Wednesday 11 December, 2024 |

What Is A DTF Transfer?

DTF transfers are one of the latest printing methods to enter the market and their popularity is growing significantly. As a popular technique to print on all types of apparel and materials, they are quickly overtaking the likes of DTG and sublimation as the top printing method. 

What Does DTF Transfer Mean?

DTF stands for direct to film. DTF transfers are full color transfers that can be applied to a variety of garments, materials and substrates - whether they're light or dark colored. 

With this technique, you are able to print your design directly onto film, which is then transferred onto your garment of choice.This helps to improve the speed of the transfer as well as improving the ease of application. 

What Are The Benefits Of DTF Transfers?

DTF is a revolutionary printing technique. The benefits of this method include: 
Versatility on materials
Color capabilities
Cost effective to do at home 
Ease of application 
No need to pre-treat
Durability

Versatility On Materials

The biggest benefit of DTF transfers is their ability to be applied to any material. Even the most particular materials can be used with this printing method. Some of the materials you can use include 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, polyester, nylon, leather, silks and more.  

Color Capabilities

Print on light or dark garments or even consider neon colors for your next design. DTF's capabilities open up endless possibilities. They can effortlessly handle white as well as CMYK colors. The white ink will form the foundation of the print, and any colored pigments will be printed on top to help improve vibrancy. 

Cost Effective To Do At Home

If you have a side hustle or are using DTF for your business, a benefit for you is that they are cost-effective to do at home. For example, if you're selling custom shirts, you don't have to press until you sell, rather than having to store pre-printed inventory. DTF supplies are also significantly more affordable than other printing methods if you want to create the transfers yourself.

Ease of Application

Applying the transfers to garments is simple - you can use either a heat press machine, crafting press or even a household iron. Just remember to press twice! Follow our DTF press instructions for more details.

No Need To Pre-Treat Garments

If you're used to the world of DTG printing, you may remember the process of pre-treating your garments before applying transfers. In DTF, this step isn't necessary, meaning your production timeline can be sped up drastically.

Durable & Washable

Unlike DTG which lasts approximately 6-10 washes before fading, DTF will remain bright even after 60+ washes! This is similar to screen printing.

What Are The Drawbacks Of DTF Transfers?

Some of the drawbacks of DTF transfers include: 
Gradients
Specialist printers 

Gradients

Gradients are more difficult to produce with DTF than some other printing methods like sublimation. However, at DTFTransfers, we offer an art automation which can create a gradient effect with predictable halftone dots. Speak to our experts to find out more!

Specialist Printers

If you are printing DTF transfers yourself at home, then you will require a specialized printer. It will require a desktop inkjet printer and specialist textile inks designed for this type of printing. 

by Administrator

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