How To Make DTF Transfers?
DTF printing is all the rage now, especially in the fabric segments, thanks to its ease of use, vibrant designs, and compatibility with all types of fabrics. The process needs DTF transfers – design films that can be instantly heat pressed or stored for later use.
Want to how to create your own DTF transfers at home? This blog explores all the essential supplies you need, plus a step-wise procedure on how to get it done in a streamlined manner.
In This Article
- What is a DTF Transfer?
- What Do You Need To Make DTF Transfers?
- A Step-by-step Guide to Making DTF Transfers
- FAQs Related to Making DTF Transfers
What is a DTF Transfer?
A DTF transfer is a specialized film that holds the design temporarily before it’s transferred onto a substrate. The transfer film contains a cured adhesive, that gets activated when it’s heat-pressed against a surface/fabric.
Once created, a DTF transfer can be immediately used or stored for future applications. Businesses, particularly in the apparel sector, often produce DTF transfers in bulk and apply them with a heat press, one at a time as needed. This method is efficient and cost-effective.
Selling DTF transfers presents a lucrative opportunity. Such transfers can be sold to small businesses that might not be able to invest in DTF printing technology.
What Do You Need To Make DTF Transfers?
To capitalize DTF transfers, you’ll first need to invest in the following supplies:
A DTF Printer
A DTF printer is a dedicated device designed to handle specialized DTF inks. Although some inkjet printers can be converted for DTF use by making slight adjustments and using DTF cartridges, they’ve limitations – they typically handle sheets only and can clog if not regularly used.
We recommend investing in a dedicated printer, such as the xTool Apparel Printer. It is specially formulated to work with DTF inks, features dual Epson heads (i1600) for exceptional and high-resolution prints, and includes a system that keeps the inks in circulation to prevent clogging.
PET Film
DTF transfers are printed onto a thin PET film (0.075 – 0.1 mm) that receives the design and adhesive. It is available in pre-cut sheets or rolls, with both hot and cold peel options.
DTF Inks
DTF inks are usually water-based and available in four CMYK colors plus a white base ink. They contain binders and pigments that allow them to migrate and attach under heat.
Adhesive Powder
A binding agent, in the form of adhesive powder, is required for DTF transfers. This powder is applied after the printing process to ensure a strong bond with the fabric or substrate fibers under heat. It can be applied manually or via an automated setup that integrates with the DTF printer.
Curing Oven
To cure the ink and adhesive powder, a dedicated curing oven is necessary. However, if you opt for a machine like the xTool Apparel Printer, it may include a powder shaker oven add-on that simultaneously applies and cures the adhesive right after the film exits the printing chamber.
A Step-by-step Guide to Making DTF Transfers
With all supplies gathered, let’s dive into the detailed process of making your own DIY DTF transfers.
Step 1: Prepare Graphics for Printing
The best thing about DTF printing is that it supports complex designs and color choices. However, we recommend avoiding graphics that have small, independent details that aren’t connected to the main design, as they may peel off easily.
For graphics creation, you can use any graphic design. But we recommend trying our AI Make, an image generation software specifically designed for preparing print-ready designs. Just describe your vision in a few words, and it generates an accurate image in seconds.
Step 2: Customize DTF Print Setting in RIP Software
Import your image into a Raster Image Processor (RIP) software. It converts the RBG format of the image to CMYK which the DTF printer can understand. Moreover, it has a special setting to adjust the white ink percentage.
You may need to install RIP software additionally, but it can also be part of the printer control software. For instance, if you’re moving with an xTool DTF printer, the RIP module is present within the XCS.
Step 3: Printing the Design onto PET Film
Initiate the print command. The printer first lays down the CMYK layer followed by a white base layer to ensure color vibrancy on any color fabric.
Step 4: Powdering and Curing
Right after printing, the transfer film must be powdered with adhesive and cured. While this can be done manually, a more efficient way is using a powder shaker unit, that can be attached to the xTool apparel printer – and it does the whole printing and curing job in one go.
Step 5: Use or Store for Later
Once the DTF transfer is created, it can be used immediately for printing on any fabric or stored for later use. For storage, stack the sheets and place them in an airtight bag or container to protect them from humidity.
FAQs Related to Making DTF Transfers
What kind of printer do I need for DTF transfers?
For DTF transfers, you need a specialized printer capable of handling DTF inks (CMYK and white). These printers are based on inkjet technology but are specifically built to handle DTF inks and prevent clogging. Unlike regular printers, they can also accommodate continuous rolls of PET film.
Can I print DTF with a regular printer?
No, regular printers are not suitable for DTF printing. DTF requires either an inkjet printer that has been specifically modified or a specialized DTF printer.
Can I use an inkjet printer for DTF?
Yes, an inkjet printer can be converted for DTF use. This might involve swapping the regular inks for DTF inks and modifying the printer to work with RIP software. However, converted printers may only be able to handle sheets, and the results might not match those of a dedicated DTF printer.
What software is needed for DTF transfer?
DTF transfers require RIP (Raster Image Processor) software, which converts images into a CMYK format that the printer can understand. This software also provides advanced controls for managing the white base ink layer, which is critical in DTF printing.
Do you have to mirror the image for DTF?
Yes, technically it is required but some software auto-performs it during processing. For instance, the xTool apparel printer automatically prints the mirrored image on the film. So, you don’t have to manually mirror the image in the software(XCS).
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