DTF Sheets

DTF prints, or Direct to Film prints, are a type of digital printing used to transfer designs onto various materials, most commonly fabrics. Here's a breakdown of what they are and how they work:

The DTF Printing Process:

  1. Design Printing: The design is digitally printed onto a special PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) film using specialized water-based DTF inks. These printers typically use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) inks, and importantly, white ink. The white ink layer is often printed as a base or underlayer, especially when printing on dark or colored fabrics, to ensure the colors of the design are vibrant and accurate.
  2. Powder Application: After printing, a special adhesive powder (usually polyurethane-based) is applied evenly over the wet ink on the film. This powder acts as the bonding agent that will adhere the ink to the fabric.
  3. Powder Curing: The film with the adhesive powder is then heated (cured) using a heat press or a curing oven. This melts the adhesive powder and fuses it to the ink, creating a DTF transfer.
  4. Heat Transfer to Fabric: The DTF transfer film is then placed onto the desired fabric or substrate. A heat press is used to apply heat and pressure, which transfers the design (ink and melted adhesive) from the film onto the material.
  5. Film Removal: Once the heat pressing is complete and the transfer has cooled slightly (depending on the type of film - hot peel or cold peel), the PET film is peeled away, leaving the printed design adhered to the fabric.

Key Characteristics and Advantages of DTF Prints:

  • Versatility: DTF can be used on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and even some treated leather. It works well on both light and dark-colored garments.
  • Durability and Washability: DTF prints are known for their good durability and resistance to washing and wear. The prints are generally elastic and less prone to cracking compared to some other transfer methods.
  • High-Quality Prints: DTF can produce detailed and vibrant, full-color designs, including those with fine lines and intricate details.
  • No Pre-treatment Required (Generally): Unlike Direct to Garment (DTG) printing, which often requires pre-treating garments, DTF typically does not, saving time and cost.
  • Cost-Effective for Small to Medium Runs: DTF can be more cost-effective than screen printing for smaller quantities and complex designs with many colors.
  • Flexibility in Design: There are generally no restrictions on design size or complexity.
  • Softer Hand Feel (Compared to some transfers): While there might be a slight feel to the print, it's often considered softer than traditional screen print transfers or vinyl.