08
Jul
Direct-to-Film, or DTF printing, may be your new best friend if you’ve always wanted to transfer colorful and visually interesting designs onto clothing or other products, but had concerns about whether the image could be printed on a particular type of fabric.
DTF has quickly become a favorite printing process for creators, small business owners, and custom merch brands due to its versatility, durability, and user-friendliness. But what does Direct-to-Film print on? The big question.
This article will discuss the materials DTF can be used with, how DTF works, and why DTF is a better option in many situations than traditional prints like screen printing or sublimation. This list will give you an idea of the possibilities, whether you’re interested in customizing clothing, accessories, or home goods.
Direct-to-Film printing is a process in which designs are printed with water-based inks on a film and then the design is heat-pressed onto the desired substrate. DTF does not require fabric to be pre-treated, unlike DTG printing, and it can be used on both light and dark materials.
The process is relatively simple:
Print your design in reverse using PET film.
Dust the wet ink with hot-melt powder.
Heat or cure the powder typically in a heat press or oven.
Use a heat press to apply the design to your object.
The prints are vibrant, flexible, durable, and have excellent wash resistance. The transfer occurs through a film as opposed to direct application on the cloth; therefore, the possibilities for surfaces are much broader than those possible through traditional methods.
The real charm of DTF printing is its compatibility with a wide range of materials, not just fabrics. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular surfaces:
Pure or blended cotton is the most typical DTF surface. DTF, unlike sublimation, has excellent adhesion on natural fibers like cotton. This means you can print your designs on t-shirts, tote bags, hoodies, sweatshirts, and aprons without worrying about color or fabric.
Polyester is difficult to print with many other processes, but DTF printing works very well on polyester. You can print easily onto activewear, sports uniforms, and other synthetics without compromising the image or adhesion quality.
DTF transfers are also compatible with heavy materials like canvas or denim. DTF adhesive works beautifully, be it on a distressed denim jacket or a heavy canvas pouch. The print remains vibrant and does not fade with repeated washing. This allows for creative possibilities of personalized jeans, canvas shoes, laptop sleeves, canvas art, and banners.
Yes, DTF printing can be used on nylon and other waterproof fabrics. Printing on these materials typically does not allow for inks to adhere when printed onto them, but because DTF uses heat-activated glue, this facilitates a strong bond.
As with everything, sample first! Certain coated waterproof surfaces may not be receptive to the adhesive, contingent on the type of chemical coating. The ideal surfaces for this are: Rain jackets, Windbreakers, outdoor windbreakers, and umbrellas.
DTF can also be applied to leather and PU leather, but again, you need to be extra careful with the heat, so you don’t burn the material. You can make personalized patches, logo patches, or even complete designs on the following items: leather bags, wallets, notebook covers, and faux leather clothing.
Although DTF was created for fabric, transfers can be used on rigid surfaces such as wood, ceramics, and metal as long as the surface has been painted or coated with polymer or vinyl so that the adhesive has something to adhere to. This involves some trial and error, but it works well for:
Custom wood signs
Mugs (with vinyl wraps)
Decorative tiles
Phone cases (with proper base layers)
Here’s why DTF is winning the hearts of crafters, designers, and small businesses:
Multi-surface compatibility: Cotton, polyester, denim, leather, you name it.
Bright, durable prints: Even on dark and synthetic fabrics.
Small-batch friendly: You can print one-off designs with ease.
Less waste: Unused prints can be kept and printed later on.
DTF print is flexible and affordable while providing a nice product, whether you’re working in a custom print shop or simply practicing D.I.Y. at home.
Some things to bear in mind when using DTF prints:
Change the heat according to the material. Leather and nylon require less time and heat.
Always test in an inconspicuous area first, especially on new surfaces.
Keep your DTF films stored in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture damage or ink smudging.
Use a proper heat press that has good even pressure throughout the press, not a home iron.
By investing in quality supplies and experimenting with a variety of materials, you will be able to truly discover what DTF is capable of.
So, what can you DTF print on? Practically anything!
Anything from cotton t-shirts to nylon jackets, canvas bags, or even wooden signs can be DTF printed; the only limitations are those imposed by other processes. The technology is revolutionary in that it allows the user to print custom designs that are high quality, permanent, and colorful without being limited to certain kinds of fabric.
If you’re looking for methods to expand your custom products business or simply want to experiment with a new process at home, DTF is a great option to explore. Your creativity can take you so far, provided you have the right tools and are willing to practice.
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Our company has over 30 models of printers with independent intellectual property rights and patents. Marketed under the esteemed brands of Skycolor, Stormjet, and Fedar brands, these printers cover a wide range, including digital textile printers, UV printers, eco-solvent printers and more. Known for their exceptional quality and performance.
