The Process Of DTF Printing And How It Can Benefit Your Business
When you’re looking for ways to grow your business and add another string to your revenue bow, direct to film (DTF) printing could be just what you need. According to research, the UK DTF market was worth more than £135 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to £188 million by 2030. With an ever-increasing demand for custom-printed garments and apparel it’s not hard to see why. So, could DTF be the next big thing for you too?
What Is DTF Printing?
Direct to film printing is a relatively new technology which involves printing onto a special film which is then transferred onto fabric or other substrates using heat and pressure. Unlike direct to garment (DTG) printing which requires pre-treating garments and only works well on cotton, DTF can be used on cotton, polyester, leather, blends and more without the need for pre-treatment.
How The DTF Process Works
DTF is a relatively straightforward process that starts with a digital design. You can create your design using software such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Once you’ve prepared your file it gets sent to the DTF printer.
Your design is printed in reverse onto PET film, using special DTF inks with a layer of white ink on top. The white acts as a backing layer to help the colours stand out once transferred.
After printing a hot melt adhesive powder is applied to the printed design while the ink is still wet. It only sticks to the printed areas. This is then passed through a curing unit or heat press to melt and set the powder.
In the final stage, the design is applied to the garment and a heat press is applied to transfer it. After a few seconds the heat press is moved away, and the film is peeled away to reveal a perfectly formed image.
DTF Printing Benefits For Your Business
- Versatility – DTF transfer enables you to print onto a huge variety of clothes and apparel. It’s ideal for expanding your printing range without needing multiple processes
- No Pre-Treatment Required – Unlike DTG, no need to pre-treat garments which saves you time and money
- Sharp Vibrant Results - DTF prints produce sharp, colourful images that pop, even on dark or synthetic fabrics. The detail is excellent - even small text remains legible
- Excellent Durability – With proper curing, DTF prints are flexible, crack-resistant and wash well, ensuring a long-lasting result for your clients
- Cost-Effective For Small Runs – DTF is a great choice for small batch print jobs for on-demand customers without large setup costs
If you already print garments or produce promotional goods, adding DTF printing to your repertoire could take your business to the next level. The DTF printing process is far superior to traditional methods and can give you an increased competitive edge.
Want to know more about DTF printing and how it can benefit your business? Talk to the team at Signmaster today. Contact us
