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4 Pre-Requisites for DTF Printing
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is one of the most common methods for transferring custom designs onto garments like t-shirts. This printing technology involves special films, DTF printing ink, and a heat transfer process; results that can last as long as silkscreen prints but are more versatile for more applications.
Are you thinking of using DTF printing for your business? Here are the things you’ll need to get started:
- Invest in high-quality equipment.
Do you currently run a printing business? Then you already know how important it is to have high-quality equipment and inks to ensure outstanding results. This is even more important in DTF printing, so be sure to invest in high-quality DTF ink, a reliable printer, and a heat press. Inks must be specifically formulated for DTF printers to avoid clogging the printheads.
- Choose the right films.
DTF printing uses PET film, which comes in different types. Not all PET films are suitable for the process. Ideally, you should use printable high-quality cold peel film.
Avoid cheap, low-quality untreated films as they may cause the DTF printing ink to smudge, fail with the adhesive, and ultimately ruin the garment. Cold peel films are specially treated to handle the pressure and high temperatures of the heat press and you can get them as rolls or cut sheets.
- Use an appropriate adhesive.
Cold peel film requires an adhesive to make the image stick to the fabric. The adhesive should be durable and capable of withstanding several hand washes while ensuring a soft feel for the transfer. Make sure there’s no foul odor that can remain on the finished print, and that any excess can still be reused and stored to avoid waste.
DTF printing requires white powder, which also serves as the adhesive to bond the colored DTF ink on the print to the fabric. The powder comes in different grades and is specified in microns. Refer to your requirements to choose an appropriate grade for the powder. Consider investing in an automatic powder shaker for larger or commercial DTF printing operations to save time with the application.
- Buy a heat press machine or curing oven.
A curing oven is an industrial oven that melts the adhesive powder for the transfer film. Alternatively, you can use a heat press machine, but ensure it’s configured to no-contact mode. A heat press transfers the printed image on the film to the fabric.
DTF printing ink can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be for your business when you source it from Bink Inks. We carry DTF inks in different sizes such as 250ml, 500ml, and 1L for Epson printheads, and at affordable prices. Every DTF ink we sell is designed to meet the quality standards of the original equipment manufacturer and is 100 percent guaranteed. Our inks are thoroughly tested and checked for performance and quality to ensure compatibility with your printer.Buy DTF printing inks from the right source
