How to Use a Direct to Film Printer for Clothing?

Direct to film printing  printer has gained significant attention and quickly become one of the preferred methods in the apparel decoration industry. Also known as DTF machine, it’s a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Print Your Design onto Film Paper

To print DTF transfer paper, you’ll need an inkjet printer and PET film. PET film, or polyester film, is a versatile plastic ideal for full-color transfers. From small home inkjet printers to commercial ones for mature businesses, there are many options for printers that can handle DTF transfers.

Step 2: Apply Hot Melt Powder

Applying a layer of hot melt powder to the film paper is the second step in direct film printing. This step is necessary to enhance contrast and clarity, achieving better overall print results. The hot melt powder must be applied while the DTF transfer paper is still wet. It needs to be applied evenly, which can be done manually or with a vibrator. High-end DTF printers often include a vibrator to ensure a perfect powder coating every time.

Step 3: Fuse the Powder onto the DTF Transfer Paper

There are various methods to fuse the hot melt powder onto the DTF transfer paper. One option is using an oven, which takes approximately 2–3 minutes for the DTF transfer material to cure. Another choice is using a heat gun, but ensuring proper curing for the entire transfer can be tricky. The last option is using a heat press. Most people have access to a heat press, and you can use the hover method to cure the DTF transfer.

When using a heat press, it’s crucial not to touch the press itself. One technique is to heat the bottom of the press for 60 seconds, then transfer the DTF to the press for curing.

Step 4: Pre-Press the Clothing

Pre-pressing refers to the process of washing, drying, and ironing the clothing before printing. This is essential to smooth out any wrinkles or creases, ensuring clean and nice print lines. If there are folds due to printing, the ink may take longer to dry or may even seep into other parts of the clothing.

Step 5: Apply DTF Transfer

Now it’s time to apply the DTF transfer to the clothing. One of the wonderful aspects of DTF transfer printing is its ability to transfer onto a variety of materials. You are not limited to specific materials like with direct garment printing. DTF can transfer onto both cotton and polyester clothing, changing the game.

Once your chosen clothing has been pre-pressed, use a heat press for DTF transfer. Another major advantage of DTF is that you don’t have to apply the transfers immediately. After printing and curing, they can be stored for later use.

Step 6: Peel off the DTF Transfer

When removing the DTF transfer, an important step must be taken. After heat pressing the transfer paper onto the clothing, it must cool down. DTF transfers must be cold peeled without exception. Allowing the transfer to cool ensures that the design fully integrates into the fabric. Let it cool, and then peel off the film.

After the transfer has cooled, you can choose to heat press the clothing again. Just spend an additional 10–15 seconds to ensure a long-lasting print.

You’re Done!
That’s everything you need to do from start to finish for the whole process! Anyone can do DTF printing, from hobbyists to business owners. DTF is a process that anyone can start. It’s not just a great method for printing clothing but also allows printing on many other materials that are revolutionizing the industry. If you’re interested in purchasing a DTF printer, contact us.

MTuTech is a professional custom inkjet printer manufacturer. We focus on the production and sale of inkjet printer consumables, with nearly 10 years of experience in the inkjet industry. MTuTech-branded products are well-loved and recognized by overseas customers. Our products include DTF printers, UV printers, single-pass printers, textile printers, dye-sublimation printers, belt printers, eco solvent printers, heat press machines, and related ink series. We also provide custom solutions.