DTF (Direct to Film)
DTF (Direct to Film) printing is a digital heat transfer method where full-color designs are printed onto PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film using CMYK and white pigment inks, coated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) adhesive powder, cured, and then heat-pressed onto fabric at 300–325°F for 10–15 seconds. DTF does not require pre-treatment, weeding, or color separation, and works on cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and other materials. DTF transfers typically last 50–80 washes and support photographic full-color designs with no per-color cost increase.
Related Terms
Polyethylene terephthalate film used as the carrier for DTF printing. PET film has a special coating on one side that accepts DTF ink. Available in matte and glossy finishes, single-sided and double-sided coatings, and various widths to match different printer sizes.
A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) powder applied to wet DTF prints that melts when heated, creating the bond between the ink and the fabric. Available in different particle sizes — finer powder for detailed designs, coarser for heavy coverage.
A machine that applies heat and even pressure to transfer DTF prints from film onto garments. Standard DTF pressing temperatures range from 300-330°F (149-165°C) at medium-firm pressure for 10-15 seconds. Available in clamshell, swing-away, and drawer styles.