How to Use DTF Transfer Film?

by Winnie Li Updated on February 20, 2025

Bought a DTF transfer film and want to print colorful designs with it? It’s important to note that the printing process with DTF film is slightly different from your regular paper printing. You will need a dedicated printing setup and specific software for design adjustments.

Does that sound like a lot to manage? Don't worry!

This blog will explain the process of using DTF transfer film in a simplified, step-by-step manner, including all the additional supplies you’ll need to carry out the process successfully.

Tools and Supplies Needed

Besides a DTF transfer paper, you’ll need multiple DTF-specific supplies and a heat press to carry out the printing.

DTF Printing Supplies

You primarily need:

DTF printer
DTF ink bundle
Adhesive power
A curing oven

There’s a lot of confusion about what type of printer can be used. Well, any regular printer cannot be used. An inkjet printer can be converted to work with DTF inks. However, the best option is a specialized DTF Printer, one that has specialized inkjet printing heads and can handle DTF inks without clogging.

xTool Apparel Printer is a great printer to use for DTF transfer film. It’s capable of printing high-resolution prints (720 x 1800 DPI), so not a single design detailed is missed. It has a self-maintenance mode, with sensors and a mechanism to keep ink running, preventing clogs.

DTF transfer film also requires specialized inks that come in five colors, CYMK and white. No other ink (be it regular ink or sublimation) would produce such good results.

The adhesive powder is the binding agent for the transfer film which bonds the design with the target fabric. To cure that powder, you need a specialized oven. However, some DTF printers, like the xTool Apparel printers, have add-ons where a powder shaker (oven) unit can be attached to the printer. It automatically powders and cures the transfer film, right after it exists in the printing chamber.

Heat Press

DTF is primarily a heat transfer process, which requires a heat press to move the design from the film to the target surface.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using DTF Transfer Film

With the right supplies in hand, the process becomes simple. We have covered a lot of detail in the supplies section, so now the process may sound easier.

Step 1: Get a Design

You’ll need a design to print to transfer paper. You can download any high-resolution image from the web or create your own using graphic design software.

Step 2: Print with the DTF Printer

Once your design is ready, import it into RIP software, which converts your image to a DTF-friendly format (CMYK). If you’re using the xTool Apparel Printer, RIP functionality is integrated within our control software, XCS.

There’s no need to mirror the image on your end; the software does it while processing. Just load the DTF transfer film with the matte side facing the print head, and initiate the print command.

Step 3: Apply Powder and Cure

If you’re using the DTF printer alone, you’ll have to manually apply powder and cure the transfer film. Another route is getting a shaker oven, which takes in the film from the printer and automatically powders and cures it.

Step 4: Heat Press or Store

After the film is cured, it’s ready for heat transfer. Place it on your fabric and use a heat press set to the appropriate temperature for the material.

The prepared DTF transfer can also be stored for later use.

FAQs Related to Using DTF Film

Can you use DTF Transfer paper in a regular printer?

No, regular printers are typically not compatible with DTF requirements due to different ink delivery systems. However, if the printer is based on inkjet technology, there may be a possibility to modify it for DTF use.

Can you use DTF paper with an inkjet printer?

Yes, it is possible to convert some inkjet printers to use DTF inks. However, since they are not designed for this purpose by default, you may encounter issues such as clogging and inconsistent ink flow.

Can you use DTF transfer paper in a sublimation printer?

This hack is called DTF sublimation transfer, but its results are not always great. It may work on light fabrics. But since the sublimation printer lacks support for white ink, it won’t be effective on darker garments.