DTF (Direct To Film): A new way to personalisation textile printing

 

Textile printing remains popular and in high demand because of its versatility for many applications. It’s used to create custom apparel, such as T-shirts, office attire, and sportswear. Aside from using traditional techniques like silkscreen, dye sublimation, and heat transfer, textile printers are choosing newer, innovative, and reliable techniques like direct-to-film (DTF). With DTF inks, printing on fabrics can be quicker, accurate, and more cost-effective. If you’re new to this printing method, you might have some questions in mind. Here are some of the things you should know about it:

How is DTF printing done?

In the context of textile printing, direct-to-film means using dedicated CMYK DTF inks and applying them on hot or cold peel PET film with a thickness of approximately 0.75mm. White ink is necessary for the process as it is used as the foundation to make the colors pop when printing on dark fabrics.

Process

The hot-melt adhesive powder covers the printed film while the wide format printer ink is still wet. This can be done manually in smaller operations, while industrial-scale productions may rely on automated shakers.

In DTF printing, the powder must be applied as evenly as possible and any excess will be removed. Using a curing oven, the film is processed at around 160 degrees Celsius. The top plate shouldn’t touch the glue when heat-pressing so there should be a 4mm to 7mm gap.

Next, the film with the pre-glued, full-color motive is transferred to pre-pressed fabric for curing, which should take up to 20 seconds in a heat press under temperatures ranging from 160 to 170 degrees. Most vendors suggest using a silicone sheet on top to safeguard the print.

When the fabric returns to room temperature, the cold peel film is removed to leave the printed motive. Although it’s less common to use hot-peel film for DTF, it is considered more efficient because it can be peeled off as early as when you open the heat press. Regardless of the film you use, weeding is unnecessary because only the printed parts are glued and will stick to the fabric. Many experts recommend using the heat press for post-processing to increase rub-fastness and washability.

Types of fabrics that work with DTF printing

DTF inks can adhere to natural fibers like silk and cotton. They work with artificial materials, too, such as rayon and polyester. The white ink layer helps make the colors stand out on bold and dark-colored fabrics and pastel-colored and white textiles. The prints are stretchable and won’t easily crack.

Your printer could be DTF-ready

Some digital sublimation or direct textile printers using wide format printer ink may be upgraded to accommodate DTF printing simply by changing inks. If you need affordable DTF inks, check out the third-party inks we offer at Bink Inks. Our inks are American-made, 100 percent guaranteed and formulated to meet OEM standards.