If you have ever encountered that your customer’s logo is perfect on your computer but blurred when printed, you are not alone. The main reason is how the graphic is set up to print DTF. In this article, we will explain why it happens and provide eight tips for you to get the best DTF graphics.
1. Ensure Your Images Are 300 DPI
The default most software like Adobe Photoshop save an image at 72 DPI (dots per inch), which is good enough for a web graphic but not a print. A DTF (Direct to Film) must be 300 DPI or your print will look like crap. If you have an image that you want to print at 10 inches wide, that image needs to be 3000 pixels wide. If it’s not, then it’s going to look like crap.
2. Utilize Open or Negative Space
Designs with a lot of space for off-set printing (known) are the best for DTF. This is because you want not only the ink to be printed but also the shirt material to show through in places. This is known as a softer hand feel, and it can be achieved by using colour knockouts or halftoning.
3. Use More Ink for Darker Garments
Black and other very dark shirts demand that you use more ink to achieve a vibrant colour, as the inks aren’t opaque enough to cover the darkness of the shirt (though some white underbase does help with this). But the more white underbase you use, the thicker your transfer will feel. If you’re looking for very bright colours on a dark shirt, be prepared for a slightly thicker feel.
4. Avoid Semi-Transparent Pixels
DTF printing doesn’t handle semi-transparent pixels; they’re either fully on or off in a printed pixel. You can get an incised look using halftones, but anything with a drop shadow, flame or glow on a dark shirt can be problematic.
5. Prefer Vector Files Over Raster
Because vector files are generated using mathematical equations, they are infinitely smooth and scalable. Vector images can be made any size without losing detail. Raster files, such as JPEGs, are made up of pixels. If you increase their size, they appear blurry. This is the reason why logos and other fine details, as well as the clarity of text, are so important.
6. Use PNGs or PDFs
Although they might be common, JPEG, TIFF and PSD just don’t work very well with DTF printing due to the fact that they don’t allow for transparency. JPEG graphics will fill in the background with white, whereas PNGs and PDFs can have invisible backgrounds, ultimately leaving only the graphic itself to show up.
7. Consider the Garment Type
It’s the garment that really makes the difference. A Next Level dry fit tee will make just about any graphic feel plasticky, while a sweatshirt will take even a pretty thick transfer. Pick your garments based on your design and the thickness of your transfer.
8. Start with a High-Quality File
The better your original file, the better your output, so try to get your file as close to following all the best practices as possible. As with everything else in imaging, ‘garbage in, garbage out’.
To find more creative inspiration and DTF printing expert tips that you can apply directly to your film, check out additional resources and DTF printing tutorials on DTF printing. Follow these best practices, and you’ll be assured of sharp, vibrant, durable DTF graphics every time.
