Correctly using DTF Transfer Film is a prerequisite for ensuring high-quality prints on a wide range of textiles. Follow our guidelines for correctly using DTF transfer films to get your desired print quality!
What is dtf transfer film？
DTF transfer films are made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a polyester film specially designed for DTF printing. A design is printed onto the transfer film, then heat is transferred onto various substrates, especially textiles.
DTF Transfer Film User Guide
Other equipment and materials
Steps for using DTF transfer film
- Preparing your design
- Use the design software to create a print pattern and save the pattern in a high-resolution format (such as PNG or TIFF).
- Colors and layouts can be adjusted according to the color and type of printed fabric to ensure the pattern is highly reproducible.
2. Cutting DTF film
- Cut the DTF transfer film to match the size of your printer to ensure that it will fit your printer.
3. Loading DTF Film
- Insert the film into the DTF printer with the adhesive side facing up.
- If you have a roll film printer, place the film onto the roll holder and align it to the film channel.
- If you have a sheet film printer, you must place the film into the film feeder, aligning the film feed channel.
4. Start Printing
- Through the printer’s setup software, it is set to print at high resolution and with high color accuracy. Then, print your design using DTF inks for vibrant colors and crisp details!
5. Applying DTF Powder
- The printed pattern is partially covered with a thin layer of DTF hot melt adhesive powder before the ink dries on the transfer film.
- Gently shake the transfer film so the DTF powder evenly covers the entire pattern, then shake off the excess powder.
- Roll film printers usually have a matching shaker powder machine, which covers the powder automatically and quickly and shakes off the powder more evenly.
6. Curing hot melt powder
- Use a curing oven or hot press to cure the adhesive powder for about 60 seconds at a temperature of about 160°C (320°F). A dedicated curing oven is recommended for safety and efficiency.
7. Prepare blank fabric
- Ensure that the surface of the blank fabric is clean and free of wrinkles and that the part to be transferred can be preheated with a heat press to flatten it.
8. Transferring Patterns
- Preheat the heat press to approximately 160°C (320°F) and pre-press the fabric for approximately 10 seconds.
- Place the cured DTF transfer film on the fabric blank, ensuring it is centered.
- Press with medium pressure for approx. 15 seconds.
9. Tear off the film
- Please wait until it has cooled down a little before peeling off the film while it is still hot. Remove the film from the pattern at an angle, moving quickly and smoothly to avoid leaving marks on the pattern.
- If you use a hot peel film, you can peel the film immediately after the heat press transfer.
- If you use a cold tear film after the hot press transfer, you must set the fabric aside, wait for the temperature to cool down, and then tear the film.
10. Checking the artwork
- Carefully inspect your transfer for imperfections to ensure the pattern is correctly adhered to the fabric.
You can also watch the video below to learn more about the use of DTF transfer film.
Having learned how to use DTF transfer film, you can continue following us to realize the benefits.
Benefits of DTF transfer film
1. High print quality
- DTF prints are vibrant in color and rich in detail. Multi-color patterns and complex graphics can be printed, offering great possibilities for custom creations.
2. Compatible with a wide range of materials
- DTF transfer film suits various materials, including cotton, polyester, nylon, treated leather, etc.
- DTF transfer can also be applied to hard surfaces such as wood, ceramics, glass, and metal.
3. No pretreatment required
- Unlike direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which usually requires fabric pretreatment with a pretreatment solution to ensure ink adhesion, DTF printing applies hot-melt adhesive directly to the material, improving efficiency and saving costs.
4. Low ink costs
- Compared to DTG printing, DTF printing uses significantly less white ink – about 40% versus 200%. White ink is probably one of the most expensive printing components, so there are significant cost savings.
5. Durability and washability
- DTF printing is known for its durability. The transfer film is flexible and does not crack or peel easily, and even after multiple washings, the colors do not fade significantly.
6. Simple operation
- The DTF transfer process is as simple as adding a heat transfer film and pressing it onto the fabric surface to complete the design.
- This ease of application allows the user to sell the finished transfer directly to the customer, who only needs the heat press to complete the design.
7. Reduced errors
- Since the pattern is printed on the transfer film first, any error during printing will only affect the transfer film and not the garment itself. This reduces material wastage and financial losses caused by damage to the garment.
People Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use DTG inks to print on DTF Transfer film?
No. DTF films require specialized DTF inks. Using DTG inks on DTF film will cause the ink to flow and mix, resulting in poor print quality.
How much does it cost to print an A3 sheet using DTF?
Printing a sheet of A3 film in full coverage is approximately $1.21, depending on the materials and inks used.
Do I need special software for DTF printing?
You will need RIP software to print white and colored ink layers and adjust the settings to avoid a thin white outline around the pattern.
Can I store DTF transfer patterns for later use?
Yes, printing popular designs in advance and storing them safely minimizes stock space and ensures that best-selling designs are always available.
How does DTF printing feel compared to other methods?
The feel of a DTF print depends on the type of powder used and the thickness of the ink layer. High-quality soft and flexible powders have a better sense than traditional vinyl, although they may not be as smooth as DTG printing.
Conclusion
By following our simple guide, you can master the art of using DTF films to create enviable customized products that will equally expand your reach and help your business.
