Mixing these up creates refunds. Textile DTF is for fabric. UV DTF is for hard goods. Your product pages, staff scripts, and builder upload rules should say that plainly.
Textile DTF in one paragraph
Textile DTF transfers bond to shirts, hoodies, hats, and blends through heat press. The film carries ink and adhesive meant to flex with fabric. Gang sheets and repeat customer uploads live here.
UV DTF in one paragraph
UV DTF uses a different adhesive stack for smooth surfaces: glass, mugs, metal, acrylic, and packaging. No heat press on a hoodie. Customers expect a sticker-like application with strong grip on hard goods.
How to keep orders from crossing streams
Separate product types in Shopify. Label SKUs clearly. Train support to ask what surface the customer is decorating before quoting. Sample both workflows before you market UV DTF alongside apparel DTF.
Use our DTF supplier checklist before you add a new film type