Like our recent customer who created decorative glass gaming bottles:
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He ordered DTF (for shirts)
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Picked it up and realized it wont stick to glass
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He reordered the same design as UV DTF
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Boom, perfect results
This is super common, which is why we recommend choosing based on the surface, not the design.
How to Know Which One You Need in 10 Seconds
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If it’s soft and wearable → DTF
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If it’s hard and smooth → UV DTF
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If you’re still unsure → Call us or stop in
We print both options right here in Waite Park and offer local pickup for the St. Cloud area.
Local Pickup Makes a Difference
If you’re a:
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Small business
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Crafter
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Boutique
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Maker
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Teacher
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Event planner
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DIY creator
…you don’t have time to wait for shipping delays.
That’s why we offer local pickup on all DTF and UV DTF orders during store hours. Order online → pick up in Waite Park → done.
Which One Should You Order Today?
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DTF if you’re making apparel or fabric items
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UV DTF if you’re decorating hard goods like cups, bottles, or gifts
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Not sure? 90% of customers who ask us get the answer in under 30 seconds
You can order both directly on our website or stop by our gift shop if you want to see samples in person.
Final Word: Use the Right Transfer for the Right Surface
DTF and UV DTF are both fantastic tools, but they’re not interchangeable.
Choosing the right one means:
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Better results
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Less frustration
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No reordering
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No wasted blanks
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No guessing
Whether you’re a local maker or a hobby crafter, we’re here to help you get it right.
📍 Fuzzy Loon Designs — Waite Park, MN
Your local source for DTF, UV DTF, custom stickers, and unique gifts.