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DTF Transfer faq
August 20, 2024 DTF Center

Frequently Asked Questions About DTF Transfers

Frequently Asked Questions About DTF Transfers

Table of Contents

What is a DTF Transfer?

If you have been reading about custom apparel printing, you likely have come across the term DTF Transfers. At DTFCenter.com, we are committed to providing high-quality DTF transfer products for business owners, hobbyists, and custom apparel creators who are looking to level up their printing projects. But what are DTF transfers and why are they so popular? We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you better understand what DTF transfers are and how they can help improve your printing experience.

How Does the DTF Transfer Process Work?

The DTF transfer process is relatively straightforward and involves the following steps:

  1. Design-Creation: The process starts with the design of your image using graphic design software, the more higher the resolution the better the image’s print quality.
  2. Printing: Once the design is finished, it is printed on a special transfer film with the help of a DTF printer. This is a special kind of printer that works with a combination of coloured ink and white ink. First, the coloured inks are printed and then a layer of white ink is added. This is done to make the design look lighter in colour and stand out on darker and brighter fabrics.
  3. Powder Application: This is a special adhesive powder sprayed on after the print process. The powder is what helps the design to stick to the fabric during the heat transfer process.
  4. Curing: The powder is cured by applying heat to it, usually in an oven or a heat press to make the adhesive melt down and ready to form a bond with the fabric.
  5. Transfer: Step 4 is the final process: to apply the design you need to apply heat and pressure. The transfer film is placed on the fabric, and heat and pressure will be applied. After pressing, the film will be removed. The design will remain on the garment.

You can buy our ready-to-use DTF transfer products on our website www.DTFCenter.com or submit your own design to our custom transfer service, which will be printed for you and shipped to your door.

What Materials Can DTF Transfers Be Used On?

Probably the greatest benefit that DTF transfers have over other types of transfers is the range of products they are able to be applied to. This includes:

  • Cotton: DTF transfers are ideal for cotton fabrics and provide excellent durability and washability.
  • Polyester: Work well with sportswear. Other synthetic materials can also be printed on using DTF transfers.
  • Blends: DTF transfers can be applied to blends including cotton/polyester, meaning you can work with a variety of apparel types.
  • Nylon: It can also be used on more difficult materials such as nylon, which is hard to print on using normal printing.

Are DTF Transfers Durable?

Yes, glue transfers are for sure very durable. When applied correctly, transfers withstand repeated washes by not cracking, fading or peeling, which makes them perfect for garment types that are frequently worn, such as t-shirts, hoodies and athletic wear.

DTFCenter.com has its own premium quality inks and transfer films. The colour of the transfers will not fade over time, and you can expect your designs to stay intact on the garments for a long time. With proper care, the DTF-transferred garments can last as long as the garments screen-printed in the traditional way – or even longer.

Can I Use a Household Iron Instead of a Heat Press?

You might be tempted to use the adhesive powder for DTF transfers with an iron from your home. However, it is not advisable to do so. The reason for this is that household irons cannot provide the even heat and pressure needed to properly bond the adhesive powder to the fabric. It is due to this reason that you can end up with incomplete transfers, poor adhesion or uneven results.

We also highly recommend using a professional heat press (like this one) to apply DTF transfers (if you don’t already own one, we think it is definitely worth buying, especially if you’re planning to use DTF transfers in your business or for your own creations on a regular basis).

What Is the Difference Between DTF Transfers and Screen Printing?

Screen printing and DTF transfers are the two most popular ways to print designs on fabric, but there are some notable differences between them:

  • Process: Screen printing requires a stencil (or screen) for each colour of the design and the manual application of ink through the screens, individually, to the fabric. DTF transfers, on the other hand, are printed on the entire design on a transfer film and then applied to the fabric with heat.
  • Higher level of detail: The details can also be captured by DTF transfer, which means more complicated designs can be produced. No colours limit due to no need of different screens for each colour. Because of these advantages, customised workwear can be produced with DTF products.
  • Setup Cost: Screen printing usually has a higher startup cost because you need the screens. DTF transfers are much cheaper for smaller runs and one-offs because you don’t need to pay for expensive set-ups.
  • Versatility: DTF transfers work better on more fabric types, like synthetics, than screen printing which works better on cotton and cotton blends.

DTF transfers are cheaper and more flexible for custom designs and small volume runs.

How Do I Care for Garments Printed with DTF Transfers?

To ensure your DTF-transferred garments last as long as possible, follow these care tips:

  • Turn Garments Inside Out: Always turn your garments inside out before washing to avoid the damage that friction with other garments might cause.
  • Wash in Cold Water: Wash clothes in cold water and on a gentle cycle.
  • Steer Clear of the Bleach: No bleach or harsh detergents should be used, since they can degrade the print over a period of time.
  • Low heat drying: Air dry when possible, but if you must use the dryer, use low heat to minimise the discoloration and wear on the print.
  • Do Not Iron On Top of The Design: In the case that you need to iron the garment, do not iron on top of the DTF design. Put a cloth on the design or iron on the reverse side.

You can request additional care instructions at any time from DTFCenter.com to keep your custom garments in excellent condition.

Can DTF Transfers Be Used on Hard Surfaces?

Although DTF transfers are generally targeted at fabrics, they can be applied to some hard surfaces (eg, wood, glass or metal) as long as the surface can stand the heat of the press. The outcome depends on the material and the application method.

For a DTF transfer that is going to be printed on hard surfaces, we suggest doing a sample transfer to test the compatibility of the material.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a DTF Transfer Order?

At DTFCenter.com, you will be impressed by our quick turnaround time. For custom orders, processing time depends on complexity and size of the order, but we will return it to you as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality.

Can I Order Custom DTF Transfers?

Absolutely! DTFCenter.com provides custom DTF transfer services where you can upload your designs and we’ll print them out on 3M transfer film. Do you need custom shirts or hoodies for an event or festival? Or do you want to start a fashion clothing brand? Or simply want to experiment with your designs? Custom DTF transfers are the best solution for them all.

Final Thoughts

DTF transfers open the door to print-on-demand applications, allowing you to create striking, long-lasting custom designs for a wide range of fabric and material types. Whether you’re a business or hobbyist, DTF transfers allow for unmatched versatility, affordability, and quality.

DTFCenter.com is dedicated to helping you achieve your creative goals and offering you our premium DTF transfers products and services. Please visit our website or contact us for your custom transfer solution!

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