Direct to Film Printing
If you’re in the market for a new printing method to offer your customers, or even if you want to explore a different avenue of garment embellishment, then direct to film (DTF) printers are an excellent choice. With the ability to print directly onto a transfer film, this process offers simplicity, convenience, consistency in performance and an incredible range of colors.
In short, DTF prints are a great option for printing apparel and accessories that require an extremely high level of detail and clarity. Unlike other printing methods that use multiple time-consuming steps, direct to film printing allows the entire graphic to be printed on a clear plastic sheet of film at once. This creates a superior quality print that’s highly durable, long-lasting and can be applied to a variety of surfaces.
DTF transfers are also much more resistant to water and fading than traditional prints, so they’re an excellent choice for customers who will be wearing their items outdoors, or those who want to maintain a sharp image on a hat, jacket, or other accessory that can easily get dirty or stained. Additionally, this printing technique is much faster than other options, so it can be a more cost-effective way to fulfill orders for ecommerce businesses that require a fast turnaround.
The first step in the DTF process is to heat the print-out, or the film with the image on it, in a curing oven to melt the powder that has been applied to the surface. This is a standard procedure, but it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the best temperature and curing times to achieve the highest quality prints.
Once the film has been cured, it can be removed and cut using a vinyl cutter or plotter. Then, the printed images are transferred to a fabric substrate like a t-shirt or other clothing item by applying pressure to the substrate using a heated press.
This is one of the most versatile printing techniques available. It can be used on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton and cotton-blended materials, polyester, fleece, nylon and even leather. Additionally, this method produces a more vibrant color range than other printing methods.
Aside from being quick, efficient and effective, the DTF printing process can be used for a variety of other products beyond t-shirts. This makes it a perfect solution for businesses that need to produce bespoke apparel, or even signage and promotional items.
DTF is also a great alternative to screen printing, which requires more experience and training to master, but can be an excellent choice for small run prints of unique garments or difficult substrates. Many on-demand printing services, such as Printful, now offer DTF as part of their product offerings, and it’s easy to see why. The technology is cutting edge, the results are amazing, and it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to improve their printing business. direct to film printing