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Where to buy DTF printer?
Decorators adore direct-to-film printer for a variety of reasons, including the ability to print gradients and shading, as well as show precise details with no outline. These full-color transfers, which blend into the fabric of your t-shirt, are ideal for limited runs and web store purchases. DTF transfers are an excellent choice for both new and experienced decorators who may also offer screen printing, DTG printing, and embroidery. If you’re wondering if you should get into DTF, you can find out everything you need to know right here.
“Direct to film printer bridge the gap for businesses looking to do one-off goods or short runs in full-color print,” explains the owner of 605 Personalize DTF Transfers. “They’re ideal for someone just starting out because they can order a limited amount of designs and get their business up and running with very little investment.”
These colorful, full-color transfers are a welcome addition to The Visual Identity Vault’s product line. “DTF has enabled us to offer full-color web stores,” explains Tanya Doyscher, owner and graphic designer. “The patterns can change frequently, which purchasers appreciate. We never have to keep track of printed or screen-printed transfers.” Doyscher, in fact, prefers a POD scenario because her team orders on a weekly basis.
Something You Need to Know about Direct to Film Printer
DTF transfers, for those who are unfamiliar with the process, are images that are printed on a film transfer using a special direct-to-film printer. The design is applied to the t-shirt using a heat press. Unlike direct-to-garment printing, which can only be done on cotton fabrics, DTF transfers can be done on cotton, polyester, 50/50 blends, synthetics like rayon, treated leather, and even silk. Unlike several other printing procedures, DTF transfers perform equally well on both light and dark t-shirts.
Decorators appreciate direct-to-film printer for a variety of reasons, including the ability to print gradients and shading, as well as show tiny details with no outline. These full-color, lightweight transfers that blend into the t-shirt fabric are ideal for shorter runs and web shop purchases. They can also be pressed at a lower temperature than other transfers, avoiding “scorch marks” on the finished product.
When starting off with DTF, many decorators, from beginners to veterans, choose to buy full-color bespoke or stock transfers from a vendor. Sending artwork to a source who will then create and transmit ready-made film transfers that can be heat applied is less straightforward.
Here’s a rundown of the benefits and cons of DTF transfers. It’s usually a good idea to completely comprehend a decorating method like DTF before diving in headfirst.
Advantages:
Direct to film printer transfers produce full-color, detailed prints on both bright and dark clothes. These transfers, unlike other printing technologies, can be applied to practically any fabric type, including cotton, rayon, and synthetics like polyester. Because you’re using a heat press to adhere the pattern, it’s pretty simple to apply transfers to garments, particularly difficult-to-decorate regions. The prints, which are flexible and have a delicate feel, withstand numerous washes. Several decorators say the transfers are easier to apply than other print methods, such as direct-to-garment printing. Before application, the garment does not need to be prepped or the design weeded.
Disadvantages:
Some decorators claim that the print quality and vibrancy are inferior than those of DTG or sublimation printing. While the print has a soft hand, it is more evident than a DTG or sublimation print. To ensure print quality, keep the hot-melt adhesive powder at a cool temperature. If you’re new to DTF transfers, there may be a learning curve.
Tips for Dealing with DTF Transfers Like a Pro
- Check that the order is correct for DTF. “Look at the big picture to see if DTF transfers are appropriate for your customer’s order,” adds Kotzer. “DTF transfers aren’t appropriate for a 400-item order with a single-color design. Consider screen printing or screen-printed transfers.” For one- or two-color applications of more than 75 pieces, screen-printed transfers are a decent rule of thumb. “At that point, they’re just more cost effective.”
- Check that the order is correct for DTF. “Look at the big picture to see if DTF transfers are appropriate for your customer’s order,” adds Kotzer. “DTF transfers aren’t appropriate for a 400-item order with a single-color design. Consider screen printing or screen-printed transfers.” For one- or two-color applications of more than 75 pieces, screen-printed transfers are a decent rule of thumb. “At that point, they’re just more cost effective,”
- Check that the order is correct for DTF. “Look at the big picture to see if DTF transfers are appropriate for your customer’s order,” adds Kotzer. “DTF transfers aren’t appropriate for a 400-item order with a single-color design. Consider screen printing or screen-printed transfers.” For one- or two-color applications of more than 75 pieces, screen-printed transfers are a decent rule of thumb. “At that point, they’re just more cost effective,”
- Get one or two high-quality heat presses. “If you wish to offer DTF, I recommend obtaining a high-quality heat press for prepressing and assuring a faultless application,” Doyscher explains.
- To be more efficient, learn how the process works. As you go through the application process, you’ll notice how long it takes you to process one shirt – and where you may be more efficient. One suggestion is to select the sort of peel. You’ll have to wait longer to remove the transfer paper if you use a cold-peel transfer. “Right now, we’re testing heated peel film, which will speed up the production process,” Kotzer explains.
