DTF FAQ
Straight answers about DTF film, ink, powder and PWR RIP from Print Works.
What is DTF printing?
DTF (direct-to-film) printing prints a design onto PET transfer film with CMYK and white ink, coats it with adhesive powder, cures it, then heat-presses it onto a garment or other item.
How does DTF printing work, step by step?
1) Prepare artwork in PWR RIP. 2) Print CMYK with a white layer on top onto DTF film. 3) Apply adhesive powder to the wet ink and shake off excess. 4) Cure the powder until glossy. 5) Heat-press onto the garment at 280–300°F for 10 seconds. 6) Peel (hot peel immediately, cold peel after 30 seconds to 1 minute). 7) Second press for 5–10 seconds.
How do I cure DTF powder?
Melt the powder until it turns smooth and glossy with no grainy spots, using a curing oven, a heat press in hover mode (not touching), or an inline shaker/dryer. For Print Works fine white powder, start at 230°F (110°C) for about 2 minutes and adjust for your equipment.
How can I tell if DTF powder is under- or over-cured?
Under-cured powder looks grainy or sandy and leads to weak adhesion and peeling. Over-cured powder may yellow, bubble or curl the film. Properly cured powder looks smooth, even and glossy, like an orange-peel texture.
What do I need to make DTF transfers?
DTF film, DTF ink (CMYK plus white), DTF adhesive powder, a DTF printer, a heat press, and RIP software such as PWR RIP. Print Works sells the film, ink, powder and RIP.
What is the difference between hot peel and cold peel DTF film?
Hot peel film is peeled immediately after pressing, while hot, which speeds up production. Cold peel film is peeled after it cools, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Print Works sells both.
What DTF film sizes does Print Works carry?
Cold peel rolls: A3 11.7 in, 13 in and A1 23.4 in, each 100 m. Hot peel rolls: 13 in, 14.5 in and 36 in, each 100 m (328 ft). Hot peel cut sheets: 13 × 19 in, 100 sheets.
Is Print Works DTF film double-sided?
Yes. All Print Works Pro DTF film rolls are double-sided for improved tracking and stability.
Which printheads is Print Works DTF ink made for?
Print Works DTF True Tone CMYK and Brilliant White inks are optimized for Epson i3200-A1 and Epson i1600-A1 printheads.
Where is Print Works DTF ink made?
Print Works DTF inks are made in the USA and are OEKO-TEX certified.
What heat press settings should I use for Print Works DTF film?
Press at 280–300°F for 10 seconds, then a second press of 5–10 seconds. Hot peel film is peeled immediately after pressing; cold peel film is peeled after cooling 30 seconds to 1 minute. All Print Works film is double matte.
What sizes does Print Works DTF ink come in?
1 L bottles for each CMYK color and white, a Brilliant White 6-pack, a Brilliant White case pack of 9 × 1 L, and a CMYK+WW ink set in 1 L bottles.
How much DTF powder should I use?
Cover all wet ink fully and evenly, then remove every bit of excess from the bare film before curing. A good starting point for Print Works fine white powder is curing at 230°F (110°C) for about 2 minutes, until glossy. Contact Print Works for help with your setup.
What is the difference between DTF and DTG?
DTF prints onto transfer film that is powdered, cured and heat-pressed onto the garment. DTG prints directly onto a pretreated garment, usually cotton. Print Works sells DTF film, ink and powder, DTG inks and DTG Pretreatment (1 gallon), and PWR RIP, which works with both DTF and DTG.
What fabrics does DTF work on?
Print Works DTF film listings state suitability for cotton, polyester, blends and more.
What is PWR RIP?
PWR RIP is Print Works’ own RIP software for DTF, and it is also compatible with DTG. It handles ICC color management, FM and ordered screening, ink limits and linearization, automatic white underbase, direct printing, a gang-sheet builder, batch processing and artwork preparation. It works with most DTF printers on the market.
How much does PWR RIP cost?
Standard $699 or $49/mo; Network $999 or $69/mo; Pro $1,099 or $79/mo; Max $1,999 or $119/mo. Each license is a software activation, one PC at a time.
What does PWR RIP run on, and is there a trial?
PWR RIP runs on Windows. A free trial is available on request: call or text 714-900-3255 or email printworksdirectstore@gmail.com.
Does PWR RIP work with my printer?
PWR RIP works with most DTF printers on the market. Please confirm your printer model with Print Works before purchasing.
Where does Print Works ship?
Print Works ships within the United States only. Most orders ship within 24 hours (48 hours in rare cases) by UPS, with ground, priority, 2-day and overnight options; rates are shown at checkout. See the Shipping Policy at printworksdirect.com/pages/shipping-policy.
What is the Print Works return policy?
Unopened items can be returned within 30 days of delivery (15% restocking fee on non-defective returns). Report defects within 7 days with photos. PWR RIP perpetual licenses are non-refundable; monthly subscriptions can be canceled anytime to stop renewal. See printworksdirect.com/pages/refund-policy.
How do I contact Print Works?
Call or text 714-900-3255, or email printworksdirectstore@gmail.com. Hours are 8 AM – 8 PM Pacific.
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