If you want to print on T-shirts, pillows, or handbags with bright colors, DTF Ink is your best choice. Fasten your seatbelt and explore the charm of DTF Ink with us.
What Is DTF Ink？
DTF inks, also known as direct-to-film inks, print a pattern on DTF film media and then add a heat transfer film to transfer the image onto a substrate such as textiles, resulting in a bright, long-lasting pattern with vibrant colors..
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.
The main DTF ink types
- 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.
DTF ink VS DTG ink VS Sublimation Ink
DTF Ink, DTG Ink, and Sublimation Ink vary as essential methods of textile printing; please take a look at our comparisons to choose the best ink for your business.
| Feature | DTF Ink | DTG Ink | Sublimation Ink |
| Print Quality | Vibrant, detailed | High-quality, vibrant colors | Bright, vivid images. |
| Compatible Materials | Various fabrics, including cotton and polyester | Primarily cotton and cotton blends | Polyester fabrics and polymer-coated items |
| Durability | High washability, wear-resistant | Good durability, especially after heat setting | Permanent, fade-resistant |
| Application | Apparel, textiles, complex designs | Apparel, especially T-shirts | Apparel, mugs, hard surfaces |
| Printing Process | Print on film, apply powder, heat press | Print directly on the garment requires pre-treatment | Print on paper, heat press onto substrate |
| Setup Requirements | Requires film, powder, heat press | Requires pre-treatment, printer, heat press | Requires sublimation printer, paper, heat press |
| Colour Range | Wide color gamut | Wide color gamut | Wide color gamut |
| Cost | Moderate | Moderate to high | Moderate to high |
| Order Size | Suitable for small to large orders | Ideal for small to medium orders | Best for medium to large orders |
| Environmental Impact | Generally eco-friendly, depends on inks/powders used | Varies, depending on the type of ink | Eco-friendly with water-based inks |
How does DTF ink work?
Necessary equipment and consumables
- DTF Printer
- Automatic Powder Shaker Machine
- Curing Oven
- Heat Press Machine
- DTF Ink
- DTF Transfer Film
- DTF Powder
- Substrate (material to be printed)
Steps In Working With 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.
Strengths 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.
Weaknesses 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.
Application Of DTF Ink
- 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.
Printers suitable for DTF inks
For Epson retrofit DTF printers, here are some specific models
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.
For Mimaki DTF 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 inks are revolutionizing the printing industry with their ability to produce vibrant, long-lasting print results on various materials. DTF inks will become increasingly popular as technology advances, providing businesses with more innovative solutions. Winnerjet is dedicated to developing and producing inks that offer printing solutions for our customers. We have earned the trust and cooperation of over 5,000 businesses with our high-quality inks and reasonable prices. Feel free to contact us for a quote to start your business!
FAQS
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.
