DTF (Direct to Film)

What is DTF?

DTF is a technique used to print a design directly onto a film, and then transferring the image to clothing or other textiles. Unlike sublimation, DTF does not have any restrictions on the type of textiles to print onto, nor the colour of the textile. For example, transfers can be placed on cotton, silk, synthetics, and the colours can be either light, dark, or anything in between.

There are three essential components required for DTF printing:

Ink: DTF inks are specially formulated to provide colour vibrancy and transfer flexibility on textiles.

PET film: PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, which is a type of polyester. The PET film acts as the "carrier" of ink; a specialized surface that can hold the high-quality ink and adhesive (glue) for the DTF process.

Hot Melt Powder: is applied to the ink on the PET film while it is still wet. The hot melt powder (glue) is then melted to the image in a DTF curing oven. This process prepares the transfer for placing the image onto the textile.

How it works

An image is created in a design software program. The image can be saved in various formats. Each DTF printer brand will have its own software and preferred format for saving images. These can be pdf, eps, jpeg, svg, png, and many other formats.

Once the image is printed onto the film, adhesive is added and cured, the image is ready to be transferred onto the textile.

Heat-presses are used for transferring the image. Home irons are not suitable, as it is challenging to achieve the correct pressure and temperature needed for clean transfers.

The heat-press activates the adhesive, allowing the image to bond to the textile. Once heat-press process is completed, the carrier sheet is removed, revealing the finished transfer.

DTF prints are not "iron-on transfers".

Applying DTF Prints

Preparation: use a lint roller to remove any unwanted fibers from the textile. Place your textile or shirt onto the heat press. Perform a pre-press to make sure any moisture is removed from the textile. This is often a 6-second press.

Set your heat press to the desired temperature, pressure and time.

Application: position the transfer onto the textile, placing the image face down against the textile, making sure you align it correctly. For caps and other odd-shaped textiles, using heat-resistant tape to hold the transfer carrier in place might be needed.

Pressing: Close the heat press onto the transfer, applying heat and pressure for the desired time. Generally, heat presses will be set to medium pressure, temperature of 120-140°C, for approximately 15 to 20 seconds.

Remove Carrier Sheet: most DTF will be hot peel, although some will be cool peel. Gently remove the carrier sheet, peeling from one corner to the opposite side. The image should now be transferred to the textile.

Transfer is now complete.

Common Mistakes

When DTF transfers do not adhere properly, it is more often user error, than "the machine" playing up.

Creases or Moisture in Textile: Preheating the textile before transfer application can help alleviate issues of the transfer lifting. It ensures a smooth surface for optimal results.

Transfer Not Releasing: Temperature, time and pressure can all play a part in the transfer not releasing properly. Take time to make sure each of these settings are correct.

Incorrect Temperature: If the temperature is too high, the transfer might get damaged or burn. If the temperature is too low, the transfer will not adhere properly and may lift.

Not Enough Pressure: Too little, or uneven pressure can cause the design to partially lift, or not adhere correctly.

Timing Is Out: If the DTF print is not heated for long enough, the design will not adhere evenly, causing it to lift, or burn.

Impatient Carrier Removal: Removing the carrier sheet too soon can cause the image to lift and distort. Removing the carrier sheet too late can cause it to stick, making it challenging to remove. If this happens, you may need to reheat for a few seconds. Remember too much heating can cause your transfer to burn, or the image to prematurely crack and peel.