DIRECT-TO-FILM (DTF) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We know that starting something new can be daunting but we also believe there is no such thing as a silly question if you want to learn something so we've compiled a list below of some of the top questions we get asked the most. If there is anything missing please feel free to email us at info@longforte.com and the team will be happy to help!
1. What is Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing?
2. How does DTF printing work?
3. Which materials can be printed on using DTF printing?
4. What are the advantages of DTF printing?
5. Is DTF printing suitable for my business?
6. What is the difference between DTF and DTG printing?
7. What do I need to start DTF printing?
8. What is the washability for DTF prints?
9. Is DTF better than vinyl?
10. How much does it cost to print something with DTF printing?
11. Can I reuse the excess DTF adhesive powder?
12. What is RIP software and why is it important?
13. What does the result of a DTF print feel like?
14. Do I need white ink for DTF printing?
15. Can you apply transfer film using an iron?
16. What is the difference between DTF and UV DTF printing?
17. Can I buy the equipment I need on financing?
18. Can you print my DTF or UV DTF artwork for me?
1. What is Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing?
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a modern printing method that involves transferring designs directly onto a film, which is then used to transfer the design onto various substrates such as garments, textiles, and more. It is similar to other printing methods like Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing but involves an intermediate step of printing onto a film rather than directly onto the substrate.
2. How does DTF printing work?
In DTF printing, a special printer is used to print the desired design onto a transparent film using eco-solvent or UV-curable inks. Once the design is printed, it is transferred onto a special adhesive-coated film, creating a transfer film with the mirrored image of the design. You then apply a powder onto the back side of the film and shake off the excess either manually or using an automatic powder shaker. The final design is then 'cured' inside an oven This transfer film is then applied to the desired substrate using a heat press machine, where the heat and pressure activate the adhesive, transferring the design onto the substrate.
3. Which materials can be printed on using DTF printing?
DTF printing is versatile and can be utilized on a wide array of materials, including cotton fabrics, denim, synthetic leather, polyester, and nylon, which are among the most frequently used substrates. Additionally, DTF printing can also be employed on PVC and genuine leather. This flexibility allows for its application across various products, including promotional items, hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, and sportswear.
4. What are the advantages of DTF printing?
- Versatility: DTF printing can be used on various substrates, including cotton, polyester, and blends, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. There are also a wide range of finishes on the film to give you glitter, holographic or even glow in the dark designs!
- High-quality prints: DTF printing produces vibrant and durable prints with high color saturation and fine details.
- Cost-effectiveness: Compared to traditional printing methods like screen printing, DTF printing requires minimal setup and has lower setup costs, making it suitable for small to medium print runs.
- No colour limitations: DTF printing allows for full-colour printing without additional costs or setup, making it ideal for designs with complex colour schemes.
5. Is DTF printing suitable for my business?
DTF printing is suitable for businesses of all sizes, including small startups and large enterprises, looking for a versatile and cost-effective printing solution. It is particularly popular in the apparel industry for producing customised garments, including t-shirts, hoodies, and more. If you're looking for high-quality prints with vibrant colours and fine details, DTF printing could be the right choice for your business.
6. What is the difference between DTF and DTG printing?
Printing Process: Both methods involve specialized printers, but DTF printing requires an intermediate step of transferring the design onto a film before applying it to the substrate, while DTG printing directly prints onto the garment.
Printing Medium: DTF printing uses a film intermediary, whereas DTG printing applies ink directly onto the garment or substrate.
Substrate Compatibility: DTF printing is versatile, compatible with various materials including cotton, polyester, and blends. DTG printing is primarily suitable for cotton or cotton-blend garments.
Colour Vibrancy and Detail: Both methods produce high-quality prints, but DTF printing offers vibrant colors and fine details, making it suitable for intricate designs.
Setup and Cost: DTF printing typically requires minimal setup and lower initial costs, whereas DTG printing may have higher upfront costs due to specialized equipment and ongoing maintenance.
7. What do I need to start DTF printing?
DTF Printer: Invest in a DTF printer capable of printing designs onto transparent films using eco-solvent or UV-curable inks.
PET Films: Purchase transparent films compatible with your DTF printer for printing the designs. Polyethylene Terephthalate. The media has a matte coating applied to one side to allow the inks to be printed onto the film sheet.
DTF Adhesion Powder: After printing the ink remains wet. You then apply special polymer-based DTF adhesion powder onto the ink to create a white backing so that only your printed design will be transferred to your substrate. This is then 'cured' with heat by either putting in an oven or by using a heat gun. This creates the final design that can then be cut to press onto your item.
Heat Press Machine: Obtain a heat press machine to transfer the designs from the adhesive-coated film onto the desired substrate using heat and pressure.
Inks: Use eco-solvent or UV-curable inks compatible with your DTF printer for printing vibrant designs.
Substrates: Choose substrates such as garments, textiles, or other materials onto which you'll transfer the designs.
Computer and Design Software: To do DTF printing you need something called RIP Software that allows you print in colour but also to do the white backing. Some RIP softwares also help to arrange your artwork in a way to make the maximum use of your film, reducing wasteage and decreasing your cost of production.
8. What is the washability for DTF prints?
Washability for DTF prints varies depending on factors such as ink type, substrate material, and post-printing treatment. In general, DTF prints exhibit good wash resistance when proper printing techniques and quality materials are used. Eco-solvent and UV-curable inks commonly used in DTF printing offer durability against washing, with prints retaining their color and vibrancy through multiple wash cycles.
9. Is DTF better than vinyl?
It's hard to say whether one printing technology is better than another as it totally depends on the designs created and substrates that need to be printed on. However, it is true that DTF printing can replicate many of the applications of vinyl with the added benefits of being able to do multiple colours at the same time, creating much more intricate and detailed designs as well as being able to do fades or blends in colour much better.
10. How much does it cost to print something with DTF printing?
In order to start any printing business, there is always a cost of buying the new printer and consumables however if you are doing sublimation printing or laser transfer then you may already have items such as an oven or heat press already. After the cost of the hardware and consumables you will want to know what the cost-per-print would be.
Like all printing or production jobs the answer depends on the size of the print and the level of ink and coverage required. However, generally the costs per print are very low with DTF printing and breaks down as follows for an A3-sized printed sheet:
£0.20 for DTF powder
£0.12 on white ink
£0.10 on CMYK ink
£0.45 on DTF film sheet
Total = £0.87
As you can see this is a cost-effective way of apply your prints on a size that is perfect for a reasonable t-shirt print.
11. Can I reuse the excess DTF adhesive powder?
Yes, absolutely. In fact when using an automatic powder shaker the excess powder that is not required falls to the bottom of the shaking machine and is then circulated to the top to be reused for the next design on the film. You can also reuse the powder that doesn't get used if you are doing a manual shaking of the powder on your design. That helps to keep the cost of your production and wasteage as low as possible adding to the attraction of DTF printing.
12. What is RIP software and why is it important?
RIP (Raster Image Processor) software in DTF printing is a crucial tool that translates digital designs into printable formats for DTF printers. It optimizes the printing process by converting vector and raster images into printable data, ensuring accurate colour reproduction and fine detail. RIP software also allows users to adjust settings such as ink density, resolution, and colour profiles to achieve the desired print quality. It also facilitates workflow management, job queuing, and nesting, streamlining the printing process and maximizing efficiency. Overall, RIP software plays a vital role in ensuring high-quality and consistent DTF prints, making it an essential component of the DTF printing workflow.
13. What does the result of a DTF print feel like?
This depends on the type of film and powder that you use however, generally DTF prints feel very similar to vinyl with a bit more softness. The print is quite elastic and is not easily distorted by movement of the substrate after printing. As it is a thicker layer that sits on top of the fabric it will not be as soft as DTG prints however it is still soft to the touch.
14. Do I need white ink for DTF printing?
Yes white ink is very important for DTF printing. This is because it brightens any part of your design that requires white ink to make it clearer. Without white ink this part will appear dark or dull and will not be the perfect result that you need.
15. Can you apply transfer film using an iron?
While it's feasible to utilise an iron for applying DTF (Direct to Film) transfer film, it's strongly advised against doing so. This method may lead to issues like misaligned prints or insufficient heat for proper transfer. Irons typically fail to reach the required temperatures and maintain consistent pressure, resulting in subpar transfer quality. It's highly recommended to utilize a professional heat press instead for applying DTF transfer films. These heat presses are capable of reaching high temperatures and ensuring uniform pressure, thereby guaranteeing optimal print quality.
16. What is the difference between DTF and UV DTF printing?
DTF and UV DTF printing whilst sounding the same are very different both in the process and the applications. Firstly DTF is made primarily for textiles and fabrics. DTF involves your artwork being printed onto a film that then has the back coated with a powder adhesive. It is then cured in an oven and ready for use. Since the adhesive used in DTF printing is heat-reactive you need a heat press that is able to press the item onto the fabric item that you would like the design on. UV DTF on the other hand is not suitable for fabrics but is perfect for use on hard surfaces such as ceramic, acrylic, glass, wood, metal and much more. Unlike sublimation printing that requires a coated surface you can almost apply UV DTF designs to any hard item. UV DTF prints are printed using two films; one that has your design and the second layer which is a self-adhesive film. Once you cut your design you need to use a squidgee or vinyl tool to rub the front of your design carefully but firmly onto the surface you are applying to, taking care to remoev any air bubbles if they appear. Once you are confident it is fixed you peel the top protective layer off and your design will be on your item! If for any reason you see the design lifting off as you peel the top film, simply place it down again and rub again firmly to ensure it is affixed.
17. Can I buy the equipment I need on financing?
The short answer - Absolutely! We appreciate that some of this equipment is a large amount for any company to invest in and that's why we make it super easy for you to use financing to make this much more affordable and attractive. We've partnered with Kennet Leasing, who have been providing customers with the option to finance their equipment purchases for over 30 years. Kennet Equipment Leasing specializes in offering business finance solutions, allowing you to spread the cost, preserve cash flow, and invest in essential business growth. Click here to find out how just how affordable this solution can be for you.
18. Can you print my DTF or UV DTF artwork for me?
We understand that you might not have the space or the financing in place to have the full setup in your workshop. That doesn't mean you have to miss out! We've recently launched a new printing service where we will print your artwork (these are known as gangsheets) on the same InkTec DTF and UV DTF printers that we sell on our site. Simply upload your files using our clever design tool and we will print pack and dispatch the items to you so all you have to do is press or apply the printed results to your products! Please note that we cannot print any copyrighted materials and if we receive files with such artwork on them we will have to cancel and refund your order minus a 7% file processing fee. We also recommend using the service to print small batches of your artwork to start with to test it works properly for you before ordering bulk prints.