A Beginner’s Guide to DTF Printing: Everything You Need to Know

Providing small business owners (like us) with the BEST high-quality DTF and sublimation supplies is our mission. The team at Colorisse is passionate about providing the tools and education so you can make your creativity visible and grow your small business.

If you’re new to DTF printing or just curious about how it works, this guide is for you! We’ll cover the basics, walk you through the process, and even share some of the pros and cons of DTF printing.

What is DTF Printing?

DTF stands for direct to film. It’s a printing technology developed in the early 2000’s to overcome the limitation of traditional printing methods. It quickly became popular during the pandemic with small to medium-sized custom apparel businesses who were looking for cost-effective ways to start or expand their custom printing operations.

DTF printing continues to gain popularity because of its versatility. You can transfer designs on virtually any material including cotton, polyester, leather wood and more!

A specialty DTF printer is required to print a design. The DTF printer uses water-based inks and prints the design onto a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic film. The film is manufactured with a specialty coating to absorb the ink. After the design is printed, an adhesive powder is then applied to the printed image. This powder acts as a “glue” that bonds the image to the surface (like a t-shirt or glass mug).

How Does DTF Printing Work?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the printing process. Using a DTF Printer, you would simply:

Print Your Design

1. Add the DTF Ink into the individual ink tanks.
2. Load the DTF Transfer Film (sheets or rolls) up into the printer.

Apply Adhesive Powder

1. Spread the DTF Powder evenly over the printed transfer. The powder sticks to the wet ink and acts like glue when heat is applied.
2. Shake off the excess powder for a smooth, even coating.

Bake the Transfer

1. Bake the transfer in a DTF Oven to cure the transfer. This step melts the adhesive powder onto the film.
2. The transfer is ready to be pressed using a heat press.

Heat Press the Transfer

1. Pre-press your garment to flatten and remove any moisture.
2. Position your DTF transfer on the garment using an alignment tool for accuracy. Heat-resistant tape can be used to hold the transfer in place.
3. Press the transfer onto the garment at the recommended temperature and time.

Refer to our DTF Heat Press Guide for settings and tips to get the best results for your project. 

Remove the Transfer Film

1. After the transfer has been pressed, peel away the film from the material. 
2. For added durability, softness and to reduce shine, use parchment paper or butcher paper and cover the entire design. Press for an additional press of 10-12 seconds. This step is optional.

Tip: With the Cold and Hot Peel technology, there’s no need to wait to peel the film away.

Pros and Cons of DTF Printing

DTF Printing has its share of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to making bold, durable designs on a wide range of fabrics. It’s super versatile and delivers great quality, but getting it just right can take some setup and a bit of upkeep. See for yourself. 

Pros

• Versatile: Works on a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
• Durable: Prints are resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading.
• Vibrant Colors: The white ink layer ensures designs pop on dark and light surfaces.
• Cost Effective: No need for expensive pre-treatment like in other methods.

Cons

• Learning Curve: Requires specific equipment and techniques.
• Time Consuming: Applying adhesive powder and curing takes extra steps.
• Equipment Cost: Initial setup can be pricey compared to other methods.

Is DTF Printing Better Than Sublimation?

It depends on your needs. Sublimation works best on white or light-colored polyester and produces stunning results on rigid surfaces like mugs. DTF printing, on the other hand, offers greater versatility by working on almost any fabric type and color. 

If you’re looking for flexibility, DTF is the way to go.

Common Questions About DTF Printing

How Long Does DTF Printing Last?

DTF prints are incredibly durable, lasting through dozens of washes without cracking or fading when properly applied.

You can store printed transfers flat on shelves in a cool, dry and away from direct sunlight exposure location. You can also place some silicon packs on the shelves to control the humidity level. 

With high quality ink, film and powder, theoretically speaking, the transfer should last for years. But with different storing conditions, it is recommended to use them within a year.

Does a DTF Print Crack?

No, as long as you’re using high quality supplies and following the correct process. A second press after peeling adds extra durability.

Check out our DTF Heat Press Guide for the best settings and tips to achieve great results

Can You Print DTF With a Regular Printer?

Unfortunately, no. DTF printing requires specialized printers that support white ink. 

The white ink component is unique in DTF printing because regular printers don't have white ink cartridges. Also, white ink is opaque while color inks are transparent. 

Think about your regular inkjet printer, the colors look bright and vibrant when you print on white paper, but when you print on black paper, you can barely see the colors. In order to apply the printed designs to any color garments, the white ink acts like a piece of “white paper” behind your printed designs so they look vivid on any garments.

How Much Does DTF Printing Cost?

The cost varies depending on your setup, but you’ll need to invest in:

• DTF Printer
• DTF Ink
• DTF Transfer Film
• DTF Adhesive Powder
• Heat Press

While the upfront cost can be higher, the long-term savings and versatility make it worthwhile.

What Can DTF Printing Do for Your Business?

DTF printing opens up endless opportunities for customization. You can create:

• Custom t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags and more!
• Personalized promotional products for small businesses.
• Unique designs for friends, schools and community programs.
• Trending or viral designs quickly without waiting to get printed transfers shipped to you!

Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding your existing business, DTF gives you the tools to stand out in a competitive market.