What is DTF printing?

Direct To Film (DTF) printing is a process where designs are printed directly onto a special film. This method allows for transferring the printed design onto various fabric types, such as cotton, polyester, or their blends.

One of the key features of DTF printing is its ability to work effectively on fabrics of any color, thanks to its use of white ink. This distinguishes it from other printing techniques like Direct To Garment (DTG) printing, offering versatility in textile applications.

How to print DTF transfers?

Printing DTF (Direct To Film) transfers is a straightforward process, especially due to its ability to print both the white and colored ink layers simultaneously, unlike more complex methods like white toner printing. For DTF printing, the acceptable file formats for your designs include EPS, PS, PDF, BMP, TIF, JPG, PNG, and PSD. To assist you in learning the process, a step-by-step video guide has been created, demonstrating how to print DTF transfers onto a dark cotton t-shirt.

Who need DTF printing?

If you're considering incorporating DTF (Direct To Film) printing into your business, you might be curious about the necessary equipment and the potential investment involved.

Let’s start by listing

  1. Modified Inkjet Printer for DTF Printing: This printer, with six ink channels including CMYK and White, has been adapted for DTF printing. At Brildor, we offer a DTF printer that is already modified with the necessary hardware.
  2. Special DTF Inks: These inks are designed for DTF printing, offering high elasticity to prevent cracking when the printed garment is stretched.
  3. DTF Film: This is the medium on which your design is printed.
  4. DTF Powder: It serves as an adhesive, bonding the ink to the cotton fibers of the fabric.
  5. RIP Software: Essential for correct printing of the CMYK and white layers. The software compensates for the printer's modifications, ensuring the ink layers are printed in the correct sequence.
  6. Heat Press: A heat press with a vertically lowering upper platen is recommended, as it facilitates the curing process of the DTF film.

What is DTF printing - Dallas, Texas

DTF (Direct To Film) and DTG (Direct To Garment) printing, although similar in using inkjet printers with white ink, have distinct differences:

  1. Investment Cost: DTF printing is much more affordable, with a DTF kit costing nearly one-tenth of a DTG printer.
  2. Production Time: DTF printing involves printing a design on a film, adding DTF powder, curing the film, and then transferring the design to the fabric. DTG printing, on the other hand, prints directly onto the garment, significantly reducing production time.
  3. Print Touch and Finish: DTF prints have a slightly “plastic” finish akin to HTV or screen print transfers, but the inks are very elastic, preventing cracking when stretched. DTG printing results in a finer finish with better fabric integration, as the ink is absorbed into the garment.
  4. White Intensity and Purity: DTG printing produces a purer and more intense white, whereas DTF's white is less pure and intense.
  5. Consumable Costs: Despite appearing more expensive due to additional supplies, the final cost of a T-shirt printed with DTF is slightly lower than one printed using DTG.

For further information or inquiries, please feel free to contact DTF in Texas at: