If you want to profit from a printing technique that offers high-quality, vibrant prints with excellent durability, DTF (direct-to-film) is a popular choice.
It’s versatile and efficient, uses advanced print textile inks, and can produce intricate designs on a variety of fabric and non-fabric materials. Sellers love it for custom t-shirt printing and other merchandise.
Let’s look at what is DTF printing, learn when to use the DTF printing process, and explore how to use it to make money online.
Key takeaways
- How it works: DTF is a digital printing method that uses a heat press transfer to apply designs to materials. DTF printing requires a DTF printer, PET film, adhesive powder, and a high-resolution print design.
- Quality and durability: DTF printing produces long-lasting and vivid designs due to its quality DTF ink that can withstand wash and wear.
- Versatility: DTF printing works on various fabrics, including cotton, polyester, multi-substrate blends, and even non-textile materials like leather and wood.
- Compared to other printing types: DTF can be challenging to manage but delivers intricate prints and offers more fabric variety than most other methods.
- Merchandising: To help merchants break into the print-on-demand industry, Printify offers multiple DTF print options – perfect for creating custom products.
What is direct-to-film printing?
Direct-to-film (DTF) involves printing designs onto a PET film, applying hot-melt adhesive powder, and using a heat press machine to apply the designs onto a fabric. This method requires a special DTF printer and high-resolution digital designs for maximum durability.
This printing method works with a wide range of fabric types, including:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Blends
- Leather
- Nylon
- Other non-textile materials
DTF printing technology is particularly popular in the custom printing industry due to its ability to produce intricate designs with fine details and vibrant colors. Unlike other printing methods, DTF does not need pre-treatment of the fabric.
How does DTF printing work?
High-quality results require careful material handling, professional use of a direct-to-film printer, and regular equipment maintenance. That’s why it’s best to outsource these tasks to Print Providers through companies like Printify.
1. Preparing the design
Use graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to create high-resolution designs, typically at 300 dpi or higher for optimal print quality.
Then, convert the design to an appropriate file format, like PNG with a transparent background, and upload it to our Product Creator. That way, only the desired elements transfer onto the fabric.
2. Setting up the DTF printer and software
Print Providers set up the DTF printer by installing the necessary drivers and Raster Image Processor (RIP) software.
They then load the special inkjet printer with DTF printer ink, including white ink for base layers and CMYK inks for color, before conducting a test print to check for any issues with ink flow or print quality.
3. Preparing the DTF film
Print operators cut the DTF film to the necessary size based on the design dimensions, taking care that the film is clean and free of dust or debris that could harm the print quality.
Once that’s clear, they place the special PET film into the printer, framing and aligning correctly so the design connects.
4. Pre-pressing the fabric
Before transferring the design, print professionals pre-press the fabric using a heat press machine. This step removes moisture and wrinkles from the fabric, ensuring a smooth surface for the transfer.
The heat press is set to the required temperature and time settings based on the fabric type.
5. Transferring the design
The operator sets the printer to create a mirror image of the design so that it appears correctly on the fabric. Then, they print it onto the DTF film with a layer of DTF powder covering the wet ink.
This hot-melt adhesive powder helps the design adhere to the fabric during the transfer process. Print operators remove any excess powder from the desired surface then cure the printing powder. It involves placing the film under a heat source at a low temperature for a short time.
Finally, they position the film on the fabric and press it using a heat press. They peel off the film while it’s still warm before cooling off the garment.
Pros and Cons of DTF prints
Compared to other types of shirt printing, direct-to-film offers the best of both worlds – high product versatility and fast production – but it also comes with a few concerns.
Pros:
- Versatility: Compatible with various fabrics, even non-textile materials like leather and wood.
- Quality: Vibrant, durable prints that withstand multiple washes.
- Efficiency: Quick setup and production times, reducing turnaround times.
- Cost-effectiveness: Perfect for colorful, intricate designs in small to medium print runs.
Cons:
- Adhesive powder: Can be messy and requires careful handling to avoid contamination.
- Specialized film: Uses PET film, adding to material and operational costs from specialized suppliers.
- Fume ventilation: Although generally non-toxic, ventilation is necessary to avoid prolonged exposure to skin, eyes, and lungs.
- Equipment maintenance: DTF printers and heat presses need regular maintenance to prevent issues like clogged nozzles or uneven heating.
A DTF printer is more cost-effective due to its efficiency and versatility. It’s the perfect solution for maximizing profits with a diverse product offering of custom clothing.
Print-on-demand services like Printify let you bypass the cons of DTF printing costs because you don’t need to own and operate the machinery. Our Print Providers handle it for you.
DTF vs DTG printing
While DTF printing uses a printed film that transfers onto fabric with heat, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing directly applies ink to the fabric. Both methods utilize advanced inkjet printer technology but offer different benefits.
Versatility:
- DTG printing: Prints designs directly onto the fabric with no need for transfer films. DTG prints are popular for smaller and more specialized batches.
- DTF printing: Offers better versatility with fabric types using specialized PET film and can produce durable prints less prone to cracking and fading over time.
Efficiency:
- DTG printing: Generally faster for small runs.
- DTF printing: More efficient for medium to larger batches.
Simplicity:
- DTG printing: A DTG printer requires pre-treatment of the fabric to achieve optimal results.
- DTF printing: Doesn’t require pre-treatment of the fabric, simplifying the overall printing process and reducing preparation time.
DTF vs sublimation printing
Sublimation printing and DTF printing cater to different printing needs and fabric types. The former uses heat to transfer dye onto polyester materials, resulting in vivid, durable prints.
Versatility:
- Sublimation printing: Prints at a very high temperature that burns organic fabrics. It is used mostly on polyester or polyester-coated substrates.
- DTF printing: You can use DTF on polyester but also fabrics like cotton that are not suitable for sublimation.
Durability:
- Sublimation printing: Provides excellent durability and vibrant colors as the dye is directly infused into the fabric. However, it’s limited to light-colored, polyester-rich fabrics.
- DTF printing: Produces durable, high-quality prints on dark and light fabrics of various compositions, but is pressed onto the fabric instead of sublimated into it.
Cost:
- Sublimation printing: Requires specialized equipment and materials, including sublimation ink and transfer paper, which can be more costly and complex.
- DTF printing: More affordable in terms of printing costs, but still requires an investment in professional equipment and maintenance for independent use.
DTF vs screen printing
Screen printing is an older method that is well-suited for large volumes. It uses a stencil to apply layers of ink, making it durable and cost-effective for bulk orders.
Setup time:
- Screen printing: Involves creating a stencil (or screen) and using it to push layers of ink onto the fabric. It requires significant setup and is less flexible in terms of design changes.
- DTF printing: Quicker to set up and more affordable for smaller runs, making it ideal for custom print-on-demand orders.
Volume:
- Screen printing: Suitable for large volumes of single designs and is more economical for mass production.
- DTF printing: More flexible and efficient for small and medium orders, especially when producing many different designs.
Detail and color
- Screen printing: Can produce high-quality prints but is limited in its ability to reproduce fine details and complex color gradients.
- DTF printing: DTF printer technology excels at producing intricate designs with fine details and bright colors.
Direct-to-film printing with Printify
Leveraging DTF printing for your custom clothing business is easy with Printify. It’s free to start, and you only pay once you sell a product – no equipment necessary.
Here’s how to get started.
Select a product
Browse the Printify Catalog and use the Decoration method filter to find products compatible with DTF printing.
Prepare the print file
Make sure your design meets the print file requirements – including file format, resolution, and print size – all listed in the Product Creator.
Use high print resolution images – 300 dpi or higher – and save your design.
Apply your design
Upload your design and adjust the placement, size, and orientation to fit the product perfectly.
Then, use the Preview feature to see how the final product will look and edit as necessary.
Order or start selling
Once your design is ready, order a sample to review the print quality and make sure it meets expectations.
Start making money by listing the products for sale in your store. Printify connects with the biggest eCommerce platforms, so you can market your printing business to a wide audience.
FAQ
DTF is more versatile for fabrics like cotton and blends, while sublimation printing is ideal for polyester-rich materials and certain hard substrates. DTF provides more flexibility in product offerings, while sublimation excels in producing vibrant, colorful prints.
DTF printing is perfect for custom apparel, promotional products, and other merchandise requiring high-quality, durable prints. The DTF process is particularly popular for t-shirts, hoodies, bags, and other fabric items but is also compatible with non-textile materials like leather.
Yes, DTF prints are known for their durability and can withstand numerous washes without significant fading or cracking. Properly applied DTF inks with a durable and vibrant transfer maintain their quality over time, ensuring long-lasting products.
Print DTF transfers involve printing a design onto a special PET transfer film and then pressing it to fabric using heat. DTF transfers produce high-quality prints with vivid colors and fine details, making it a popular choice for custom merchandise.
Summary
DTF printing is a versatile and efficient printing method suitable for various fabrics and applications. Using DTF printing technology is a great way to offer high-quality products to customers.
By understanding the process, benefits, and differences compared to other printing methods, like direct-to-garment printing or screen print transfers, you can make the right choice.
Printify offers over 900 products and easy eCommerce integration, so getting started with DTF printing has never been easier. Whether you are looking to expand your product offerings or enhance the quality of your prints, find the perfect DTF Print Providers for your business needs.
