How DTF Printing Works: Step-by-Step

DTF (direct-to-film) printing transfers a printed design to fabric using film, ink, adhesive powder and heat. It works on cotton, polyester and blends. Here is the full workflow.

What you need

Step by step

  1. Prepare the artwork. Open the design in PWR RIP. PWR RIP manages color (ICC profiles), ink limits and generates the white underbase automatically. Size the design or build a gang sheet.
  2. Print onto DTF film. The printer lays down CMYK ink followed by a white layer on the coated side of the DTF film. Print Works film is double matte.
  3. Apply adhesive powder. While the ink is still wet, cover the print evenly with DTF adhesive powder and shake off all excess from the bare film, by hand or with a powder shaker.
  4. Cure the powder. Melt the powder until it is smooth and glossy. For Print Works fine white powder, start at 230°F (110°C) for about 2 minutes. See the curing guide.
  5. Press onto the garment. Heat-press the transfer onto the garment at 280–300°F for 10 seconds.
  6. Peel the film. Hot peel film: peel immediately. Cold peel film: wait 30 seconds to 1 minute, then peel.
  7. Second press. Press again for 5–10 seconds, ideally with a cover sheet such as silicone or parchment paper, to set the print and improve durability.

Why DTF

DTF needs no pretreatment of the garment, works on light and dark fabrics, and lets you print transfers ahead of time and press them later. Compare it with DTG in the buying guide.