Printing unique designs with DTF PET Film is a very popular way to do this. You may be wondering what is DTF and how is DTF Film used? Why is it so popular? In this article we will discuss how to use DTF PET Film.
After reading this article, you will learn:
What is Direct to Film or DTF?
DTF, can be thought of as a combination of direct to garment or transfer printing like inkjet printing and thermal sublimation.
Or, as a sublimation style transfer print, but with the additional step of adding a "fusing powder" so the transfer can be applied to dark polyester, cotton, etc.
Benefits of using DTF Film
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Suitable for a wide range of materials
While direct-to-garment printing works best on 100% cotton, DTF is suitable for many different garment materials: cotton, nylon, treated leather, polyester, 50/50 blends, and light and dark fabrics. Transfers can even be applied to different types of surfaces, such as luggage, shoes, and even glass, wood and metal! You can expand your inventory by using DTF to apply your designs to a variety of items.
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No pre-processing required
If you already have a DTG printer, you are probably familiar with the pre-processing process (not to mention the drying time). The hot-melt capability applied to the DTF bonds the print directly to the material, which means no pre-processing is required!
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Use less white ink
DTF requires less white ink - about 40% white, while DTG printing requires 200% white. White ink tends to be the most expensive because it is used more, so reducing the amount of white ink used for printing can save a lot of money.
More durable than DTG printing
DTG prints undeniably have a soft, almost hand-free feel because the ink is applied directly to the garment. While DTF prints do not have the soft feel that DTG boasts, transfers are more durable. Direct transfers to film wash well and are flexible - which means they won't crack or peel, perfect for heavy use items.
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Easy to design
DTF transfers on means you can place designs on hard-to-reach or awkward surfaces. If the area can be heated, you can apply a DTF design to it! Because only heat is needed to adhere the design, you can even sell your print transfer directly to your customers and allow them to ease the design onto any surface or item they choose without the need for special equipment!
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Faster Production Process
Because you can eliminate the steps of pre-treating and drying garments, you can significantly reduce production time. This is great news for one-off or small batch orders that are traditionally unprofitable.
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Help make your inventory more diverse
While it may not be feasible to print a large number of the most popular designs on every size or color of garment, with DTF printing, you can print popular designs ahead of time and use very little space for storage. Then, you can always have your best sellers ready to apply to any garment as needed!
Disadvantages of DTF printing
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Full-size printing is not as good as direct-to-garment (DTG) printing.
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Different hand feel compared to direct-to-garment (DTG) printing.
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Safety equipment (protective glasses, face shield and gloves) must be worn when using DTF products.
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DTF adhesive powder must be kept in a dry environment. High humidity can cause quality problems.
How do I use DTF Film for transferring?
Step 1: Print on the Film
Insert the PET Film into the printer tray.
Click Print.
The inkjet printer will "Print directly to Film", transferring the image to your PET Film.
When removing the print from the tray, be careful not to smudge the print!
Step 2: Apply the powder
This step is to apply DTF powder to the film on which the image is printed.
You must apply the powder while the print is still wet!
Make sure to apply the powder evenly.
Typically, you would place a tray next to the printer, sprinkle the powder on the roll of paper, and swing it back and forth until it covers the wet ink. Then carefully shake off the excess.
Or, you can use an automatic shaker available for busy custom t-shirt stores.
Step 3: Melt the powder
As the description indicates, your next step is to actually melt the powder into place.
The most common method is to place the direct transfer DTF transfer film into the oven for about 2 minutes.
Or, if you are already in the business of making custom t-shirts with DTG or vinyl or white toner printer transfers, you can use a heat press. Just make sure you hover without applying any pressure. Or the top of the media is not in contact with the transfer at all.
There is no intentional curing time and temperature for DTF transfers. Better check with the DTF film manufacturer!
Step 4: Pre-press the material
Of course, it does not have to be a T-shirt. However, whether you are applying a DTF transfer, a sublimation transfer, or any other transfer method, it should be completely smooth. Any wrinkles will appear on the print!
Perhaps more importantly, it will completely dry the material. You'd be surprised how much moisture the fabric can absorb from the moisture in the air, which can affect print quality.
Step 5: Apply DTF Transfer
The PET film with the image and molten powder is placed on the pre-pressed material in the heat press. You will then heat press the transfer material onto the shirt as you would anything else, following the current manufacturer's instructions.
Unlike throwing a screen printed shirt into a tunnel dryer, this process is usually recommended to take less than 30 minutes.
Step 6: Peel DTF Transfers
Most DTF Films can be cold peeled, but hot peeled films are also available.
Therefore, after hot pressing onto the shirt, set it aside until the fabric and transfer material have cooled completely.
If you are making a series of shirts, you can press them down one after the other, glassing them depending on the type of DTF Film used. The cooled hot melt acts as a binder, binding the colored pigments in the ink to the fibers of the fabric.
Final Thoughts
DTF transfers are always this exciting, and using higher quality DTF supplies can be just as good for your t-shirts. If you are looking for the right DTF PET Film, or DTF powder, you can contact us, or check out our product list.
Further reading
Top 10 Sublimation Paper Manufacturers in China
DTF vs. screen printing transfer: which one is right for you
