DTF ink, also known as direct-to-film inks, are designed for DTF printing. DTF inks contain a polymer that helps the ink adhere to the transfer film and is primarily made of pigments or dyes, resins, and other additives.
DTF ink is water-based formulations that perform best in specific Epson printheads: L1800, 8550, XP-15000is, DX5, DX7, XP600, 4720, and i3200.
What Is DTF Ink Made Of?
DTF inks are usually water-based and consist of pigments or dyes, resins, dispersants, viscosity additives, humectants, and eco-additives that work together to provide optimum printing results.
What ink do you use for DTF printing?
DTF printing uses different types of DTF inks depending on the requirements. Common DTF ink types are as follows:
- CMYK Inks: These are the primary colors used in most DTF printers; these colors can be mixed in varying proportions to reproduce almost all visible colors.
- White Ink: Usually used as a base coat on dark or tinted fabrics, this acts as a canvas on which other colors can be applied, allowing vivid color reproduction on dark fabrics.
- UV DTF Inks: These inks cure quickly under UV light and are used to print crystal stickers and logos. Vibrant colors, outstanding detail, strong adhesion, and long-lasting prints.
- Water-based DTF inks: These inks are made primarily from water-soluble ingredients, which makes them environmentally friendly and easy to clean. However, the drying time is longer.
- Dye-based DTF inks: If you’re looking for highly saturated inks, then dye-based inks are the right choice.
- Solvent-based DTF inks: For applications that require high-resolution designs, delicate details, and crisp lines, solvent-based DTF inks may be the solution.
- Special DTF inks: Special DTF inks go beyond standard CMYKW colors to offer more creative possibilities. These include metallic, Fluorescent DTF Ink, and even transparent inks for special effects.
How does DTF ink work?
Necessary equipment and consumables
- DTF Printer
- Automatic Powder Shaker
- Curing Oven
- Heat Press Machine
- DTF Ink
- DTF Transfer Film
- DTF Powder
- RIP Printing Software
- Substrate (material to be printed)
Working steps of DTF ink
- Design: Create an image using design software.
- Printing: The image is printed onto the DTF film using DTF ink.
- Powder Coating: Apply adhesive powder to the wet ink using a dibbler.
- Curing: The film is heated in an oven to cure the powder.
- Transfer: Use a heat press to transfer the design onto the fabric.
- Peel：Wait for the temperature to cool down, then peel off the transfer film to complete the product.
For a detailed step-by-step guide, Please read “What is DTF printing?”
Pros and cons of DTF Ink
Compared with other inks, DTF ink also has pros and cons, as follows:
Pros Of DTF Ink
- High-quality prints: vibrant colors, rich details, and high reproduction.
- High compatibility: Suitable for various fabrics, including cotton and polyester.
- Durable: Washable and abrasion-resistant, with no color fading after 60 washes.
- Simple operation: No pre-processing is required, simplifying the process compared to DTG printing.
- Cost-effective: Suitable for customized small orders and large-scale batch production.
- Flexible design: Complex multi-color designs are possible.
- Environmentally friendly: environmentally friendly, depending on the inks and powders used.
Cons Of DTF Ink
- Complex process: Multiple steps are required, including powder application and heat pressing.
- Special equipment required: Specific printers and heat presses are needed.
- Powder handling: It may be dirty and requires careful handling.
- Fabric feel: Transferred fabrics may not have a natural feel compared to direct printing methods.
- Environmental Concerns: There may be environmental impacts depending on the ink and powder.
Applications Of DTF Ink
The versatility of DTF ink makes it widely used in various fields, including the following:
- Customized Apparel: such as customized T-shirts, hoodies, sportswear, and other garments.
- Home decor: Printing of curtains, sofa covers, tablecloths, and other soft furnishings.
- Promotional products: hats, bags, and other merchandise with company logos or designs.
- Fashion accessories: for personalized prints on handbags, shoes, accessories, etc.
- Packaging industry: printer boxes, labels, signage, etc.
DTF ink is commonly used printers in
For Epson Printer
DTF Ink For Epson 8550 XP-15000 ET-8500 L1800 L805 XP-600 I3200 4720 1390 1430 5113 DX5 DX7 TX800 P400 P608 P640 P600 P700 P800 P900 R1800 R1900 R2000 R2400 4800 R3000 R3880 F2000 F2100 F2200 L18050 7890 7890 9890 7900 9900 P5000 P6000 P7000 P8000 P9000 I1600 Printer.
DTF Ink For Mimaki printers
DTF Ink For Mimaki TFX150-75 PHT50 TFX300-75 Printer.
How to choose DTF ink?
Evaluating ink quality
- Sample Test: Buy samples to test to determine color richness and abrasion resistance.
- Wash prints test: To ensure inks remain vibrant after multiple washes.
- Compatibility test with printers: To confirm that the ink flows smoothly and consistently through the DTF printer.
- Compatibility test with other consumables: Confirms ink compatibility with different fabrics and DTF transfer films.
Cost Considerations
- Compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deal.
- Consider shipping costs and delivery times.
- Buying in bulk can reduce purchasing costs.
- Look for discounts on large orders or bundle deals.
How to Buy DTF Ink？
- Choose from e-commerce platforms (e.g. Amazon, eBay etc.) and specialist ink suppliers such as Winnerjet.
- Visit your local printing supply or craft shop for personalized advice and see the products yourself.
- Check vendor shop displays and customer feedback.
- Make sure they offer plan support and return polici
Winnerjet, as an ink manufacturing factory, has a sizeable hight quantity of DTF ink in stock at affordable wholesale prices and fast shipping; you are welcome to contact us for a quote!
DTF Ink Storage And Use Tips
- Temperature: Store between 15-25°C (59-77°F) to maintain ink quality.
- Humidity: Store in a dry environment to prevent ink deterioration.
- Seal the container: Ensure the ink bottle is sealed when not used.
- Keep away from light: Store in a dark place and avoid direct sunlight.
- Shake well: Shake gently before use to ensure even pigment distribution.
- Expiry date: Check and observe the expiry date for optimum performance.
Conclusion
DTF transfer printing has changed the market of custom apparel printing.DTF ink is designed for DTF printing. It works on different fabrics, presenting vivid colors and detailed designs. The best part is that no complicated pre-processing is required, making printing faster.
Winnerjet is committed to providing customers with DTF printing solutions. We have won the trust and cooperation of more than 5,000 companies with high-quality inks and reasonable prices. Please feel free to contact us for a quote to start your business!
FAQS
Is Sublimation Ink and DTF Ink the Same?
DTF ink and sublimation ink are not the same, although they do have some similarities. DTF ink uses an adhesive to attach the design to the product, while sublimation ink bonds the ink to the fabric at a molecular level.
Can I use DTF ink on an Epson printer?
Yes, you can use DTF inks on Epson printers with some modifications. Often, you will need to convert your printer to use DTF inks, which may require compatible cartridges or a Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) designed for DTF inks. It is essential to ensure that the printer model is suitable for the conversion and that specific guidelines are followed to avoid damage.
How do I set the white DTF ink in my printer?
Check Compatibility: Ensure that your printer is compatible with DTF ink and has been converted for use with DTF.
Install White Cartridge: Insert the white cartridge or connect a continuous ink supply system (CISS) for white ink.
Shake the ink: Gently shake the white cartridge to ensure proper mixing, as white ink tends to settle.
You can load ink correctly: follow the manufacturer’s instructions for loading ink into the printer.
Run a test print: Perform a nozzle check to ensure the white ink flows appropriately.
Adjust Printer Settings: Configure the printer software to use white ink and set it to print primed when required.
How long does dtf ink last？
When stored properly, DTF inks typically have a life expectancy of 1 year.
Is DTF ink water-based？
Yes, DTF ink is generally water-based. This makes it suitable for vibrant prints and provides good fabric washability and durability.
