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What’s the Deal with DTF? Discover if Direct to Film Printing is Right for You!
The personalization industry offers creatives and business owners alike limitless possibilities. Possibilities are appealing, especially when those possibilities can become profit. However, it can start to feel a bit daunting as you juggle building a business, exploring new technologies, and keeping up with day-to-day tasks. As new acronyms like DTF, DTG, and UV-LED all start popping up in YouTube searches, TikTok videos, and industry chatter, you may feel discouraged, rather than inspired. To help with decision fatigue and information overwhelm, this article breaks down the buzzwords and acronyms so they’re easy to understand, with a focus on direct to film printing.
There are several reasons for information overload in the personalization space including improved technology, improved vendor relations, and ease of ordering. Over the last few years, personalization technologies like sublimation, direct-to-film, direct-to-garment, and UV-LED have advanced, making it possible for smaller shops to not only afford the new printing technology but also create hardware small enough to fit within the confines of a smaller shop footprint. Roland has been a leading force in the personalization space, offering creators and businesses alike solutions that work for the customization professional – and within realistic budgets.
Currently, www.jpplus.com offers several personalization technologies, including sublimation, laser engraving, UV-LED, DTF, toner heat transfer, and print and cut (check out the chart below for a breakdown of personalization acronyms). If you’d like to learn more about any of these options and what is the best fit for your business plan, you can easily schedule a free equipment consultation with a specialist! When these technologies are paired with super-powered support from vendors like Johnson Plastics Plus, you can feel confident in your decision. When shopping, look for vendors that provide post-purchase support including installation and service!
| Printing Technology | Description | Benefits and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DTF (Direct to Film) | A process that uses ink and powder to transfer an image directly to a film, then pressed onto a soft substrate. | • Versatile: Works on a wide range of materials High-quality prints: Vibrant colors and fine details. • Cost-effective for small to medium runs. Durable: Resistant to cracking and fading. • Soft hand feel |
| DTG (Direct to Garment) | Directly prints designs onto garments using inkjet technology. | • High-quality prints with vibrant colors • Ideal for detailed and complex designs • Suitable for small runs and custom orders • Soft hand feel, as the ink is absorbed into the fabric • May require a pre-treatments |
| UV-LED Printing | Uses UV light to cure or dry the ink as it is printed. | • Prints on a wide variety of substrates, including glass, metal, and plastic. • Instant curing with UV light • High durability and scratch resistance • Eco-friendly with low VOC emissions |
| Sublimation | Uses heat to transfer dye onto materials such as fabric, plastic, or metal with a polyester coating. | • Produces vibrant, permanent colors that don’t fade or crack • Ideal for all-over prints on garments • Works well on polyester and polymer-coated surfaces • Soft hand feel, as the ink is absorbed into the fabric. • No feel to the print, as the dye becomes part of the material. |
| Screen Printing | Traditional method where ink is pushed through a stencil or screen onto the material. | • Cost-effective for large runs • Durable and long-lasting prints • Versatile: Can print on various materials • Ideal for bold, single-color designs • Labor intensive for full color – each color requires a screen set up |
| HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) | Vinyl is cut into designs and then heat-pressed onto garments. | • Ideal for small runs and custom designs • Wide variety of colors and finishes, including glitter and metallic. Durable and washable • Simple process with minimal equipment required. • Difficult for complex designs |
| Toner Heat Transfer | Uses a printer with white toner to transfer images onto various substrates. | • Can print on dark and colored substrates thanks to white toner. • High-quality, vibrant prints • Suitable for a variety of materials • No need for pre-treatment of garments • Can create fun prints like on candles, mylar balloon, and even temporary tattoos! |
What is Direct to Film (DTF) Printing?
Let’s dive into why DTF printing may be the right choice for you. Before you open your wallet and invest, you are likely wondering, what is direct to film printing and what makes it special? This is a printing process that utilizes ink and powder to transfer an image directly to a film, or media, then that image is pressed onto a soft substrate, like a t-shirt or tote bag using heat and pressure. This method stands out because of its ability to produce high-quality, durable prints on a wide range of materials.
The process of DTF printing involves printing designs onto a special film using a modified inkjet printer, like the Roland BY-20 Direct to Film printer. The printed film is then coated with a powder adhesive and heat-cured. The process of adding the adhesive powder may be done manually or with a shaker and a curing oven. Finally, the design is transferred from the film onto the desired substrate, such as fabric, using a heat press.
The printing process is made simple with the Roland BY-20 and VersaWorks studio. It will walk you through setting up artwork, as well as the maintenance requirements for your machine. If purchased through JPPlus, our team is also available for support. Once that image is printed onto the film, adding the powder, or hot-melt adhesive, is the next step. You can either use a bucket and a scoop to dust the powder over the image, shake off the excess, and then cure it under a heat source or there are machines called shakers that complete that shaking and drying process for you!
What Makes Direct to Film Printing Unique?
There are several reasons this method of printing is preferable over screen printing or DTG. The first is the versatility of the materials! DTF printing can be used on a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends. This makes it a versatile option for custom apparel, bags, and more.
The heat-cured adhesive and ink combination creates a durable print that can withstand multiple washes without significant fading or peeling. It also offers a print that is more flexible, and doesn’t peel or crack as easily as a screen print might and allows you to print on several textures.
DTF printing allows for vivid, full-color designs, including gradients and complex patterns, providing a high-quality finish. This method can be achieved with sublimation, but DTF opens more options for materials since it doesn’t require a poly-coated blank.
DTF is great for small runs that require customization, like names or dates.
Unlike screen printing, which can be costly (and time consuming) for small batches, DTF printing is cost-effective even for small runs, making it ideal for personalized and custom orders. Adding custom names to t-shirts has never been so simple and quick!
Overall, the process of DTF printing is straightforward and does not require the extensive setup associated with screen printing, making it accessible for small shops and hobbyists.
So, are you ready to get started? We gathered a list of everything you will need below!
What do you need to get started with Direct-to-film printing?
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| DTF Printer | A printer specifically for DTF printing. |
| DTF Inks | Special inks designed for DTF printing. |
| DTF Transfer Film | PET film for printing designs before transferring them to substrates. |
| Hot-Melt Adhesive Powder | Powder is used to bond the ink to the substrate. |
| Heat Press Machine | Equipment for transferring the design from the film to the substrate. |
| Curing Oven/Shaker (Optional) | Oven for curing the adhesive powder. |
| Design Software | Software for creating or editing print designs. |
| Computer and Peripherals | Hardware for running design software and managing the printer. |
| Substrates | Items like t-shirts or tote bags to print designs onto. |
| Cleaning Supplies | Fluids and cloths for printer maintenance. |
| Other Accessories | Tape, rulers, and cutting tools for setup and maintenance. |
The first step in your direct to film journey is to purchase your equipment! We recommend going through a verified vendor with qualified support to help ensure you get the right machine for you along with the proper accessories like safety ventilation, heat presses, inks, films and powders.
Once you have the necessary DTF printer, inks, films, powders, and heat press machine you can get started! Our support team can help with installations as well. This installation will include setting up your workspace and preparing a clean, organized area for printing and transferring. Set up your design software and any necessary drivers for your printer. The Roland BY-20 makes this simple with their included VersaWorks program.
Next, you can start the fun part: printing and profiting! Use your design software to create or import designs for printing. Be sure to run test prints and make any necessary adjustments to settings or materials before taking on any orders. Here are a few beginning projects to consider:
Hanging Banner Canvas
SubliLinenâ„¢ Linen Zipper Bag with Strap
Rubber and Felt Door Mat
Vapor Adult Basic Long Sleeve Tee
Vapor Baby One Piece
Sherpa Lined Baby Blanket
SubliLinenâ„¢ Linen Pillow Case
By gathering the right equipment and supplies and following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to starting your DTF printing journey and expanding your business!
Is DTF Printing Right for You?
While DTF printing offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and capabilities. Here are a few factors to consider:
• Volume of Orders: If you frequently handle small, custom orders, DTF printing is a great choice. However, for very high-volume orders, other methods like screen printing might be more efficient.
• Type of Substrates: Consider the materials you commonly work with. DTF printing’s versatility is a significant advantage if you work with various fabrics and items.
• Budget: While DTF printing setups are relatively affordable, it's still an investment. Ensure it aligns with your budget and expected return on investment. Don’t be afraid to explore financing options as well!
• Space: Ensure you have the space to accommodate the printer, heat press, and other necessary equipment.
If you’re looking for a simple to use technology that produces vibrant, full-color results, DTF is for you. In conclusion, direct-to-film printing is an exciting and versatile technology that can significantly enhance your personalization capabilities. Whether you're a small shop looking to expand your offerings or a hobbyist exploring new creative avenues, DTF printing offers a compelling mix of quality, durability, and affordability.