All about DTF Technology - Transfer film, printer, and printing.

Direct-to-Film (DTF) is a revolutionary printing technology that allows you to print designs onto special films, and then transfer them onto garments such as shirts, jackets, and hats. DTF technology is likely one of the options you'll encounter when exploring options in wide format printer ink and printing technologies for your business. The versatile heat transfer process delivers long-lasting results but is quicker and more cost effective than traditional silkscreen printing.

Knowing the basics of direct-to-film printing technology—including how to choose DTF printer ink—can help you determine if it’s the right choice for your goals. Here are five things you should know about DTF technology:

1. You can get high-quality results with quality equipment and supplies

The printers, inks, and garments you choose to use all affect the quality of the results, and this is definitely true when it comes to DTF printing. Like other heat transfer printing processes, it requires a high-quality printer, a heat press, and specially formulated wide format printer ink. Be sure to use DTF printer ink that is specifically formulated for direct-to-film printing and delivers high color saturation and density, long-lasting results, and excellent performance. High-quality Eco-Sol Max ink helps ensure clean and clog-free printheads.

2. The right PET films will ensure durable and accurate results.

DTF prints and wide format printer ink don’t transfer directly to a garment. They need a warm and cold peel film to serve as the adhesive. A high-quality film can withstand up to 45 hand washes while ensuring a soft feel without a foul smell. The film needs to be compatible with large format and desktop printers.

Not all PET films are compatible with DTF printing and inks. You will need DTF coated sheets in particular. For optimum results, consider using printable cold peel film. Stay away from untreated low-quality film; it may be cheap, but its performance won’t be as good as cold peel film. The ink may smudge, ruin the garment, and reject the adhesive.

DTF films are specially treated to withstand extreme pressure and high temperatures from a heat press and the hot melt powder’s curing process. You can purchase films in rolls or cut sheets. If there is any excess, you can store and use it later.

3. There’s no need to pre-treat the fabric.

One of the perks of DTF printing is it doesn’t involve garment pre-treatment, so it streamlines your printing services and helps save time and money. Eco Sol Max Ink also helps reduce costs and speed up the printing process to minimize labor.

4. DTF printing is versatile.

Direct printing on textiles has limitations. In contrast, DTF wide format printer ink and the films offer more flexibility for printing surfaces. You can print on more fabrics, too, including leather, nylon, rayon, silk, polyester, and cotton. This means that you’re not limited to printing on clothes.

5. No coating necessary.

coating is an essential aspect of direct-to-garment transfers, but it’s unnecessary for DTF technology. Digital film transfer printing uses a heat press machine and medium pressure at 160 degrees Celsius for 15 seconds to transfer the design on the garment.

Discover DTF printing technology

Ready to try DTF printing? Bink Inks carries the essential supplies you’ll need to get started, including transfer film and DTF printer ink. We offer free delivery for orders of at least $50.

Bink Inks offers affordable alternatives for wide format printer ink. Our Eco Sol Max Ink is formulated and manufactured in the US according to rigid quality assurance standards, so you can be confident in its performance for your DTF printing needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help finding the inks and supplies you need for DTF printing.