What is DTF?
Direct-to-Film (DTF) is an innovative textile customization technique that involves printing in color onto a film and then transferring the design directly onto fabric. Whether it's polyester, cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers, the DTF printing technique can be adapted to all your materials. Since its release in 2020, this innovative process has been a true revolution in the textile customization market!
Prerequisites for printing in DTF
Like any textile design and printing process, you'll need equipment to get started. We offer complete DTF solutions with all the necessary materials.
We offer training and installation services with the purchase of a DTF Kit!
The DTF printer : You will obviously need a DTF printer. There are several printer models available, which you will choose according to your monthly volumes and needs.
Software: To print, you will need software such as AcroRip or Digitalactory to manage your image and import it into the printer. Through the software, you will also control the ink levels, image size, and all the parameters necessary for optimal print results.
DTF Inks: These are pigment-based inks, specially designed for DTF printing. The result? Vibrant, luminous colors, a fine, soft feel, excellent wash resistance and durability, and stretchable printing that won't crack. Our inks are compatible with a wide variety of DTF printers and films.
DTF Films: DTF film is essential for printing your designs. It acts as a "carrier" to then transfer your designs onto your textile substrates.
Hot melt powder: DTF printing powder is available in white or black. It acts as an adhesive that bonds the colored printing pigments to the fabric fibers. Black powder is primarily used on dark textiles to prevent the appearance of slight traces of adhesive residue.
Curing oven: This process hardens the powdered graphic. After this step, your hardened graphic will be ready to be transferred onto the textile substrate.
Heat press : The heat press is used to transfer visuals from the film onto your textile support.
Not sure you want to invest? Order the Ready-to-Press DTF! Send us your files, and we'll take care of everything. All you'll have to do is print your artwork on the material of your choice!
Find the Ready to Press product on our website!
Print DTF in 4 steps:
Step 1: Configure and then start your print job. The printer takes care of everything; the colors will be printed first, then a layer of white will be applied on top.
Step 2: Apply hot melt powder to the printed image.
Powder application can be automated if you have a powder applicator connected to your DTF printer. If not, you must apply the powder evenly to the film while the print is still wet.
/!\ Do not touch the ink while it is still wet.
Step 3: In this step, the goal is to harden the hot melt powder by heating the film with your image on it. For this, you simply need a curing oven that you can connect directly to your printer (depending on the model) to automate the process.
Tip: If you don't have an oven, you can use a heat press. Without letting the top plate touch your film, heat it for 2 minutes at 160-170°C with a gap of 4 to 7 mm.
Step 4: In this final step, you can proceed with pressing the image onto your substrate, using different pressing conditions depending on the type of textile you are using:
- - Cotton, 8 to 12 seconds at a temperature of 160°C
- - Polyester, 20 seconds at a temperature of 130°C
Press and then allow your textile to cool before proceeding with the peeling.
The Advantages
DTF printing offers numerous advantages over competitors like Direct-to-Grid (DTG), flocking, and screen printing. The process is faster and simpler than these other techniques. You'll also see the elimination of cutting and weeding steps (Flocking) and the pre-treatment step (DTG).
DTF printing also reproduces photos and drawings in photographic quality with bright and vibrant colors, resulting in a very professional outcome.
You'll also notice a real difference in feel compared to other printing techniques. DTF offers a refined and much lighter finish, similar to that achieved with screen printing or sublimation. Elasticity is another key advantage of DTF; you can stretch your fabric without worrying about the print cracking or tearing.
Créadhésif currently offers high-quality DTF inks compatible with most DTF printers. Our inks are particularly renowned for their ability to bring out even the most delicate shades on both light and dark fabrics. The white ink provides the appropriate density for printed colors with optimal ink consumption.
In general, DTF printing overcomes most of the limitations often encountered with other textile printing techniques. The versatility of the textiles it can handle is a significant advantage. The cost of DTF printing is the lowest on the market (€0.50 excluding VAT for an A4 format), thus offering a higher profit margin. In conclusion, DTF printing can be considered the best solution for textile marking.
Find our cost price sheets on our website!
Need more information about DTF? We offer free online training (webinars) as well as exclusive videos on YouTube:
- - Webinar – The DTF Technique
- - Webinar – Ready-to-Press DTF
- - Créa'TV – What is a DTF transfer?
- - Créa'TV – Presentation of the 4-head DTF kit, 30cm format
- - Créa'TV - Interview: DTF in 13 questions
- - Créa'Express – 1 min & 4 steps to personalize in DTF!
- - Créa'Tuto – Creating a DTF Transfer Marking
To register for Webinars and online training!
To access YouTube tutorials
To access our podcasts
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about DTF personalization at 01 34 33 01 55.
To discover our tips, advice, and new products, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on our social networks, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok to stay up-to-date and access other interesting information on DTF and many other personalization techniques.
See you soon,
The Créadhésif Team
