How to Choose the Right DTF Ink, Film, and Powder for Flawless Prints

Direct-to-film (DTF) has quickly gained the attention of garment designers due to its ability to produce amazing prints on all types of fabrics. It is versatile, produces vibrant prints, and gives consistent results. But little do people know that the results largely depend on the quality of supplies, especially colors, adhesive, and DTF film.

Branded vs Third-Party Supplies

DTF operators buy supplies in bulk to prevent running out of inks and powder adhesives. Depending on their DTF printers, they buy either branded or third-party supplies. Branded supplies carry a higher price tag, but they are safe from expensive printers. Third-party supplies promise quality and affordability if your printer is compatible with third-party products.

Choosing the right combination of supplies is essential to achieve the desired results. Here’s a detailed guide to buying quality supplies that give durable and visually strik
ing prints.

1. Choosing the Right DTF Ink

Only specially formulated water-based pigment inks are used in DTF printing. These supplies remain fluid, preventing clogs and unwanted accumulation in nozzles. 

Important factors to look into:

• Quality inks have a higher color density required for sharp, vivid, and bright prints. They give consistent results across all fabrics, including light and dark.

• Always buy inks compatible with your printer. Incompatible supplies could lead to nozzle clogging, poor performance, and maintenance issues.

• Inks with anti-clogging properties provide fluidity and prevent printhead damage. They ensure consistency in output and print quality.

• Quality inks come with a certification of adhesion and crack resistance. They show no signs of exhaustion even after multiple washes and long-term usage.

2. Selecting the Best DTF Film

A specific PET film is used as a transfer medium in DTF printing. It transfers the design under heat and pressure on textiles. 

Important factors to look into:

• PET films are classified into hot and cold peel. Hot peel film is used to improve workflow. It allows immediate removal after the design transfer. Cold peel film improves adhesion and sharpness.

• Matte films reduce glare, making the prints appear more natural, while glossy films give shinier prints. 

• A specific coating over PET films enhances their ink absorption. Anti-static properties prevent films from shifting or curling during the process.

• The thickness of PET films determines their ability to withstand heat and pressure. Thicker films ensure better alignment and smooth design transfer.

3. Picking the Right DTF Powder (Hot-Melt Adhesive)

A specific adhesive powder is used to increase adhesion and ensure a strong bond between ink and fabric. It is sprayed over hot inks and pressed on the fabric.

Important factors to look into:

• The adhesive comes in fine, medium, and coarse grains. Fine grains give a smoother finish, and coarse grains are suitable for heavy fabrics.

• Consider the fabric compatibility of adhesive for superior adhesion and flexibility.

• The durability of designs depends on adhesion. For this reason, DTF printers always use high-quality adhesives.

The combination of quality DTF ink, film, and adhesive gives flawless prints. Investing in quality supplies compatible with your printer and fabrics is an investment in your custom apparel business.