What is DTF Film?

DTF film is also called digital printing PET film, suitable for digital transfer printing. The texture of the pattern after transferring is like PU adhesive paste, and the hand feel is softer than the adhesive paste (30~50% softer than the pattern printed by the oily coating film).

DTF PET Film Types

The following DTF films are suitable for various fabrics and are more often used in clothing. These films have their characteristics, but the effects presented on clothes are different.
 

1. Cold-peel DTF film:

After the DTF Printer prints the film, it is hot-pressed on the heat press, and then the cold-peel DTF film is peeled off and cooled. During the entire cooling process of the film, the printed pattern can be firmly fixed and transferred to various fabrics. The most common application is t-shirts and bags. This is the earliest film produced on the market.

2. Hot-peel DTF film:

The hot-peel DTF film can be peeled off immediately after being hot-pressed by the heat press. There is no need to wait for the film to cool completely, which saves working time, speeds up the production cycle, and is more suitable for the large-scale production of clothes.

3. Glossy DTF film:

Glossy DTF film, single-sided DTF PET film, only one side is coated, and the other edge is a smooth PET film, showing a shiny, reflective appearance, enhancing the vitality and brightness of the color. This film will be better used in the bag industry and is the first choice for women's fashion.
 

4. Matte DTF film:

Matte DTF film, double-sided DTF PET film, only one side can be printed, and the other edge has a matte frosted feel. The addition of frosting is to ensure that the printed film will not slip during the printing process and affect the printing.

5.Gold film:

Gold film, single-sided cold tear film, golden luster, bright and high-definition hot stamping effect, very textured. This film is more suitable for users who like golden glittering effects, and it is also better for clothes.

6. Reflective color DTF film: 

Single-sided cold tear, the light beam shines on the transferred DTF PET film, and you can see the rainbow-like colorful lighting effect, which is very suitable for personalized clothing and most appropriate for children's clothing printing.

7. Luminous DTF film: 

Cold tear film, clear printing pattern, bright colors, glow in the dark, and can achieve long-term residual light storage. This film is more used on clothes, and the luminous effect can only be seen at night.

8. Prism DTF film: 

Cold tear, under the sun, the transfer pattern presents a gorgeous effect like a mermaid's tail, like a sparkling soft light filter. This film is more suitable for users who want to be sparkling.

9. Temperature-changing DTF film: 

When the temperature is different, the original pattern can be revealed. When you touch the clothes at a temperature below 30 degrees, it will be dark, and when you touch the clothes at a temperature above 30 degrees, the transferred pattern will show the original color of the pattern.

Advantages of DTF Films

a. High-definition coloringFar from the natural color, good transfer effect, realistic image, bright colors.
b. Washable: The printed coating is pure water-based, the membrane surface is waterproof, the coating has good fastness, does not fade or fall off, and has no odor.
c. High firmnessDTF PET film has extremely high friction resistance in both dry and wet environments, so there is no need to worry about the pattern being damaged due to washing and friction.
d. Easy to transfer, can be torn off hot or cold, tears smoothly, no warping, and no bubbles.

How to use DTF PET film to print on T-shirts:

The following steps apply to all 7 of the above dtf films.
 
1. Make a print of the design image
 Using a DTF printer and some software that specializes in setting up images, we print our design images onto DTF PET film.
2. The DTF printer is required to print this made DTF film consistently for one to two minutes.
3. The hot melt powder must be applied to the printed PET film (including the edge of the film). 
4. We can use the powder shaker machine to shake powder, easy to operate, saves time, and within 3 minutes to complete the shake powder work.
5. After waiting for the hot melt powder to melt, we need to clean off any residual powder that is stuck outside the printed image.
6. In this step, we need to apply the printed film with graphics to the T-shirt, preheat it with a heat press to a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, press for a sustained period of 10 seconds, and then lift the heat press, and then allow the finished garment to cool.
7. Wait for the printed film to cool down, and press the printed clothes again, you need to press for 15 seconds, and then gently tear off the film, the beautiful and personalized T-shirt is complete!

Best tips:

1. Use high-quality DTF film: It ensures better ink absorption and a clearer transfer-effective. We can also provide you with high-quality DTF film. Our films are sold after repeated testing by our technicians.
2. Ensure the correct curing time, which is generally within 5 minutes.
3. Regularly maintain the equipment: Regular maintenance of the printer and heat press can extend the life of the equipment.

Conclusion 

In short, DTF PET film is an excellent choice for a range of DTF products and printing projects. It is durable and cost-effective, making it a great choice for apparel applications! Take a look at our introduction to the types and advantages of DTF PET Film above to help you make a better and correct choice of DTF film.

If there's anything we can do to further showcase machines' features, please let us know.
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Our company has over 30 models of printers with independent intellectual property rights and patents. Marketed under the esteemed brands of Skycolor, Stormjet, and Fedar brands, these printers cover a wide range, including digital textile printers, UV printers, eco-solvent printers and more. Known for their exceptional quality and performance.