DTF Printing: All You Need To Know

Custom printing is a thriving business in the United States with a rapidly growing interest in custom t-shirts, hoodies, bags, aprons, and many other apparel and items. According to Grand View Research, the custom printing market in the United States reached a 6.1 billion USD market size in 2023 and is expected to grow 10.5% annually from 2024 to 2030.

Businesses, sports teams, social clubs, and almost all people prefer custom-printed items either as gifts or for their use. There are various techniques used for custom printing, but DTF printing stands out as one of the most versatile, practical, and durable ways to customize apparel and bags. Therefore, we present a detailed explanation and introduction of the DTF processes and their advantages over other printing methods.

What is DTF Printing?

DTF printing is the acronym for Direct-to-Film printing. It is quite a recent custom printing method and provides higher accuracy and more vibrant colors through digital printing processes. It requires special printers that are particularly designed or modified for printing on PET films.

DTF printing machines can print white and colors to provide durable and vivid patterns on different surfaces, including cotton, nylon, silk, synthetic fabric types, and hard surfaces such as ceramic, wood, steel, or glass. Furthermore, it facilitates the application process by reducing customization to a short application.

How does DTF Printing Work?

DTF printing works with a digital printer, adhesives, and a heat press. This custom printing method involves 4 primary phases, which last only several minutes to ensure perfect and eye-catching designs for clothing and bags. These four steps which DTF printing includes are:

Step 1: Preparing the DTF Prints Ready To Press

DTF printing requires heat-resistant plastic films designed to enhance the transfer quality from the film to the application surface. DTF printing machine prints your selected design in high resolution on this PET film. Then, it prints a layer of white ink as the foundation of your design to be applied on the textile surfaces. Thus, the DTF printing ready-to-press has a white appearance on one side, and your design remains in this white coating.

Step 2: Powdering the DTF print with the Hotmelt Powder Adhesive

The second step of DTF printing is the application of powder adhesive on the design. This white granular adhesive is crucial for the DTF printing process since it is a chemical agent that binds color pigments or ink to textile surfaces. They are specially designed to withstand washing while enhancing the color vibrance.

Step 3: Applying the DTF Print

After printing the DTF design and uniformly coating it with the adhesive, the DTF print is preheated or cured to prepare it for the application. At the same time, the fabric (bag, t-shirt, pants, or hoodies) is flattened and dehumidified with heat as well. Afterward, the pre-heated film is placed on the fabric on the heat press. The design printed on the film is applied to the fabric for about 15 seconds at 165°C.

Step 4: Soft Peeling the DTF Print and Curing the Film

After printing the design on a clear PET film and applying it to the garment, the last step contains the peeling of the film from the transferred design. This will reveal the vivid colors of your design, which will remain from that moment. After removing the film, the transferred DTF prints are ready to press on t-shirts, hoodies, or bags and are flattened in the heat press for the second time to ensure higher durability.

Which Printing is Best for You?

While looking for a custom printing service, you will see many methods are used for printing and applying the designs. Each printing method features different techniques, tools, and processes, affecting appearance and durability. Hence, we present a comparison of DTF printing with other customization methods:

DTF vs DTG Printing

DTG, or Direct-to-Garment printing is another popular method of apparel and bag customization methods. It works with a printer that applies the design directly onto the garment, which is treated with a solution before printing. The ink is sprayed on the fabric, and the fabric fibers absorb the ink, providing a durable design. Unlike DTF, DTG printing offers less vibrancy in colors due to the soaked ink by the fabric and the curing process. Additionally, DTG printing takes more time to make and is more suitable for small-scale production.

DTF Prints vs. Screen Printing

Screen printing is a frequently used method of printing designs on fabric and other surfaces. It is a more laboursome method since it primarily relies on manual work to prepare the stencil screens. Moreover, you need to prepare the screens for each color in the design and apply the colors layer by layer.

Hence, screen printing is suitable for applying basic or single-color designs. In addition, each color layer increases the thickness of the design. However, DTF printing works with colorful and intricate designs as well as basic patterns, and it takes only minutes to finish a design completely, unlike the lengthy preparational procedures of screen printing.

DTF Prints vs. Sublimation Printing

The sublimation process resembles DTF printing since they both include transferring the design onto a substrate through heat. Sublimation designs are printed with a special ink, and it is transferred through a heat press. However, this ink transforms into a gas inside the pressure by a heated plate and sticks to the fabric. Both methods allow complex designs to be applied. However, DTF printing stands out with more surface types, from ceramics to cotton, while sublimation is only suitable for polyester.

DTF Prints vs. Vinyl Printing

Vinyl printing is also used for customized apparel and bag production, and this method uses vinyl sheets for printing. The first type of vinyl printing is the most practical option since it features a self-adhesive design. So, this vinyl design can be applied on almost all types of surfaces. However, self-adhesive vinyl printing is the best for hard surfaces and is hard to adhere to the fabric durably.

DTF Prints vs. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

Heat transfer vinyl printing is an apparel and bag customization process that uses cut-out vinyl designs for custom t-shirt, bag, or hoodie production. Each design is printed on special vinyl sheets. Later, this design is cut by a plotter machine, and the vinyl design is applied to the fabric through a heat press. Hence, vinyl printing offers high durability and long-time color vibrance. However, vinyl printing is a time-consuming process compared to DTF printing services.

DTF Prints vs. Embroidery

Embroidery is the oldest method of customizing or embellishing apparel and bags with a permanent design through stitched threads. This method of making custom garments and textiles is now easier to handle since embroidery machines have been developed that can read digital designs and apply them to any type of textile. However, embroidery still has limitations and cannot make high-complexity designs, creating a higher discomfort through thick applications. Furthermore, it takes more time than DTF printing.

What About DTF Transfers, UV DTF Transfers, and Gang Sheet?

DTF printing is a versatile customizing method that offers solutions not only for garments and fabrics but also for hard surfaces such as mugs, jars, bottles, glasses, and any other hard surface ranging from ceramics to wood and steel. The available DTF printing solutions are:

DTF Transfers:

These custom printing solutions are ideal for use with fabrics since DTF transfers securely bond with the fabric and are very easy and practical to apply. They are printed in special printers and only require coating with adhesive and curing inside a heated cabinet. DTF printers can also be ordered in different amounts, and you can apply them to t-shirts, bags, or hoodies with a heat press.

They also allow you to start a custom tee business without investing in a DTF printing machine since DTF transfers can be ordered from large print-on-demand shops like DTF Office.

UV DTF Transfers:

This type refers to a particular type of DTF transfer that is printed in UV-cured inks. They do not require heat presses or ironing to bind and are primarily designed for use on hard surfaces such as mugs, jars, or coasters. UV DTF Transfers are directly applied on the desired surface and require pressure with a squeegee for efficient application.

Gang Sheet:

DTF transfers are printed on PET sheets, and gang sheets are a special type of film on which you can print more than one design to efficiently use space. They are available in different sizes, including 22”x12” to 22”x192”. So, DTF gang sheets allow you to fit tens or even hundreds of DTF transfers on one gang sheet. You just need to leave enough space between the designs to cut easily when applying your DTF transfers.

What Are the Pros and Cons of DTF printing?

DTF printing is a recent technique in the custom printing industry and is gaining more popularity among consumers and printing businesses. As you read this post, you are probably thinking about getting DTF transfers for DIY projects or starting a garment or mug printing business. Therefore, we present the advantages and disadvantages of DTF printing to facilitate your decision-making process:

Pros of DTF Printing

• DTF printing offers vibrant colors thanks to the use of white backing for the designs and heat curing for the adhesives.
• DTF transfers are durable enough to last wash and wear after multiple washing and frequent use due to the layered application with white ink, color inks, and adhesives.
• DTF printing enables the use of complicated and intricate designs with colorful objects with digital printers.
• DTF transfers are resistant to cracking or flaking and have enhanced flexibility.
• DTF printing is versatile and suitable for different surface types. DTF transfers can be applied on garments and fabrics with perfect results, and UV DTF transfers are straightforward to apply on ceramics, glasses, steel, or wood with long-term durability.
• DTF transfers have a very easy application process, and it doesn’t take more than a couple of minutes. Hence, DTF printing is suitable for bulk production.
• The DTF transfer application process is simple and very easy to learn. So, DTF printing is ideal for starting a custom garment business.
• Thanks to the widespread DTF transfer production partners like DTF Office, starting a custom t-shirt or mug business is much cheaper.

Cons of DTF Printing

• DTF-printed garments may feel a little bit stiff while wearing due to the layered printing. But this brings higher durability for long-term use.
• DTF-printed garments and fabrics require ironing at low temperatures since high-temperature levels cause discoloration of the design.
• DTF transfers provide the best results with high-resolution DTF printing for excellent quality and appearance. Hence, working with advanced DTF printing machines or partnering with a DTF printing service is ideal for consistently achieving the best results for your applications.

Can I Print DTF Transfers At Home?

Yes, you can print DTF transfers at home. However, DTF printing can only be done with the right equipment and tools, so you have to bear the costs of purchasing machinery and supplies when you want to produce your own DTF transfers.

Therefore, unless you have an established business with a stable order flow for DTF transfers or custom garments, it will not be feasible to risk the upfront cost. Instead, it is recommended to work with a DTF printing service to supply your initial DTF transfers and apply them at home for personal use or business initiatives. As your business grows and orders soar, you can create a fully equipped custom garment store.

What Equipment is Needed for DTF Transfers?

The equipment which is needed for DTF transfers are:

DTF Printer: DTF printing machines are the essential tools that print the design onto a PTE film. DTF printers have several nozzles to increase the printing speed, and you can make several copies in seconds. Furthermore, the printing quality of the DTF printing machines is high, so you will have high-resolution designs for the films, ensuring a vibrant appearance. DTF printers are also available in various sizes, and you can find small units that can print 30-45cm designs, while mediım printers are suitable for printing up to 60 cm and large DTF printers up to 120 cm.

DTF Hot Melt Powder: This is the adhesive agent for the DTF transfers. There are primarily 3 DTF hot melt powders: regular powder for standard resistance against washing, TPU powder for higher resistance against heat, and anti-sublimation powder for better color rendering and application on dark fabrics.

DTF Curing Oven: DTF transfers must be cured with heat after powdering to melt the adhesive for perfect binding. High-end DTF printers also have a curing function, while desktop-type DTF printers require a separate curing oven.

Powder Shaker: The DTF transfers must be coated with hot melt powder for bonding. Powder shakers are designed to apply the powder and spread it evenly throughout the printed design.

Heat Press Machine: DTF printing’s latest step is the application of DTF transfer on the fabric and garments. Heat press machines are used to transfer the design to the desired surface by pressing the design and fabric between heated plates. There are different types of heat transfer machines, ranging from manual units to top-tier automatic and rotary options.

What Types of Materials can DTF be Applied to?

The types of materials to which the DTF transfers can be applied are fabric, ceramic, wood, or steel. DTF transfers are suitable for use on fabric types, including cotton, polyester, denim, and cotton blends. They easily bond with fabric fibers through heat transfers and showcase beautiful designs in vibrant colors.

DTF printing works flawlessly with wood, metal, plastic, glass, and ceramic. UV DTF transfers are engineered for practical application on these hard surfaces; all you need to do is activate the adhesive through pressure. So, you can choose DTF or UV DTF depending on the surface types on which you want to apply.

How Do You Care for DTF Prints?

DTF prints are designed and made for long-term durability. But, they need proper care and washing to maximize their lifetime so you or your customers can make the most out of their custom garments or items. DTF prints can resist up to 60 washes without flaking or cracking, as you:

• Wash the garments inside out to prevent the friction of the DTF print with the other items and washing machine.
• Avoid washing in hot water, and prefer cold or cool water to prevent the shrinking of the fabric and distortion of the design.
• Use mild detergent rather than bleach or evasive chemicals to protect the design and fabric colors.
• Avoid using fabric softeners since they cause damage or weakening in the DTF printing adhesive.
• Prefer air drying rather than tumble drying as long as you have time. The DTF prints can also be tumble-dried, but only at low temperatures.

How Much Does DTF Cost?

DTF printing costs between $ 1.50$ to $ 5$, depending on the size and color range. Even though you have all the equipment and supplies for making your own DTF transfers, you still have a constant expense of 1.5 USD per DTF transfer. Therefore, Choosing a third-party partner to supply DTF transfers is more reasonable until you have to handle hundreds of orders per week.

Where to Buy Custom DTF Prints?

DTF Office is the very right place to buy custom DTF prints with its reasonable prices, high-resolution DTF designs, and rapid shipments. You actually have 2 options, which are printing your DTF transfers at home or purchasing them from a large-scale supplier. But, as explained previously, DTF printing is a multiple-stage process, necessitating several pieces of equipment. Hence, it is ideal for a new business to check DTF Office offers and contact to ensure a constant supply of high-quality DTF transfers and UV DTF designs.

FAQs About DTF Printing

Below, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand how DTF printing works and how it can benefit your business.

Can I print DTF on a regular printer?

No, you can’t. DTF printing uses a special type of ink, and white ink is used in the process as well. Hence, you need a specially designed or modified printer for DTF printing.

How to do DTF at home?

You can modify your existing inkjet printer or buy a completely new DTF printer. Additionally, you need to get a curing oven, hot melt powder, and a heat press. After completing your inventory, you can start taking a course or watching educational videos on DTF printing to obtain the necessary skills for DTF printing.

Is DTF printing good quality?

Yes, DTF printing is good quality when printed with top-tier DTF printers. DTF Office has a rich inventory of premium DTF printers for high-resolution DTF designs.

How long do DTF transfers last?

DTF transfers last up to 3 years with proper care and washing. DTF transfers are applied through heat and adhesive on the fabric or hard surfaces. So they do not easily come off.

Does DTF peel off?

No, as long as the DTF is printed in high quality, applied properly, and cared for carefully, they do not peel off.

Do I need a special printer for DTF?

Yes, you do need a special printer for DTF transfers since DTF printing includes special types of ink.

Is DTF better than sublimation?

Yes, DTF is better than sublimation since DTF transfers offer more versatility and applicability on hard and fabric surfaces.

Is DTF better than vinyl?

Yes, DTF is better than vinyl because of its easier application and suitability for complex designs and logos.

Is DTF cheaper than screen printing?

Yes, DTF is cheaper than screen printing unless you make hundreds of copies of the same design. DTF printing has a fixed cost for each design, while screen printing has a high upfront cost, which can be reduced as the number of items increases.