DTF Glossary

Plain definitions of the DTF terms you will see on product pages and in guides.

DTF (direct-to-film)

Printing a design onto PET film, adding adhesive powder, curing it, then heat-pressing it onto fabric.

DTG (direct-to-garment)

Printing ink directly onto a pretreated garment, usually cotton, using DTG inks, DTG pretreatment and PWR RIP, which is compatible with both DTF and DTG.

DTF film

Coated PET carrier film that the design is printed on.

Double matte

Film with a matte finish on both sides, for grip and tracking.

Hot peel

Film peeled immediately after pressing, while hot.

Cold peel

Film peeled after cooling, typically 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Adhesive (hot-melt) powder

Powder applied to wet ink that melts during curing and bonds the print to fabric.

Fine grade powder

Small-particle powder for a softer hand and finer detail.

Curing

Melting the powder onto the ink until it is smooth and glossy.

Under-cure / over-cure

Powder not fully melted (grainy, weak bond) / overheated (yellowing, bubbling, curling).

White underbase / white layer

White ink printed behind the color so it shows on dark fabric.

CMYK+WW

Cyan, magenta, yellow, black, plus two white channels.

RIP (raster image processor)

Software that converts artwork into printer instructions and controls color, white and ink. Print Works makes PWR RIP, which works with DTF and is also compatible with DTG.

ICC profile

Color data describing how a printer, ink and media reproduce color.

Ink limit

Maximum ink coverage allowed, to avoid oversaturation.

Linearization

Calibration that makes printer output respond evenly.

Gang sheet

Multiple designs arranged on one sheet or roll length to save film.

Choke

Shrinking the white layer slightly inside the color edge to prevent white showing.

Nozzle check

Test print showing whether every printhead nozzle is firing.

Capping station

Unit that seals the printhead when idle to stop ink drying.

Wiper blade

Blade that wipes ink off the printhead nozzle plate.

Damper

Small reservoir that regulates ink flow and pressure to the head.

Second press

A short final press after peeling to set the print.

Hand feel

How soft the finished print feels on the garment.

Wash-fastness

How well a print holds up through washing.