DIRECT-TO-FILM (DTF) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a modern printing method that involves transferring designs directly onto a film, which is then used to transfer the design onto various substrates such as garments, textiles, and more. It is similar to other printing methods like Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing but involves an intermediate step of printing onto a film rather than directly onto the substrate.

In DTF printing, a special printer is used to print the desired design onto a transparent film using eco-solvent or UV-curable inks. Once the design is printed, it is transferred onto a special adhesive-coated film, creating a transfer film with the mirrored image of the design. You then apply a powder onto the back side of the film and shake off the excess either manually or using an automatic powder shaker. The final design is then 'cured' inside an oven This transfer film is then applied to the desired substrate using a heat press machine, where the heat and pressure activate the adhesive, transferring the design onto the substrate.

DTF printing is versatile and can be utilized on a wide array of materials, including cotton fabrics, denim, synthetic leather, polyester, and nylon, which are among the most frequently used substrates. Additionally, DTF printing can also be employed on PVC and genuine leather. This flexibility allows for its application across various products, including promotional items, hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, and sportswear.

- Versatility: DTF printing can be used on various substrates, including cotton, polyester, and blends, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. There are also a wide range of finishes on the film to give you glitter, holographic or even glow in the dark designs!

DTF printing is suitable for businesses of all sizes, including small startups and large enterprises, looking for a versatile and cost-effective printing solution. It is particularly popular in the apparel industry for producing customised garments, including t-shirts, hoodies, and more. If you're looking for high-quality prints with vibrant colours and fine details, DTF printing could be the right choice for your business.

Printing Process: Both methods involve specialized printers, but DTF printing requires an intermediate step of transferring the design onto a film before applying it to the substrate, while DTG printing directly prints onto the garment.

Washability for DTF prints varies depending on factors such as ink type, substrate material, and post-printing treatment. In general, DTF prints exhibit good wash resistance when proper printing techniques and quality materials are used. Eco-solvent and UV-curable inks commonly used in DTF printing offer durability against washing, with prints retaining their color and vibrancy through multiple wash cycles.

It's hard to say whether one printing technology is better than another as it totally depends on the designs created and substrates that need to be printed on. However, it is true that DTF printing can replicate many of the applications of vinyl with the added benefits of being able to do multiple colours at the same time, creating much more intricate and detailed designs as well as being able to do fades or blends in colour much better.

In order to start any printing business, there is always a cost of buying the new printer and consumables however if you are doing sublimation printing or laser transfer then you may already have items such as an oven or heat press already. After the cost of the hardware and consumables you will want to know what the cost-per-print would be.

Yes, absolutely. In fact when using an automatic powder shaker the excess powder that is not required falls to the bottom of the shaking machine and is then circulated to the top to be reused for the next design on the film. You can also reuse the powder that doesn't get used if you are doing a manual shaking of the powder on your design. That helps to keep the cost of your production and wasteage as low as possible adding to the attraction of DTF printing.

RIP (Raster Image Processor) software in DTF printing is a crucial tool that translates digital designs into printable formats for DTF printers. It optimizes the printing process by converting vector and raster images into printable data, ensuring accurate colour reproduction and fine detail. RIP software also allows users to adjust settings such as ink density, resolution, and colour profiles to achieve the desired print quality. It also facilitates workflow management, job queuing, and nesting, streamlining the printing process and maximizing efficiency. Overall, RIP software plays a vital role in ensuring high-quality and consistent DTF prints, making it an essential component of the DTF printing workflow.

This depends on the type of film and powder that you use however, generally DTF prints feel very similar to vinyl with a bit more softness. The print is quite elastic and is not easily distorted by movement of the substrate after printing. As it is a thicker layer that sits on top of the fabric it will not be as soft as DTG prints however it is still soft to the touch.

Yes white ink is very important for DTF printing. This is because it brightens any part of your design that requires white ink to make it clearer. Without white ink this part will appear dark or dull and will not be the perfect result that you need.