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Wondering what a DTF transfer is and how to make them for your printing business? You're in the right place!
Direct-to-film printing, otherwise known as DTF printing, is a method of printing permanent designs onto fabric and other materials.
With DTF transfers, you can use a heat press to place custom imagery and designs on virtually anything — clothes, wood, acrylic, you name it!
They make it super easy to create and produce personalized goods that you can add to your repertoire of products.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about DTF transfers!
What is a DTF Transfer?
A DTF transfer is a transfer sheet printed with DTF ink onto film.
You make these with a technology called DTF printing. Read more about this below!
We'll also go into the process of printing a DTF transfer and two different ways to make them (depending on your budget).
What is DTF Printing?
You can use DTF printing (which stands for direct-to-film printing) to adhere designs to fabric, like shirts and bags, and some other materials. (For hard surfaces like tumblers or mugs, UV DTF printing is a better choice.)
To do this, you use a DTF printer (like the Epson SureColor F1070) to print digital designs onto the special DTF film. You apply a special adhesive powder and cure it with heat to create the transfer.
After you've created your DTF transfer, you can use a heat press or an oven to transfer the design.
DTF is great for creating custom clothing or garments as gifts or products to sell.
It's a skill that's easy to learn, and you can even order your own DTF transfers if you don't want to purchase an entire printer. This way, it's that much simpler to add DTF customization to your business.
How Are DTF Transfers Made?
DTF transfers are made using a transfer printing process.
If you decide to purchase a DTF printer, you'll also need DTF transfer film, adhesive powder, a heat press or curing oven, and your garment. Here's how it works:
- Once you've finalized your design, print it out onto DTF transfer film (also known as PET film)
- Apply an even layer of adhesive powder over the printed DTF transfer (side-note: Make sure you're always wearing protective gear when handling DTF powder!)
- Use a curing oven or heating oven to cure the transfer and powder together, ensuring the design will completely stick to the garment
- Apply the DTF transfer to your garment and use a heat press to seal it
If you'd prefer to just design your own DTF transfers and send them to print, Ninja Transfers is a great way to go. The site will print and ship your ready-to-use transfers straight to your door.
How Can I Use a DTF Transfer?
There are tons of different ways to use DTF transfers! I like using them on fabrics and garments, especially since it's an easy way to sell personalized items. You don't have to only stick to custom products, though — you can also come up with fun designs (like this one on Etsy) and apply them to garments to sell.
Things You Can Customize With DTF
The possibilities are seemingly endless with DTF transfers, which is why it's a handy skill. Here are some items you can customize with DTF:
- Apparel: t-shirts and hoodies
- Accessories: tote bags, makeup bags, or even shoes, depending on the material
- Fabrics: cotton, polyester, and denim are all DTF transfer-safe
- Wood: think boxes or signs
- Glassware: beer mugs, wine or rock glasses, mugs, bottles
Plus, you can store DTF transfers for the moment you need them in the future, which can save you time and allow you to print products on demand. If you print your own DTF transfers, you can also sell them as products to other customization businesses and crafters.
How Can I Use DTF Transfers at Home?
Whether you print your DTF transfers or have them shipped to your home, the fun really begins once you have them ready to go.
With a heat press, you can use a heat press to apply the design to a multitude of fabrics and materials for personal or business use. It's an awesome way to expand your product inventory, regardless of whether you opt for personalized items or not.
Should I Print My Own DTF Transfers?
That's really up to personal preference, and whether you see a DTF printer being a handy tool in your home.
DTF printers aren't inexpensive, but they are super versatile, which can make for a good investment in your business.
For instance, the Epson SureColor F1070 has both DTF and DTG capabilities thanks to its hybrid printing tech.
It's easy to use, compact, affordable, and produces vibrant, clear designs. You can also use the Epson Garment Creator 2 software with it, available on both Windows and macOS.
That being said, you have to use your printer regularly to make sure the ink doesn't clog, and there can be safety issues with DTF powder (you should always wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection to prevent any skin or eye damage).
Consider Using a DTF Printing Service Instead
If you're not totally sold on investing in a DTF printer, you can order custom DTF transfers through a printing service like Ninja Transfers.
You can order by size or upload a DTF gang sheet, and they will print and ship your designs within 24 to 48 hours.
Alternatives to DTF Transfers
There are options besides DTF transfers that allow you to customize garments for your business.
Sublimation Printing
Sublimation is a printing process that doesn't use any adhesive. Instead, you print the design using only heat or oven press to directly apply your design onto your chosen item (like clothing, tumblers, or mugs). Like DTF printing, you also create a design that needs to be printed, and you need a sublimation printer, ink, and paper to complete the process. Learn more about DTF vs sublimation here.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a completely different process from DTF, but it can give you a more handmade look. It uses a mesh screen that's stretched tightly over a frame, ink, a stencil, and a squeegee. With silk screen printing, you create the stencil instead of printing a transfer. It can be used on apparel, textiles, and hard surfaces. Learn more about DTF vs screen printing here.
DTG Printing
DTG printing uses a printer that sprays ink directly onto the fabric. You do need to pre- treat the fabric and dry the ink before it's ready to wear, but you can skip the step of pressing a transfer with heat. Learn more about DTG vs DTF printing here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do DTF transfers last?
DTF-printed garments look great even with 50 to 100 washes or more. You should take proper care of the garment, though -- that means using high-quality transfers, selecting the best fabric and heat press, and washing the apparel piece on a gentle cycle.
How many times can I use a DTF transfer?
DTF transfers are meant to be used once. You can print gang sheets (large sheets with multiple designs) to save money. Once they're printed, you cut them into individual transfers and use them as needed.
Does DTF crack or peel?
They can, which is why it's super important to purchase high-quality materials. You should also make sure you feel 100% comfortable with the DTF printing process before selling products, since improper heat pressing can also cause cracking or peeling.
To prevent this from happening, you should ensure that you're properly curing the transfer with the adhesive powder, storing your materials correctly, and avoiding stretching the fabric when you're doing the transferring process.
More Resources For You
Now that you're all set, you can learn more about DTF printing here:
- What is DTF? The Crafter's Guide to Direct-to-Film Printing
- Everything You Need to Start a Customization Business
- The Best DTF Printers for Small Businesses
And before you go, join the MakerFlo Makers Community on Facebook, where you can connect and share ideas with other makers!
