How to Print A Photo on Fabric?

Thinking of printing pictures on fabric? Traditional methods may not be the answer. Screen printing comes with color and design limitations, sublimation only works on light polyester, and inkjet transfers are too restricted to thin, lightweight fabric. 

What you need is a method that performs well under all conditions. That’s where Direct-to-Film (DTF) Transfer steps in. No complex setups or messy steps; you can print intricate designs/photos on any fabric type, regardless of color or composition.

Interested? This article explains a step-by-step guide on how to print photos on fabric using DTF. We will cover the minimal setup and tools needed for the printing process.

Why Choose DTF for Printing Photos on Fabric?

As said earlier, there are plenty of options for printing pictures on fabric. So, what makes DTF stand out from the rest? Quite simply, it combines the best features of traditional techniques and leaves behind their drawbacks.

Here’s why DTF shines:

Unmatched Color Brilliance

Among the popular options, screen printing offers vibrancy but designs are limited to screens and it’s hard to create realistic photo prints. Sublimation does offer full-color prints, but they are not as bold. 

DTF brings the best of both worlds—vibrant hues and razor-sharp clarity—so you can print realistic images without compromise.

All Fabric Compatibility

There’s no pick and choose in fabrics or their color. DTF works on nearly any material, cotton, polyester, silk, denim, blends, and even textured surfaces like canvas or leather. Whether light, dark, synthetic, or natural, DTF handles all.

Durable and Long-lasting

DTF prints don’t just look good; they’re also built to last. They’re wash-resistant, scratch-proof, and flexible enough to move with the fabric. DTF prints can easily withstand 50 to 100 washes without peeling or fading. 

Captures Every Detail

Have a complex design, intricate patterns, or gradient-heavy artwork? DTF’s high-resolution printing process preserves fine lines and subtle color transitions.

Affordable and Flexible

On a larger scale, DTF can cost as little as a dollar or less per print. Moreover, you can print onto film and store it for future use or even sell the ready-made film designs. 

Tools and Supplies Needed

Now that you’re convinced that DTF is the best choice to print photos on shirts, it’s time you start gathering supplies for the printing process.

DTF Printer

The first essential is, of course, a dedicated DTF printer. Although DTG and photo printers can be altered for DTF printing, that route often demands frequent maintenance and can lead to clogs. A dedicated DTF printer is simpler and more reliable. 

One of the best options is a printer with a built-in powder shaker and a curing unit like the xTool Apparel Printer. It’s an all-in-one setup where you feed the film and get a fully cured design on the other end.

Transfer Film

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film is the star in DTF printing. It’s specially designed to absorb your printed design and then release it onto your fabric under heat. You’ll find both hot peel and cold peel versions, which simply indicate when you should remove the backing (right after pressing for hot peel, or once it cools for cold peel).

DTF Inks

DTF inks are pigment-based in CMYK, paired with a white ink layer that makes designs pop against darker backgrounds. You can also explore fluorescent ink options if you’re feeling adventurous and want extra-bright designs.

Adhesive Powder

The adhesive powder comes in different colors (white for lighter fabrics and black for darker ones) and particle sizes. Fine powders work best for detailed designs, while coarser powders can add thickness or a slight texture to your print.

Heat Press

Because DTF is a heat transfer process, a good heat press is non-negotiable. It needs to apply uniform pressure and maintain the correct temperature for a consistent transfer. 

The xTool Heat Press is a solid choice. It has both smart and miniature versions that could function best for small fabric items (like tote bags, and caps) to large ones (shirts, hoodies, etc.)  

Steps to Print a Photo on Fabric

With tools in hand, here’s a short process to print an image on fabric. The steps can be followed for printing any picture on a shirt using the xTool DTF printer:

Step 1: Choose a High Quality Photo

You need a high-quality photo, at least 300 dpi – higher is always better. You may tweak the contrast and sharpness in a photo editing software like Photoshop.

If it’s a photo, it’ll likely be a connected, full image. But if you are working with designs that have knockout or transparent areas, watch out for any disconnected dots or details; those can peel off later if not properly attached.

Step 2: Optimize Photo in RIP Software/XCS

DTF printing requires a Raster Image Process (RIP) software to prep your file for DTF printing colors. It converts RGB coloring to CMYK and also controls the white ink layer that serves as the base.

If you’re using an xTool Apparel printer, you don’t need separate software. RIP is part of our control software, XCS. It’s more user-friendly and simpler than the traditional RIP. 

Step 3: Print and Apply Adhesive

After printing, apply adhesive powder on the wet ink film. Shake and reapply as needed until it covers the entire design. Then, cure it in an oven. 

With standard DTF printers, you would need two separate machines (one for printing and one for curing) and perform a manual powder application. 

The xTool Apparel printer automates and combines these steps. Once you feed in the transfer film for printing, the adhesive powder is applied and cured in the built-in shaker oven.

Step 4: Heat Press on the Fabric

When your printed sheet comes out, you can heat transfer it onto the shirt. The exact settings vary based on the fabric. For polyester, for instance, you can heat press at 270°F for about 20 seconds. 

Some printing experts recommend a second press for a few extra seconds after removing the transfer film. That’s done by applying the backing sheet (in reverse) on the design and heat pressing, for better adhesion and finish.

Final Words

There are plenty of ways to print images on fabric, but most are limited by color or fabric type. DTF is the only method that truly offers both clarity and compatibility across all materials.

Previously, applying adhesive and curing was a messy, time-consuming step. However, with the xTool Apparel printer, the process is automated and straightforward. Feed in your design and film, and within minutes, you will have a fully cured, adhesive-applied transfer film ready to go.