DTF General

DTF (Direct to Film) is a process of printing on a wide format printer with PET transfer film using water based pigmented ink. During the printing process, white ink is also printed on the rear of the image to allow for a powder adhesive to adhere to the image. After the powder is applied the film continues to travel into a dryer where the image is cured after which the transfer is ready to press.

DTF offers vibrant color transfers that can be applied to any type or color fabric. With DTF there are:

  • No Pretreat Process
  • No Weeding
  • No Color Limitations
  • No Fabric Limitations
  • No Hight Temperature

DTF transfers are an affordable way to get full color images on any material or color. They are stretchy and durable and do not crack.

Because DTF transfers are typically pressed between 260 – 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 seconds they work great with Dry fit polyester apparel without scorching or burn marks. Quality transfers offer you the ability to roll and store on the self for later use on upcoming orders.

Many factors effect what your transfer will look and feel
like such as

  • A good printer in the right environment
  • Great Consumables such as Transfer Rolls, Ink, and Powder.
  • Knowledge of the RIP process and masking to ensure you shirt doesn’t show through the transfer, but doesn’t feel heavy with ink.
  • The printing process as it relates to curing you image for maximum quality and softness.

BUT IT ALL STARTS WITH THE
ARTWORK….

There are many types of files available to use, but the most common for DTF printing is 300 DPI TRANSPARENT PNG. Everything will be effected by the quality of the image you provide, some things to be sure of:

  • No Pixelation around the edges of the images or words.
  • Hi resolution 300 DPI
  • Transparent, if you can see a white background then the printer will print it.

Pixelation is those blurry, blocky squares you see around an image or text. Typically found in low resolution files that are shared, copied or downloaded online, or saved in a low-resolution format.

Pixelation in your files will show around the edges of the transfer image or words with white jagged outlines. It can also show in the image area making your transfer will look grainy.

There are a variety of programs that are available including Adobe, Affinity and Corel Draw. Regardless of the software you choose its important that you can export a High-Resolution transparent file.

Application of the transfer is quite simple.

You will first cut the transfer and place on your already prepressed garment. You will want a medium to firm pressure at 260-300 degrees. For your first press, you will press the transfer uncovered for 10 seconds. Once complete peel the film at an extreme angle toward you. Next cover with Teflon, Parchment or butcher paper and repress for another 5-10 seconds.

A properly produced transfer should last well beyond 50 washes. Some issues that cause a transfer to loss quality are:

  • Bad consumables such as film, ink and powder
  • Under cured transfers
  • Improper pressing including:
    No prepress to remove moisture from the garment.
    Not enough pressure.
    Cold spots in the heat press.


Its critical to have a quality heat press as it can affect the finished product negatively and decrease the live of the transfer on the garment.

Gang Sheet Builder

The Gang Sheet Builder works in 22.5 inch width by 12 inch height up to 96 inches long.

On the top of the builder, there is a button called remove background. If you are having trouble finding it, it is the second blue button coming from the right. Hovering over each button for a short time will show its name next to your cursor.

On the top of the builder, the farthest to the right blue button called trim will allow your image to be auto cropped to the correct size allowing for easer measurement and more accuracy.

In the bottom left corner of the Gang Sheet Builder there is the background button. Clicking it will allow you to change your background to a different color to make it easier to find fully white images.

When you add it to the cart, you will see two links underneath the item name. The first link is a preview to see it and the second will allow you to edit it again.