Direct-to-film (DTF) transfer foil printing acts as an intermediate step between digital printing and textile printing itself. The transfer supplier produces printed foils with powder applied, which act as ready-made self-adhesive "stickers" that the printer with a press can simply transfer to the textile. Thanks to ready-made transfers, printers and smaller workshops can easily expand their range of colorful and detailed textile printing without high initial costs.
DTF transfer process
1. Printing on transfer foil
It all starts with a special transparent foil. Using a DTF printer, a motif is applied to it in full color (CMYK). Then, a white layer is printed on the motif, which ensures color saturation and coverage even on dark textiles.
2. Applying powder
A thermoplastic powder is sprinkled on the freshly printed motif. This acts as an adhesive - it sticks to the wet ink and, after baking, allows the motif to adhere to the textile.
3. Baking the motif
The foil with the powder is placed in a special oven or passes through a tunnel, where the powder is heat-sealed into the ink. The result is a ready DTF transfer - a foil that can be used for transfer to textiles at any time.
4. Ready-made transfers
Finished foils can be easily stored, sent to printers or directly to end customers. The advantage is that the customer no longer needs complex printing equipment - all he needs is a heat press.
5. Transfer to textile
When the time comes to apply, the motif is simply placed on a T-shirt or other textile and placed under a heat press. Heat and pressure (usually 140–160 °C, 10–15 seconds) activate the powder adhesive and the motif is firmly bonded to the textile fiber.
After cooling, the foil is peeled off, leaving a colorful, flexible and durable print on the fabric.
Advantages of DTF transfers
- Versatile - adheres to cotton, polyester and blends.
- Flexibility - the printer does not have to invest in an entire DTF printer, a press is enough.
- Storage - transfers can be made in advance, stored and applied as needed.
- Detailed motifs - transfer fine lines, full-color images and transitions well.
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