Direct to Film | DTF Printing | What is it?

What is DTF or Direct to Film Printing?

Direct to Film or DTF printing is the newest printing technique taking the world by storm. Offering a versatile & cost-effective alternative to traditional garment printing methods such as screen printing.

DTF involves printing a design onto a special clear film & then transferring it onto fabric. The process has the ability to produce vibrant, high-quality prints on a wide range of fabric, regardless of colour or fabric composition.

Interested? Let's dive into DTF further....

The Process in a Nut Shell 

The DTF printing process is fairly straightforward but ingenious. It all starts with printing a design onto a clear film using a DTF printer equipped with DTF inks. Once the design is printed, a powdery adhesive is sprinkled onto the wet ink. The film passes through a shaker where the excess adhesive it removed. It then progresses to the next stage to be cured & dried. The print is now ready for application.

The final step involves using a heat press to transfer the design from the film onto the fabric. This requires a combination of heat, pressure & time. The end result - a durable, vibrant & flexible print.

What are the benefits of DTF Printing?

Versatility | DTF printing stands out due to its ability to adhere to virtually any fabric type, including cotton & polyester right through to silk & leather. This opens up endless possibilities for customisation & branding.

Quality and Durability | DTF prints are not only vivid & detailed but also resilient. They can stretch with the fabric, more so than other print methods, without cracking, maintaining their integrity & appearance over time.

Cost-Effective for Small Runs | Unlike screen printing, which requires extensive setup for each design, DTF is not only cost-effective for large runs but also for small to medium-sized runs. This makes it ideal for a range of uses.

Eco-Friendly Option | DTF printing uses next to no water & energy compared to traditional printing methods, making it a more environmentally friendly print option.