Can You Use DTF on Glass?

by HuJulia Updated on February 27, 2025

Direct to Film (DTF) printing is a method where designs are printed onto a special film and then transferred onto various substrates using a heat press. It has been widely adopted to produce prints on soft fabrics, and delivered stunning results. Some are wondering whether the technique could be applied to other materials, like glass.

This article will provide an overview of DTF applications on glass and offer detailed guidance on how to use DTF on glass. If you also have the same doubts, follow us and you'll find the answer.

Can DTF Be Used on Glass?

Yes, you can put DTF printing on glass, yet with careful consideration. DTF prints are commonly seen on fabrics like cotton, polyester, and blends, but this technique can also be used on other materials, including glass.

Common DTF Applications on Glass

DTF printing on glass can be used in various creative and commercial applications. Here are some common examples:

Custom Glassware

Drinking Glasses: Personalized designs on wine glasses, beer mugs, and tumblers.
Shot Glasses: Custom logos or graphics for events and promotions.

Home Décor

Photo Frames: Custom designs or photographs transferred onto glass frames.
Mirrors: Decorative elements or personalized messages on mirrors.
Table Tops: Custom designs on glass tabletops for unique furniture pieces.

Signage and Displays

Storefront Windows: Brand logos, promotional messages, or decorative patterns.
Menu Boards: Custom designs for café or restaurant menu boards.
Trade Show Displays: Eye-catching graphics for exhibition booths.

Signage and Displays

Storefront Windows: Brand logos, promotional messages, or decorative patterns.
Menu Boards: Custom designs for café or restaurant menu boards.
Trade Show Displays: Eye-catching graphics for exhibition booths.

Art and Craft

Wall Art: Custom artwork or photographs printed on glass panels.
Sculptures: Decorative elements on glass sculptures or installations.

Automotive and Transportation

Window Decals: Custom designs or branding on vehicle windows.
Partitions: Decorative glass partitions in buses, trains, or office spaces.

How to Apply DTF Transfers to Glass

Materials Needed

DTF Printer

You need one handy and professional DTF printer to apply DTF transfers to glass.

xTool Apparel Printer serves as an easy yet functional tool for all handcraft lovers. With just one click, the design will be printed on the film, covered by the powder evenly, sent to the curing oven and then transferred to glass. The printing offers guaranteed color accuracy with a large variety of color options. Apparel Printer is equipped with advanced dual print head technology and the AI camera, thus easily making your designs easily alive with HD resolution.

Curing Oven

Before the transfer of design, the film needs to be baked and dried. Some curing ovens on the market are isolated from DTF printers, and most advanced DTF printers are equipped with all-in-one powder shaker, which can realize powder shaking and drying in a one-stop solution.

DTF Film

DTF films are PET films made from polyethylene with special coatings. These films are known for their high resolution, excellent color reproduction, and durability. They are used to print clear, detailed designs on various types of fabrics.

DTF Ink

DTF ink is specially designed for DTF printing. The most recommended one is CMYK+W ink, which uses white ink as the basic color that constitutes the background of the film.

Adhesive Powder

Adhesive powder is needed for sticking the design to the film seemlessly during transfer. After DTF printing, the powder will be applied to the entire DTF film by hand or powder shaker. This creates a vibrant and durable print with excellent adhesion.

Among all kinds of DTF powders, TPU powder is the most recommended one for apparel printing due to its elasticity and flexibility.

Heat Press

You need a heat press machine to bond the transfer to the apparel after DTF printing.

xTool Heat Press Machine, versatile for HTV, sublimation and DTF transfers, comes as the best choice. Equipped with flexible heat press modes, it meets multiple transfer needs like T-shirts, bags, shoes, slates, coaster, and more. As a super handy tool for portable use, xTool Heat Press Machine serves as an ideal assistant for perfect heat transfers.

If your glass item does not have a flat surface, then you may need specialized heat presses in other shapes, like a mug press or a tumbler press.

Heat-resistant Tape

The heat-resistant tape is needed to ensure that the film is seemlessly bonded to your glass item.

Glass Item

Choose one glass item you prefer, be it a glass cup, a board or a photo frame. Remember to keep it clean before DTF transfer.

Step-by-Step Guidance

Step 1: Setting up the Design

Create your design using graphic design software.

xTool Creative Space contains multiple functions yet is easy to use. It eliminates the need for a RIP by automatically converting any image to a printable format. If you are new to art design and printing, then xTool Creative Space is definitely worth trying.

Step 2: Printing and Powdering

Print your design via a DTF printer.

Apply adhesive powder on the film by hand or by powder shaker.

If you powder by hand, perform manual powdering more than once for better results.

Step 3: Curing

Use a curing oven to melt the adhesive powder on the film. Typically, this step ensures the powder adheres to the ink and forms a solid layer.

Step 4: Heat Pressing

First of all, clean your glass item's surface with caution.

Use heat-resistant tape to fix the film on your glass item. Then use the heat press to apply even heat to the item's surface.

It's noteworthy that heat pressing for once may not be enough for perfect adhesion. If the print is not well-bonded, try heat pressing for another time.

Note: If you've already peeled off the film, cover the item with parchment paper, and then apply heat for a second time.

Step 5: Peeling off the Film

Carefully peel off the film on the glass, and then check the adhesion condition.

Tips

1. Test Run: Always conduct a test run on a small piece of glass to ensure the design adheres well and meets your quality standards.

2. Ensure Glass Cleanliness: To achieve beautiful and long-lasting results with your DTF prints on glass, it's essential to start with a clean surface.

3. Handle with Care: After the transfer, handle the glass carefully to avoid smudging or damaging the design before it fully sets.

4. Proper Storage: Avoid direct sunshine and frequent washes, for DTF prints on glass are less stable than those on fabrics.