Your Checklist Guide To DTF Printing

Are you new to the printing industry and looking to get started with Direct To Film printing? You’ve come to the right place! We have everything you need to kickstart your business into action with our hardware, consumables and a step-by-step guide for DTF printing.

What is Direct To Film (DTF) printing?

DTF printing is a process which provides vibrant transfers with great wash durability without the need for weeding or using application tape. DTF Printing is a similar process to Direct to Garment (DTG) printing, the key difference is that, rather than printing directly onto garments, DTF uses water-based ink to print a film transfer. A simple process to remember: Design, Print, Powder, Cure and Transfer.

What’s On The Checklist To Get Started?

✔️ DTF Printer

✔️ DTF Curing

✔️ Heat Press

✔️ DTF Inks

✔️ DTF Film

✔️ DTF Power

Choosing a DTF Printer

Once you have the artwork, it’s time to get ready to print. Choosing the right printer suitable for your business can be difficult, but we’re here to help. The Epson SureColour SC-F1000 or the SC-F2200 DTF & DTG Film Hybrid Printers have been very popular since their launch, due to affordability, space, and practicality. The new hybrid compact design suits retail and photo retail shops, creating a perfect solution for those decorators who wish to get on the DTF and DTG production ladder, or those customers who have a retail outlet, allowing them to print on demand. Explore our DTF printers.

DTF Ink

Available in Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, and White, the white ink is crucial as it lays the foundation for your prints. Designed specifically for DTF printing, explore inks suitable for our range of DTF printers.

DTF Film

Depending on your production levels, we have DTF film available in both sheets and rolls with hot and cold peel options. Our recommended Xpres DTF Evolution film features a matt finish coating combined with a thicker 95mic film for optimum handling, feed & printing stability. This film is equipped with a smooth print surface that allows for higher ink loads, achieving vibrant colours without losing image clarity. Shop our DTF films.

DTF Powder

Once you have your artwork printed, it’s ready to prepare for the curing stage. Leave the film either on the platen or move to one side and allow the inks to partially dry for 2-3 minutes. Carefully take the film and place it in the powder tray, wet face up, before shaking on the hot melt powder, making sure all the ink is coated. Once evenly covered, carefully lift the film out and shake away any excess powder. We also recommend tapping on the back of the film to remove any remaining powder. In conjunction with our film, the Xpres DTF Evolution Adhesive Hotmelt Powder is excellent for improved colour & print longevity. Shop DTF powder.

DTF Curing Equipment

The 50 x 40cm DTF Cure Oven is perfect for curing a wide range of different DTF film sizes. We recommend rotating the print halfway through, to ensure an even cure resulting in a glossy orange peel-like finish. If you’re looking for a more automated system, the Adkins DTF Pro Cure Oven is the ideal alternative. With its large 62x42cm reciprocating trays, automatic operating mode, compact design and fast curing times, the Pro Cure Oven is designed to meet your production demands without compromising quality or reliability. For the full range of Adkins DTF curing hardware, including the new DTF Inline 900 Pro, click here. 

Transferring Your Print To Garments

It can be hard to find the right heat press for your garment production needs, but we can help you find the perfect one with our selection of heat presses. Our Xpres HPD A4 Press is a great solution for entry into garment decoration and other heat transfer applications. Capable of pressing a full-size A4 print, users of this HPD heat press benefit from a sophisticated entry-level model at a very good price/performance ratio. Its compact size makes it ideal for users with limited space or who want to be mobile with their operation for example, at craft fairs, events or exhibitions. If you’re looking for an A3 size, our best-selling Adkins BETA Swing Press is an incredibly durable machine from a brand you can trust. The cast aluminium chassis delivers the highest, most consistent pressure on the market, plus excellent machine strength and durability even in the most demanding environments. The swing head operation and quick release platens allow for easy and accurate positioning of your garment and transfer, and provide the safest method of operation for the user.

Take a look at our step-by-step guide and top tips for DTF printing here.

Our Epson DTF bundles are here to help you transform your business with cutting-edge technology and exceptional print results. Get in touch with our friendly sales team today to discover how we can tailor our offerings to suit your business requirements. Call 01332 85 50 85 or email sales@xpres.co.uk.