DTF Film is a revolutionary product that has taken the printing industry by storm. It is a type of film that is used for printing high-quality custom DTF designs on various surfaces such as t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. DTF Film has become increasingly popular due to its versatility and ease of use. In this article, we will explore what DTF Film is and how to use it.
What are the DTF Film Sheets?
DTF Film Sheets stands for Direct to Film Transfer Film Sheets. It is a type of heat transfer film used in the garment printing industry. DTF Film Sheets are made of a coated PET film that is available in both single and double-sided coatings. They are used in conjunction with DTF inks and DTF powder to print designs on the film sheets using an Epson inkjet printer or a DTF printer. Once the design is printed on the film sheet, it is then transferred to the garment by pressing the DTF transfer sheet to the garment using a heat press machine. DTF Film Sheets are available in various sizes and quantities, and they can be peeled while hot or cold.
What is DTF Film Made up of?
DTF Film Sheets are made of a specially formulated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) release film. This coated PET film is available in both single and double-sided coatings. The film is designed to work with DTF inks and DTF powder to print designs on the film sheets using an Epson inkjet printer or a DTF printer. DTF Film Sheets are available in various sizes and quantities, and they can be peeled while hot or cold.
What is the Difference Between Hot Peel and Cold Peel DTF Transfer Film?
Hot peel and cold peel are two types of DTF transfer films used in the garment printing industry. The main difference between them is the time at which the transfer sheet is peeled off the garment after heat pressing. Here are some differences between hot peel and cold peel DTF transfer films:
Hot Peel:
- Has an adhesive layer that uses a water-based back-coating technique.
- The release layer is relatively thin.
- The transfer sheet is peeled off the garment immediately after heat pressing while it is still hot.
- The design is transferred to the garment with a glossy finish.
- The transfer sheet is less likely to stick together.
Cold Peel:
- Does not have an adhesive layer.
- The transfer sheet is peeled off the garment after it has cooled down.
- The design is transferred to the garment with a matte finish.
- The transfer sheet is more likely to stick together.
- The design may leave a different finish if peeled hot or warm.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the DTF Film Transfer?
Advantages:
- Vibrant and high-quality prints with minimal preparation.
- Versatile and can work with a variety of fabrics.
- Uses less ink than other printing methods.
- Can be applied to tricky areas that other printing methods cannot.
- More durable than direct-to-garment (DTG) prints.
- Prints transferred directly to film wash well and are elastic, meaning they don’t crack or flake, making them ideal for heavy-use items.
- Can significantly reduce inventory volume and cost by allowing you to stock less for less money.
- Direct-to-film printing eliminates the need for pre-treatment.
- Rapid print times and exceptional print quality.
Disadvantages:
- DTF prints feel hard and stretchy and are not very breathable.
- DTF transfer sheets can be more difficult to weed than other transfer sheets.
- DTF prints do not have the soft feel that DTG can boast.
- Cold peel DTF transfer sheets can be more likely to stick together.
- Hot peel DTF transfer sheets can leave a different finish if peeled hot or warm.
How to Use DTF Transfer Film Sheets?
Here are the general steps to use DTF transfer film sheets:
Prepare the design: Create or select the design you want to print on the DTF transfer film sheet using graphic design software.
Print the design: Load the DTF transfer film sheet into an Epson inkjet printer or a DTF printer and print the design onto the film sheet using DTF ink. Make sure to print on the correct side of the film sheet.
Cure the ink: Once the design is printed on the DTF transfer film sheet, cure the ink by placing the printed DTF transfer sheet on a heat press with the ink facing up. Hover the heat press platen over the sheet for 2 minutes at 350 degrees to fully cure the ink.
Peel the transfer sheet: After curing, peel the transfer sheet from the backing paper. If using a hot peel transfer sheet, peel it off while it is still hot. If using a cold peel transfer sheet, wait for it to cool down before peeling it off.
Transfer the design: Place the transfer sheet onto the garment with the design facing down. Use a heat press to transfer the design onto the garment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How to Print on DTF Film with Epson printer?
Here are the steps to print on DTF film with an Epson printer:
Prepare the Design: Create or select the design you want to print on the DTF film using graphic design software.
Print the design: Load the DTF film into the Epson printer and print the design image onto the film using the printer's software. Make sure to select the correct settings for DTF printing.
Cure the ink: Once the design is printed on the DTF film, cure the ink by placing the printed DTF transfer sheet on a heat press with the ink facing up. Hover the heat press platen over the sheet for 2 minutes at 350 degrees to fully cure the ink.
Peel the transfer sheet: After curing, peel the transfer sheet from the backing paper. If using a hot peel transfer sheet, peel it off while it is still hot. If using a cold peel transfer sheet, wait for it to cool down before peeling it off.
Transfer the design: Place the transfer sheet onto the garment with the design facing down. Use a heat press to transfer the design onto the garment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How Long Does DTF Film Last Before it Starts to Degrade?
The lifespan of DTF film sheets before they start to degrade can vary depending on several factors. Here are some points to consider:
- If stored properly, a filmstrip transfer should last more than 100 years without any significant fading or deterioration in quality.
- With regular use and standard washing and drying, a DTF print can typically last between 50 to 100 washes.
- The storage environment of DTF prints should not be too hot and humid, as this can affect their lifespan.
- The lifespan of a print head may be around 6-12 months, so the print head needs to be replaced in time if you find the test strip is incomplete.
- DTF printing is a heat transfer process that has the ability to last as long as traditional silkscreen prints.
- DTF tends to last longer than sublimation because the ink stands out from the fabric.
What is the Cost of DTF Film Sheets Compared to Other Transfer Methods?
The cost of DTF film sheets is relatively low, making it a cost-effective printing method for small to medium-sized orders. The average cost of DTF film sheets is around $0.30 per square foot, which is significantly less expensive than other transfer methods such as screen printing and sublimation printing.
Here is a comparison of the cost of DTF film sheets to other transfer methods:
- DTF Film: $0.30 per square foot.
- Screen Printing: $1.00 - $2.00 per square foot.
- Sublimation Printing: $1.50 - $2.50 per square foot.
- Heat Transfer Printing: $0.50 - $1.00 per square foot.
Which Side Of DTF Film Do you Print On?
When printing on DTF film, it is important to print on the correct side of the film to ensure the best quality print. Here are some methods to determine which side of the DTF film to print on:
Check for a coating: DTF film has a printable side with a special coating that helps with easy and quick peeling, and a bottom side with a special grippy coating. The printable side is usually smoother and shinier than the bottom side.
Look for a matte side: Some sources recommend printing on the matte side of the DTF film. The matte side is the side that is less shiny and has a slightly rougher texture than the other side.
What Types of Garments are Best Suited for DTF Film Transfer?
DTF film transfer is a versatile printing method that can be used on a variety of garments. Here are some of the most common types of garments that are well-suited for DTF printing:
T-shirts: T-shirts are a popular choice for DTF printing because they are made of a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics. DTF printing can be used to create high-quality prints on both light and dark colored t-shirts.
Hoodies: Hoodies are another popular choice for DTF printing. They are made of thick, durable fabrics that can withstand the heat and pressure of the transfer process. DTF printing can be used to create vibrant, long-lasting prints on hoodies.
Hats: Hats are a great way to add a personal touch to your wardrobe. DTF printing can be used to create custom prints on a variety of hats, including baseball caps, snapbacks, and beanies.
Bags: Bags are a practical way to show off your personality. DTF printing can be used to create custom prints on a variety of bags, including tote bags, backpacks, and messenger bags.
Can you Sublimate on DTF Film?
Yes, it is possible to sublimate on DTF film. Sublimation printing involves transferring ink onto a substrate using heat. While sublimation ink is typically used with polyester or polymer-coated substrates, it can also be used with DTF film to transfer designs onto cotton fabric. Here are some methods for DTF and Sublimation Printing.
Using DTF adhesive powder: Apply DTF adhesive powder to the DTF film before printing the design with sublimation ink. After printing, cure the ink with a heat press, then peel off the transfer sheet and apply it to the cotton fabric using a heat press.
Using hot melt DTF curing powder: Load a sheet of DTF film into a sublimation printer and print the design onto the film using sublimation ink. After printing, apply hot melt DTF curing powder to the ink and cure it with a heat press. Then, peel off the transfer sheet and apply it to the cotton fabric using a heat press.
Using a sublimation printer: Load a sheet of DTF film into a sublimation printer and print the design onto the film using sublimation ink. After printing, cure the ink with a heat press, then peel off the transfer sheet and apply it to the cotton fabric using a heat press.
What is the Recommended Thickness of the DTF Pet Film?
Generally, DTF PET film is available in thicknesses ranging from 1.0 mil (25.4 microns) to 4.0 mil (101.6 microns). However the recommended thickness for DTF PET film varies depending on the specific application and desired properties.
The type of fabric you're transferring to: Thinner films (around 75 microns) are generally better for lighter fabrics, while thicker films (around 90 microns) can be used for heavier fabrics or those with a rougher texture.
The desired hand feel of the transferred design: Thinner films will result in a softer, more flexible feel, while thicker films will provide a more durable and slightly stiffer feel.
Your personal preference: Some users simply prefer the feel or performance of one thickness over another.
Which Finish Type of the DTF Pet Film is More Preferable?
The finish type of DTF PET film is an important consideration and can depend on specific project requirements and preferences. The finish type can affect the appearance and performance of the printed design. According to the provided resources, DTF PET film is available in various finish types, such as matte, frosted, and glossy.
The matte finish is often preferred for its good release properties and low thermal shrinkage rate, while the glossy finish adds extra shine and vibrancy to the transferred image, making the colors appear brighter and more intense.
What is the Recommended Amount of Ink to Use When Printing on Dtf Film?
It is recommended to use high-quality DTF inks made specifically for DTF printing to ensure bright and vivid colors. The fluency of white ink is also an important factor to consider, and it is recommended to print 10 square meters in 100% ink droplets to get less than 5 pin breaks. The DTF PET film is known for its high ink-absorption capacity and high-temperature resistance.
What is the Heat Resistance of the DTF Film?
The heat resistance of DTF PET film is an important factor to consider when using it for heat transfer applications. Generally, high-quality DTF PET film can withstand temperatures ranging from 120°C to 160°C (248°F to 320°F) for a short duration (typically 10-15 seconds) during the heat transfer process. Learn more about DTF transfer Temperature.
What is the Washing Durability of the DTF Film?
Here's a general guideline for the wash durability of DTF PET film:
High-quality film and ink, proper washing conditions: Can withstand 50-100 washes with minimal fading or cracking.
Average-quality film and ink, proper washing conditions: May show signs of wear after 25-50 washes.
Lower-quality materials or improper washing: The DTF print might fade or crack significantly after 10-20 washes.