What Is DTF Printing? Process, Benefits & Key Comparisons

If you have been exploring different printing methods and looking which suits you best, then lately you must have come across direct-to-film printing as this printing method is making serious waves in the world of custom merchandise, and for good reason.

Now do you know what all the reasons are we talking about? If not, then let us make you aware, DTG printing is making a move because of its flexibility, delivers long-lasting results.

But before that you must know- what is direct to film printing ? How does it work and is it really better than the traditional options like screen printing or DTF? In this article, we will help you to know everything about DTG, from the step-by-step process to the key benefits that make DTF a favorite among creators, small businesses, and print shops alike.

Key takeaways-

• DTF printing uses a heat transfer film to print on virtually any fabric.
• It delivers vibrant, durable, and high-detail results without pre-treating garments.
• Compared to DTG and screen printing, it offers more flexibility with lower setup costs.
• Ideal for small businesses, custom orders, and print-on-demand models.
• DTF allows you to print designs in bulk and store for future use, giving you both scale and convenience.

1. What is DTF printing?

If you are searching to know everything about DTF and What does dtf stand for in printing, in that case you have reached the right place.  

DTF printing is Direct to film printing and is one of the modern and versatile approaches for textile printing where designs are printed to the special films and which consists of the powder adhesive and this is in turn given heat transfer toward the fabrics.

Now when compared with the traditional method, both DTG and sublimation, DTF do not limit to the fabric type, and even color. But individuals can easily apply to the cotton, some light materials and even to blends.

But what material is best for dtf transfers? DTG is best suited for cotton garments, and delivers soft breathable prints. This manner, it is in great demand or for small batches orders. 

However, apart from cotton, DTF is also preferred for Polyester, Poly-cotton blends, Nylon, Silk, Lycra/Spandex, Leather.

2. What makes it different?

Unlike vinyl heat transfers, DTF prints are soft, stretchable, and breathable, especially when applied with the right heat press settings.
There are no color restrictions, Gradients, shadows, photos, and complex artwork are all fair game.

• The global custom t-shirt printing market is projected to grow from $4.3 billion in 2022 to $9.18 billion by 2030.
• DTF printing is expected to capture a rising share of the custom apparel market due to its versatility and low production cost.
• Over 45% of small garment decoration businesses in North America added DTF printing capabilities.

3. What is the real world impact of DTF printing?

Platforms are loving DTF printing because of its ability to quickly fulfill unique orders without warehousing.  DTF allows indie designers to test ideas fast putting designs on anything from hoodies to nylon bags.

4. Understanding The Mechanics Of DTF Printing

DTF is the widely adopted method of printing which requires transferring design onto fabrics and by using a special film. But how does the dtf printing process work?

Let us help you to know the entire process.

4.1 Design Creation

It all starts with your design! You create your artwork on a computer using software like Photoshop or Illustrator. The design can be colorful, detailed, or even photo-realistic.

4.2 Print on Film

The design is printed onto a special PET film (a heat-resistant, clear sheet) using a direct-to-film printing  printer and textile-specific pigment inks. Here, at first phase, the printer is put down towards the colored ink and then layer is followed of white ink on the top and then it helps to design to the fabric to produce results.

4.3 Apply Adhesive Powder

Before the ink dries, a hot-melt adhesive powder (think of it like a sticky coating) is applied to the back of the printed film. 

4.4 Cure the Film

Next, the film is heated either using a curing oven or heat press without pressure. This in turn melts the adhesive powder and then it develops a ready to transfer layer.

4.5 Heat Press the Design

The printed film is placed onto your fabric (like a t-shirt), and a heat press applies high temperature and pressure. The heat activates the glue, bonding the design permanently to the garment.

4.6 Cold Peel & Finish

Once it cools, you peel off the film (called a “cold peel”) revealing your vibrant, detailed print. You can optionally press it again for a softer feel and better durability. This manner, the entire direct to film printing process takes place.

5. DTF Printing: What Works and What Doesn’t

DTG printing is no doubt one of the most widely adopted printing methods among both individuals and businesses. But at the same time, before adopting DTG printing, it is also important to know about direct to film printing pros and cons.

Pros

5.1 Versatile fabric

The DTF printing service is proven to be suitable for cotton, blends, polyesters, nylon and even dark fabrics without losing vibrancy.

5.2 Vibrand and durable

Tends to produce  bright and high resolution colors that resist cracking, peeling, and fading over time.

5.3 No-pretreatment required

Unlike DTG, fabrics do not require special pre-treatment before printing and this makes direct-to-film printing  much easier.

5.4 Flexible and soft prints

DTG finished print is soft and flexible and makes it comfortable to wear.

5.5 Wide color range

Can reproduce detailed design with complex color and gradients.

5.6 Minimal waste

There is no screen or plates needed to reduce material waste.

Cons

5.1 Requires special treatment 

Needs a DTF printer, powder applicator, and even curing oven or heat press, which can be an upfront investment.

5.2 Powder adhesive handling

The proper application of adhesive powder is essential. Too much or too little can affect print quality.

5.3 Heat press step

The heat press step requires  care; incorrect temperature or pressure can cause poor adhesion or damage prints.

5.4 Not eco-friendly

The use of powder and films can also generate some waste compared to purely digital prints.

5.5 Leave curve

Operators need training to get the best results, especially with powder application and curing.

6. Comparing DTF to Screen, DTG & Sublimation

There are different other methods to which direct film transfer can be compared and here we are making you understand them all.

6.1 DTF vs DTG (Direct-to-Garment)