DIRECT-TO-FILM (DTF) TRANSFERS

Velflex offers a comprehensive range of DTF transfers and consumables to enhance your set-up and revolutionise your product. Our obsession with finding the most efficient, effective and best-looking heat transfer solutions means that we don’t just sell you the DTF equipment, but ensure your operation and its machinery run at 100% every day of the year.

Find out more about DTF transfers, the new technology revolutionising the transfer industry.

At Velflex, we’re industry leaders in custom DTF heat transfers

DTF transfers are the latest form of heat transfer to take the world by storm. To ensure you get the best products, advice and customer aftercare, Velflex is here to provide an unparalleled service to customers across Australia. Our UltraColour MAX custom direct to film transfers bring the best that DTF printing has to offer for a competitive price.

What are Direct-To-Film transfers?

DTF transfers are a type of heat transfer product that can be used to create custom designs on various fabrics or materials. DTF stands for direct to film, which means that the image is printed directly on a thin film with aqueous ink. The film is then coated with a layer of adhesive powder and cured in an oven. The adhesive powder allows the image to stick to the fabric when heat is applied. The film is then peeled off, leaving behind a smooth and flexible transfer.

What are the benefits of direct to film custom transfers?

DTF transfers have several advantages over other heat transfer and printing methods such as screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG). First, they do not require any cutting, weeding, or pre-treating of the garments, which saves time and reduces waste. Second, they have a high level of detail and accuracy, as they can handle very fine and intricate edges and design elements. Third, they can print full-colour images with vibrant and durable colours, as well as metallic and glitter effects. And finally, their soft feel makes DTF transfers comfortable and easy to wear.

What are some common applications for DTF transfers?

DTF transfers can be used to create custom designs on clothing, accessories, bags, and more. They are suitable for various types of fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, leather, and denim. They are also compatible with different shapes and sizes of garments, as they can conform to curves and contours, while making it easy to print in hard-to-access areas like t-shirt neck labels. DTF transfers are ideal for small to medium production runs, as they are easy and fast to produce and apply.

How does the DTF transfer process work?

To produce DTF transfers from scratch, you’ll need a special DTF printer that can print on film with heat transfer pigment ink. You’ll also require DTF powder, an oven or a heat tunnel, and a heat press. The process involves the following steps:

1. Design the image using a graphic software and print it on the DTF film using the printer.
2. Sprinkle the adhesive powder evenly over the printed image and shake off the excess powder.
3. Place the film in the oven or the heat tunnel and cure it for a few minutes until the powder melts and forms a clear layer.
4. Cut the film to the desired size and shape and place it on the garment with the image facing down.
5. Press the film with the heat press for a few seconds at the recommended temperature and pressure.
6. Peel off the film as recommended to reveal the transfer.

DTF transfers are a new and innovative product in the heat transfer market, as they offer a high-quality, versatile, and cost-effective solution for customising fabrics or materials. You can, for example, create multiple prints of the same design, or group several one-off designs on a gang sheet, which gives you the versatility to group several prints on the one sheet of film. DTF transfers are also environmentally friendly, as they use less energy and generate less waste than other methods.

What equipment do I need to produce DTF transfers?

To produce DTF transfers, you will need:

• DTF printers that use DTF inks and film.
• An adhesive powder that is applied on top of the printed design before curing it under heat.
• A heat press machine that is used to press the printed film onto the garment.
• A rotary trimmer or scissors that are used to cut around the printed design for a neat finish.

What are the differences between DTF and DTG (direct to garment printing)?

DTF and DTG printing are both methods of printing full-colour designs on garments, but they have some key differences:

• DTF prints on a film and transfers it to the fabric, while DTG prints directly on the fabric.
• DTF printing requires a powder to adhere the ink to the film, while DTG requires a pre-treatment to adhere the ink to the fabric.
• DTF works on a wider range of fabrics and colours, while DTG works best on light-coloured cotton fabrics.
• DTF has a softer hand feel and higher washability, while DTG has a thicker hand feel and lower washability.

How long does DTF last on garments?

On t-shirts, hoodies, jerseys and more, DTF transfers can last for up to 50 washes or more, depending on the quality of the film, ink, powder and heat press you use. To extend the lifespan of DTF transfers, you should follow the washing and care instructions carefully.

How can I avoid common DTF problems?

Some of the common DTF problems and their solutions are:

Film curling:

This can happen if the film is exposed to high humidity or temperature. To prevent this, you should store the film in a cool and dry place, and use a dehumidifier or air conditioner in your storage area.

Ink smudging:

This can happen if the DTF ink is not cured properly or if the film is handled roughly. To prevent this, you should cure the ink with enough heat and time, and

handle the film gently and carefully.

Transfer cracking:

DTF transfer cracking can occur if the transfer is not applied correctly - i.e. not matching the temperature, time and pressure specific to the makeup of the garment. It can also occur if the transfer is stretched, folded or washed within 24 hours of application. Folding and stretching of our transfers should be fine after 24 hours of pressing.

Exporting your DTF design

Exporting images for DTF printing is an important step to ensure optimal print quality and compatibility. Here are some general guidelines for exporting images for DTF printing:

• Choose a design software that allows you to create and edit images, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or GIMP.
• Save your design in a file format that supports transparency. At Velflex, we prefer Vector files as they produce the highest quality outcome - however, transparent PNG and TIFF files are also acceptable. To ensure a seamless transfer onto your t-shirt or other garment, your image needs to have a transparent background.
• Set your image resolution to at least 300 dpi. This will ensure your design is clear and detailed when printed on the film.
• Supply art in CMYK colour format for the most accurate DTF printer reproduction.

Hot peel vs cold peel?

Hot peel and cold peel are two different methods of applying DTF transfers to fabrics or other materials using a heat press. The main difference is the timing of peeling off the transfer film from the substrate after pressing. Hot peel means peeling off the film while it is still hot, while cold peel means waiting for the film to cool down completely before peeling. Both methods have their pros and cons, depending on the type of design, fabric, and finish you want to achieve. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each method:

• Hot peel (available in UC and UC MAX) is more efficient, as it reduces the waiting time and allows for faster production. It also produces a glossy and vibrant finish that makes the design stand out. However, hot peel is riskier, as it can cause lifting, smearing or distortion of the design if not peeled correctly.
• Cold peel (available only in regular UC) is more user-friendly, as it gives better control over the final result. It also produces a smooth and matte finish that blends well with the fabric. However, cold peel is more time-consuming, as it requires a longer cooling time before peeling.