Direct‑to‑Film (DTF) film is the core medium in the DTF garment decoration process, acting as a designed “carrier” for the printed image. Made from PET (polyester) with specialized layers — including an anti‑static layer, PET base, release layer, and ink‑receptive/color layer — it is engineered to absorb pigment inks well, hold fine detail, and transfer vividly.
The film is typically clear or translucent, with one side frosted for printing and the opposite side glossy for release. Single‑sided films are the most common, but double‑sided versions exist to reduce printer misalignment. The frosted side is where the CMYK and white ink layers are printed, then a fine TPU hot‑melt powder is applied and cured, creating an adhesive layer that bonds the design to the fabric when heat‑pressed.
DTF film supports a wide range of textiles — cotton, polyester, blends, performance fabrics, canvas, and more. Without fabric pre‑treatment, making it versatile for small to large production runs. It can be produced on modified direct‑to‑garment printers or dedicated roll‑to‑roll DTF systems, and the finished transfer can be stored for later use, decoupling printing from garment finishing
Important Formula:
- Time: 10 seconds/ 5 seconds
- Temperature: 300°F (Fahrenheit)
- Pressure: Medium Pressure
Key properties include:
- Ink absorption capacity for vibrant color saturation
- Adhesive strength for durable transfers
- Heat resistance for consistent pressing
- Detail preservation for high‑resolution graphics
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