What Does DTF Even Stand For, What’s It Made Of, and How Does It Work?

In this in-depth overview, we’ll tell you all about DTF, and the process of creating and using DTF prints.

As custom printing continues to advance, there’s one method quickly gaining popularity for its versatility and vibrant results: DTF printing. But what exactly is DTF printing, and why is everyone talking about it?

A Summary of DTF

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is a process that transfers designs onto garments and other materials using a printed film and adhesive powder. Specially formulated, water-based inks are sprayed from a specialized DTF Printer directly onto a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film—a durable, clear material that’s smooth to the touch and as thin as paper.

Then, the film goes under a powder shaker, where a special adhesive powder is applied to the printed design, making sure it will stick to the fabric. Finally, the powder is heated to melt the adhesive and prepare the film for a transfer.

When your DTF print is ready, you can apply it on pretty much any soft surface—t-shirts, tote bags, denim, silk, nylon, and more. DTF transfers are extremely versatile, sticking to any soft, heat-resistant surface, and after the film is peeled away, it leaves a vibrant and durable design on the fabric.

Detailed Explanation: How DTF Works, Step-by-Step

That’s just a summary of how this versatile material works. If you’re curious about the details behind DTF printing—from the technology and procedures used in the printer machine to the application process—read along.

Digital Preparation

Step 1: Design Creation & Preparing for Printing

The first thing needed to make DTF prints is, of course, the designs. DTF designs can be made in programs like Canva or Procreate, drawn by hand in other digital drawing platforms, or they can even be pictures. It’s important that these designs are in high resolution (300dpi) to ensure the highest quality results.

When the designs are ready, it’s time to print. To bring digital designs to life using DTF, we need to create a gang sheet. The printer prints designs on long rolls of film (with a standard width of 22 inches and a length of however much is needed), and to optimize space, it’s best to try to fit as many designs as possible into one sheet. This is called a gang sheet.

First, a digital gang sheet is prepared, typically using software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva. Then, this gang sheet is exported to the DTF software, which prepares the file for printing.

As the DTF printer runs, the printing process involves three main stages: first, the design is printed onto the film, then, adhesive powder is applied, and finally, the print is cured to set everything in place. Here is how each stage of production works:

In the Machine

Step 2: Printing the Design on Film

The DTF printer sprays water-based pigments directly onto the film. This software first separates color layers (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) and white ink. The colors are printed first, followed by a layer of white ink on top, which acts as a base under the actual design.

The part of the machine that applies the pigments moves back and forth, spraying ink onto the film through small nozzles, and the film moves forward slightly after each pass. This is similar to how a regular printer works.

While printing, the designs are also mirrored so they print in reverse, which is important since the transfer will be flipped onto the garment.

Step 3: Applying Adhesive Powder

When it is first applied from the machine onto the film, the ink is still wet. To dry the print and prepare it for use, the film passes through a powdering station where a special adhesive powder (thermoplastic polyurethane) is applied over the ink. This powder only sticks to the wet ink, and not the film.

The powder will act as the glue between the printed image and the fabric during heat pressing.

Step 4: Curing Stage

Next, the film with the powdered design goes through a curing oven. No pressure is applied—the heat simply melts the powder just enough for it to fuse with the layer of ink. Usually, the temperature used here is around 250-300°F.

At this stage, the film passes slowly through the oven, and when it comes out, the print is fully dry and ready for use.

Applying DTF Prints

Step 5: Heat Pressing the Design onto Fabric

After the designs come out of the printer, the film can be rolled up and stored for later use, or transferred right away.

To transfer the design, we place the cured film with the design facing up on a garment like a t-shirt. Then we apply heat and pressure using a heat press. The temperature used in the heat press is around 350°F. Medium pressure—not too firm, but not too light—is applied for 5 seconds.

The heat activates the melted adhesive, bonding the print to the fabric’s fibers.

Step 6: Peel

DTF prints use a hot peel technology, meaning the film can be peeled away immediately after being transferred, while it is still hot. Peeling the PET film leaves the design embedded in the fabric, smooth to the touch and stretch-resistant.

There’s no need to worry about messing up the design—because of how strong DTF is and how high quality DTF prints are, the film can simply be pulled away in one motion, and you’ll see that your design is perfectly printed on your garment.

Of course, cold peel is also an option. This means the film is pulled away after it has been transferred using the heat press and has cooled down.

Either way, DTF designs will come out looking beautiful and vibrant, leaving you with a durable, strong product.

Conclusion

And that’s how DTF printing works! This technology is revolutionizing the custom garment industry because of its flexibility, vivid colors, and ease of use. Whether you’re creating products for your business or simply exploring custom printing at home, DTF is useful for anyone.