DTF transfers or Direct To Film involves printing a design directly on a film and then transferring the design to a garment. The advantage of Direct To Film technology is that it can print any fabric including cotton, polyester, and any blend. Also, it can be used to print garments of any shape and size.
Things needed for Direct To Film printing
1. Printer
You need a quality inkjet printing machine customized with 6 ink channels CMYK+White for direct-to-film printing. The process involves the use of white color to create a background. Choose a quality printer like the Uninet iColor printer. Or you can look for other brands. But the Uninet iColor brand is the biggest brand in the market.
2. Inks
Direct-to-film printing needs special inks that have elasticity. Elastic inkjet inks are more suitable for direct-to-film printing because they don’t develop cracks when the garment is stretched after printing. You need to keep this requirement in mind while buying supplies for your printer.
3. Printing film
A special film is used for direct-to-film printing. The design to be printed is cropped on the film from where it is transferred to the garment. The use of a film improves the quality and integrity of the design in the long run.
4. Printing powder
A specific powder is used as an adhesive for the elastic ink and the fabric. The powder is spread over the garment to be printed and heated so it makes a thin layer of adhesive. When the design is pressed on the garment, the adhesive layer allows ink to set on the melted powder and get fixed on the fabric.
5. Heat press
It is the main printing tool in the direct-to-film process. It consists of two platens on top and bottom. The prepared garment is placed on the bottom platen and the design is pressed onto the garment with the top platen. Heat is used to make sure that the design sits decently on the garment.
What is the heat and press method?
As evident from the name heat and press, the process involves heating the surface and pressing the design. The design is pressed for a certain time determined by the quality of fabric and complexity of the design. If needed the printed design can be laminated for better quality and shine. Your DTF shirt transfers will be more vibrant and attractive. Also, they will be long-lasting.