How to Apply DTF on Wood?

by Winnie Li Updated on February 18, 2025

DTF has built its reputation as an all-fabric printing solution. Now, it’s expanding beyond fabrics. Crafters have been experimenting on hard surfaces (like wood), and the results have been great.

Though there are multiple ways to print on wood – heat transfer vinyl, sublimation, screen printing – each one has downsides Some methods need extra prep, while others have color and fabric limitations. DTF is one of the easiest and most flexible choices for wood.

Wondering how to do it? This blog covers essential supplies, a thorough procedure, and project ideas for DTF transfers on wood.

Tools and Supplies Needed for Using DTF on Wood

Before we jump into the step-wise procedure, you’ll have to gather the necessary materials and tools. We’ll be detailed on the specifics of each material/tool choice:

Best Suited Woods for DTF

DTF applies directly to the surface via the adhesive powder already attached to the transfer film. For proper adhesion, the ideal surface should be smooth but not overly glossy. Unlike sublimation, which requires a laminated or coated surface, DTF can adhere to bare wood.

Most crafting woods like plywood, MDF, and pre-painted wood sheets are excellent for DTF transfers. Dense hardwoods with minimal porosity, such as maple and walnut, also provide great adhesion. Painted wood can work as well, as long as the paint is fully cured.

Softwoods like pine are porous and may require sanding and priming to improve adhesion. Oak, though a hardwood, has an open grain and may also need sealing for best results. Don’t use oily woods like teak, as they repel adhesives and can prevent proper bonding.

Sand Paper

If you’re working with raw wood, smoothen it with sandpaper. You can start with 120-grit to remove rough spots, then move to 220-grit for finer smoothing. In most cases, that works. However, if you want an ultra-smooth finish, especially for hardwoods, a final pass with 320 grit will do the trick.

Wood Primer: Optional

When using porous wood, you might need a primer before applying DTF. A primer seals the surface and prevents wood from absorbing adhesive unevenly.

DTF Printer and Related Supplies

A dedicated DTF printer is essential, along with DTF inks, transfer adhesive powder, and a curing system to ensure the prints are vibrant and long-lasting.

Many people would suggest you convert the existing inkjet printer to a DTF printer. But that approach is not practical in the long run. Such converted printers require constant maintenance, are prone to clogging when not in use, and are inefficient for large-scale printing.

A dedicated all-in-one solution is the xTool Apparel Printer (a DTF printer). It features two Epson i1600 print heads that are capable of printing high-resolution designs up to 720x1800 DPI with incredible detail.

The major highlight of the xTool DTF printer is the combo with a shaker oven. With this setup, the process gets fully automated – just load the transfer film, drag your design onto it, and the machine applies the adhesive and cures the print, producing a ready-to-use DTF transfer.

It can handle sheets up to 14 x 18 inches and prints up to 50 square feet per hour, making it a great option for high-volume projects.

Heat Press

DTF is a heat transfer process, so a heat press is essential. An iron might seem like a substitute for very small projects, but it’s not recommended, especially one with a steam soleplate. The iron doesn’t provide consistent pressure, and you’d have to move it around multiple times, risking uneven transfers.

That said, you don’t need a bulky commercial heat press either. A more practical option is a portable and efficient press like the xTool Heat Press. It comes in two versions: a mini-press for small projects, and the smart press handles everything else.

This machine offers versatile use: you can operate it hands-free with its clamp setup or move it freely across flat surfaces, unlike those heavy-duty models that require a fixed workspace. Moreover, it has wireless controls, allowing for quick and safe adjustments.

Squeegee and Teflon Sheet

You may need them if you want to firmly keep each inch of your design onto the wood before peeling off the film. A squeegee helps press the transfer evenly. The Teflon sheet acts as a protective layer, preventing overheating or scorching.

Steps to Apply DTF on Wood

Once you’ve all the tools by your side, here’s what you need to do for DTF printing on wood:

Step 1: Prepare the DTF Transfer

Create a design for transferring onto wood. If you have graphic design experience, you can make one yourself using software like Photoshop or Illustrator.

If not, you can use AI-based design tools like AIMake, specialized image-generation software for making logos, laser cutting, screen printing, DTF, and other artistic applications. Simply choose a template, enter a few words as a prompt, and it will generate a design that aligns with your vision.

Import the design into the DTF printer software and print it onto the DTF transfer film. In most cases, you’ll need to manually apply adhesive powder and then cure it in an oven. However, if you’re using an xTool Apparel Printer, the process is streamlined – the integrated shaker oven applies and cures the powder automatically, saving time and effort.

Step 2: Clean the Wood Surface

Select a plywood sheet or an existing wood surface, like a cutting board, plaque, or decorative panel. Make sure the surface is clean and smooth.

If you’re working with raw wood, sand it down to remove rough spots, and if it’s porous (like pine), apply a thin layer of primer to create a smooth printing surface.

Step 3: Pre-Heat the Press

Set your heat press to 345°F (174°C) and adjust the pressure to medium. Before applying the transfer, press the wood for 10 seconds to remove any trapped moisture.

Step 4: Apply the DTF Transfer with a Heat Press

Position the DTF transfer on the wood. Press it at 345°F for 20 seconds. At this stage, you just need to make sure the wood isn’t overheating, which could impact adhesion.

After the first press, use a squeegee to firmly secure the design, ensuring it sticks evenly. Then, place parchment paper over it and do a second press for a few extra seconds to enhance durability.

using a squeegee to firmly secure the design

Step 5: Peel off the Transfer Film

Let the transfer cool completely before peeling. Once cool, slowly and carefully peel off the film to reveal your vibrant, fully set design.

Now, your custom DTF-printed wood piece is ready!

DTF Transfers on Wood: FAQs

Can you use a DTF transfer on wood?

Besides fabrics, wood is one of the hard surfaces where DTF transfers work exceptionally well. Just make sure the wood is clean, smooth, and free of dust or oil. Light-colored plywood, MDF, and painted wood are all great options for DTF transfers.

Will DTF stick to wood?

Yes, DTF transfers adhere well to clean and smooth wood surfaces. For best results, you may use a squeegee to firmly spread the transfer film or do a second press before peeling off the film.

How long and what temperature to press DTF on wood?

Usually, 345°F (174°C) for 20 to 30 seconds with medium pressure is ideal for pressing DTF on wood. However, different transfer films and wood types require slight adjustments. You should test on the sample by lowering or raising the time (5 to 10s) and see which setting gives you the best results.