Custom merch has never been more in demand than it is now. Of all the different types of merchandise there is, prints are the most popular. People love to have their own designs printed on T-shirts and other items of clothing. The latest trend in the print industry is direct-to-film transferring, which involves printing a design onto PET film using water-based inks and an adhesive powder. PET film has a coating that makes it much easier to transfer designs. Once the design has been applied to the PET film, it is heat-transferred to fabric using a machine. The thing that’s got everybody going crazy for direct-to-film transfers is that it can be used to print on tough fabrics like polyester, nylon, and fleece. This post will explore this topic in more detail, telling you about the role technology plays in streamlining DTF transfers and everything else you need to know.
How Does DTF Printing Work?
Compared to other printing methods, DTF is very quick. Understanding how dtf transfers work can make it much easier for you to print your own designs. The first step that’s taken is to prepare PET film and place it inside a DTF printing machine, where the specific design can then be printed in full color. After this first layer has been produced, the next step is for the printer to place a white layer over the image, covering it up. The adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink. Once the excess powder has been removed, the film is heated in order to prepare it for transfer. Heating is usually done inside a curing oven or sometimes a heat press machine, though the former’s more common.
Once the film has been preheated, the fabric is dehumidified so that excess moisture can be removed. It is also flattened. Flattening is done for around two to five seconds inside of a heat press machine. Printed film is then taken and placed onto the fabric it’s going to be printed on. It is important that the fabric is pre-pressed. The film’s design is transferred onto the fabric using a heat press for just under 30 seconds. The temperature has to be evenly and consistently applied, otherwise, the design won’t print as effectively. Finally, the film has to be cold peeled. Once it has been completely removed, the fabric is then flattered again in the heat press. This is to ensure that the print remains stable and does not run or flake. Once printed, the design can be sent out to customers.
The Benefits of DTF Printing
Taking time to educate yourself about the benefits of DTF printing is a good idea. While it’s most definitely the best method of printing on cloth there is today, knowing what kind of benefits you are going to enjoy can be very motivational. Here are some of them:
Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/tuned-on-macbook-CGpifH3FjOA
1. Much More Vibrant Colors
One of the main benefits of DTF printing compared to other types is that the colors produced are much brighter. When people want custom T-shirts or jumpers printed, they want the most vibrant ones they can get. The more vibrant the colors on a jumper or T-shirt are, the better the person is going to look. For a very long time, earth tones have been very popular in fashion. Now, people are starting to embrace colors again. If you don’t already have a DTF setup, the best time to purchase one is today. The sooner you get one, the sooner you’ll be able to start printing colorful designs that people want.
2. A Lot More Durable
Have you ever had a printed T-shirt that started flaking before? If so, the chances are that the printing method employed did not ensure durable designs. One of the best things about DTF printing is that designs are very durable and rarely flake. Of course, people who buy your merchandise do need to make sure that they take care of it. If they do not, it will begin to fall apart quite quickly, just like anything in life. In addition to investing in a DTF setup, make sure that the clothes you print designs on are made from quality materials and fabrics.
3. Low Production Costs
Compared to other printing methods, DTF comes with much lower production costs. Production costs are always something that you need to think about if you are interested in starting a printing business. In addition to production and setup costs, you also need to think about purchasing the clothes designs are going to be printed on. Try to find the most reliable suppliers you can. A good way to determine whether a supplier is worth working with or not is to read reviews published on their website or on Google Review and Trustpilot, the web’s leading review authorities.
4. Speedier Operations
In business, operations need to be streamlined. The faster you can churn products out, the more likely you are to make sales. Consumers want their purchases immediately. A good thing about DTF printing compared to other methods is that it’s extremely fast. You can have merchandise ready in as little as a few hours. Make sure that you also invest time and money into streamlining packaging and shipping. The process of streamlining packaging and shipping has never been easier thanks to third-party shipping companies. You can give products to these businesses and they’ll pack them and get them sent out to customers for you, saving yourself a lot of time.
5. Pleasing Your Customers
One of your main priorities should be pleasing customers. DTF printing allows you to do that by enabling you to create vibrant, colorful designs. In addition to DTF printing, make sure you hire a qualified and experienced graphic designer to create images for you. If the images that you are printing do not look unique and interesting, nobody is going to want to pay for them. Graphic designers can be found all over the internet, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding somebody to hire.
Technology plays an important role in DTF printing. It allows businesses to quickly and effectively transfer images, ensuring they are vibrant, durable, and colorful. Setup costs are relatively affordable, making DTF the best option for entrepreneurs interested in getting into the fashion industry.
