How long does a DTF printed shirt last?
Generally speaking, DTF transfers can last for several washings, depending on the care instructions provided by the transfer manufacturer. Some transfer manufacturers recommend that you turn the shirt inside out before washing and that you avoid using bleach. This can help prolong the life of the transfer.
DTF offers more flexibility with the transfers. You can forward printed transfers elsewhere for application at a later date with a shelf-life of over 2 years.
Washability: DTF transfer do not last as long as garments that are screen printed. DTF will fade much faster than a shirt properly cured. Feel of the shirt: Shirts that use DTF will have a rougher feel compared to t shirts that are screen printed.
Disadvantages of DTF Direct to Film Printing
Requires a specialized printer and ink, which can be more expensive than traditional screen printing methods. The process can be more time-consuming compared to other printing methods, as it involves multiple steps.
Durability. DTF prints are more durable than vinyl or screen-printed designs. The ink is actually bonded to the fabric, so it won't crack, peel, or fade like other methods. DTF prints can also withstand multiple washes without losing their color or quality.
While DTF prints don't have the same soft hand feel that DTG can boast, the transfers are more durable. Direct to film transfers wash well, and are flexible – meaning they won't crack or peel, making them great for heavy-use items.
The higher quality of ink that is used in either printing method, the longer the image will last. With the right ink, an image printed with sublimation could last longer than a DTF image printed with lower quality ink. Quality of the printer.
The print is sensitive towards harsh conditions such as high temperature and high rpm washing cycles, meaning that the colors will fade, the inks will crack and even peel off.
DTF white ink still separates and will need a daily shake. Best form of maintenance is regular printing. If you print every 2 days, all you will need to do is shake the ink and run an automatic printhead clean before printing.
Additionally, the ink used in DTF printers is permanent and will not fade over time.
Which is better DTF or sublimation?
Compared to sublimation printing, DTF printing offers better print quality, since the ink is applied directly to the product. DTF also has a higher image resolution than sublimation printing, therefore you can see more detail in the print.
Production speed: DTF printing is faster than screen printing, especially for small orders. Screen printing can be time-consuming, especially for multi-color designs. Final product quality: DTF printing produces high-quality prints with vibrant colors and a soft hand feel.
DTF print quality is excellent. Even though the print has a plastic feel and might be slightly stiff initially, it'll wear in after a few washes. Other than that, DTF prints are smooth and elastic, which ensures longevity.
Cons. With direct printing, the image definition is sometimes less clear and sharp, compared to other digital fabric printing methods, like dye sublimation, which could be the result of a combination of factors such as ink type, the texture of the fabric or textile itself, pre-treating agent, and even temperature.
However, DTG printing generally takes a long time compared to other printing methods, and like all other inkjet printers, DTG printers are subject to issues like clogged ink nozzles and print head errors.
Sublimated Prints and Screen Prints are considered to be the ones that would last longest. Screen printing has been around for a long time, so there are many different variations of it. Screen printing is the most popular form of t-shirt decoration, especially with slogans and cartoons.
While direct to garment printing works best on 100% cotton, DTF works on many different garment materials: cotton, nylon, treated leather, polyester, 50/50 blends, and both light and dark fabrics. The transfers can even be applied to different types of surfaces like luggage, shoes, and even glass, wood, and metal!
Unlike direct-to-garment printing that only works with cotton fabrics, DTF transfers work on a variety of fabrics including cotton, polyester, 50/50 blends, synthetics like rayon, treated leather and even silk. DTF transfers also work equally well on both light and dark t-shirts, unlike some other printing methods.
DTF means Direct-to-film. This references a type of printer that prints the design directly to the transfer film, and then is heat pressed onto various garments and other substrates. This method can be used for just about any clothing type and creates a transfer that feels like a soft vinyl transfer.
DTF can be applied on a wide range of materials including, cotton, nylon, treated leather, polyester, 50/50 blends and more (light and dark fabrics).
Is DTF transfer better than HTV transfer?
The simple reason is that HTV involves cutting vinyl sheets into the desired design, while DTF prints the design onto the transfer film with a printer and inks.
On our website, the complete bundle of an A4 DTF printer cost around 3000 dollars, which includes an A4 printer with single printing head, a curing oven, a heat press and an air filter. There are 52 weeks in a year, so we average the price of the printer bundle over 52 weeks, which comes out to $57.69 per week.
The print won't last as long
This doesn't mean DTG printing is inferior. After all, screen prints can survive hundreds of wash cycles if they're cured and applied correctly. DTG prints can still survive 50+ washes and be acceptable to the customer – certainly “good enough” for most customers!
DTG printers can be more expensive upfront but often offer lower running costs as less ink is required and the prints are long-lasting. On the other hand, purchasing DTF machinery tends to be cheaper initially but may need regular investment to keep up with demand as print runs will be larger and quicker.
WASHING INSTRUCTIONS: Wait 24 hours before first washing. Turn the garment inside out. Machine wash with mild detergent.
- DTF printing offers a wider range of colours and the ability to print high-quality images and designs.
- DTF printing allows for more precise and intricate designs, including small text and details.
- DTF printing is more durable and long-lasting compared to HTV.
White powder is generally used, black powder is just some dark clothes in order to prevent the color will be used,but the use of black powder will be relatively high, white powder is suitable for any fabric color clothes, and black powder is not.
And finally, for certain types of jobs and small runs, DTF printing is less expensive than screen printing, making it a more cost-effective option for many businesses.
DTF Transfer Application Instructions
Press at 325F for 15 seconds under very firm pressure. Remove the garment from the press and let it stand until it is warm enough to peel. Peel warm or cool.
Heat press temperature should be set to 325 F. Prior to heat pressing, hover the heat press over the transfer INK SIDE UP as close as you can without touching the transfer and allow the transfer to warm up for 30-60 seconds and this process will remove moisture from the transfer.
Can you print DTF on regular printer?
Although it may seem that DTF printing is a variant of transfer printing, it requires a desktop inkjet printer equipped with textile inks specially designed for DTF printing.
Plus, DTF printers can work on both dark and white fabric without any need to press on expensive A & B paper.
You can only use a DTF film once. If you are planning to use your DTF film multiple times as a beginner, then cancel that idea. This is because DTF film cannot be used again after it has been used once.
The key point that helps DTF make the waves is how it works on various substrates: polyester, cotton, metal, or even ceramic. Want to put some designs on not just shirts but also cups? You can do that with DTF prints!
Can You Really Do DTF Transfers with Sublimation Ink? The answer is... yes-ish. Sublimation printers don't print white ink so you'll still be limited to light and white t-shirts when printing DTF transfers with a sublimation printer.
Direct-to-Film: A brief explanation
After that, the decorator applies the transfer to a substrate. Products for DTF decoration range from standard apparel items like T-shirts, hats, or jerseys to hard goods like mugs and tumblers. The transfer is applied to the product with an adhesive powder and heat.
If you have smaller orders and need superior print quality and durability, DTF printing may be the more profitable option. However, if you're looking for a fast and cost-effective solution for short runs of more intricate designs, then DTG printing may be the better choice.
The optimal resolution for Direct to Film (DTF) printing is 300 dots per inch (dpi).
Epson F2100 DTF and DTG Printer
Both the printer and the Garment Creator software are easy to use and relatively easy to maintain. The print speed and quality are both very good - but custom settings impact both meaning if you want a higher resolution print it will take longer to print.
Investment. Investing in the equipment, supplies, and the overhead needed to safely produce DTF transfers is very expensive.
How long does it take to make a DTF transfer?
After you have printed your designs on a film and cured the powder, the next step is to heat press the transfer onto your garment. Heat presses range from 300-350F depending on the DTF transfer used. This process can take anywhere from 10-20 seconds.
Regarding energy efficiency, DTF printing is more sustainable than screen printing. Digital printers used in DTF printing are typically powered by electricity, while screen printing presses are often powered by gas. This means that DTF printing has a lower carbon footprint and is more energy efficient overall.
- the range of printable fabrics is more limited than with screen printing.
- the print is not so durable.
- the colour white cannot usually be reproduced within the print.
- due to fixed pricing, bulk printing does not offer scaled cost reductions.
The difference between dye sublimation and digital printing is that digital prints are printed on the surface of the material, whereas dye sublimation is infused into the material. What this means is that a dye sublimation print cannot be superficially damaged. There is no material to chip, peel or scratch.
Durability - Digital prints can deteriorate as you wash your clothes, especially if you are washing with hot water. While screen printing does not have this problem, if done correctly, your print will retain its color and vibrancy for a long time.
Disadvantages of DTF Direct to Film Printing
Requires a specialized printer and ink, which can be more expensive than traditional screen printing methods. The process can be more time-consuming compared to other printing methods, as it involves multiple steps.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
With DTG printing, the ink dries quickly as it is absorbed into the garment and becomes part of the shirt itself. Since it becomes part of the shirt, you do not have to worry about it cracking, peeling, or washing away over time.
“How many shirts can I print with a set of DTG printer cartridges?” The short answer is 194 shirts, or 3,039 shirts or 64,516 shirts.
How Long Does Screen Printing Last? Screen printing T-shirts create a durable, long-lasting design that can endure between 40 and 50 washes in the machine. The ink used for screen printing is extremely thick and penetrates the fabric deeply.
A DTF printer works well for all types of colors whether light or dark. In contrast, the best fabric colors to print on a sublimation printer are light colors. But, sublimation will not work well with designs that have white within them as it cannot produce this color.
Is DTF better than heat transfer?
If you already own a print shop, DTF printing is probably superior (and more versatile) to heat transfers. DTF printing can be used for a wide range of products, is similar to the process for creating films for screen printing, and delivers a production-quality product under ideal circ*mstances.
Sublimation printing gives you long-lasting results, as the dyes fully penetrate the fibers so the designs are bright and vivid, even after countless washes. One of the best t-shirt printing options for longevity, as the colors will not crack or fade.
One of the most important qualities is durability. Of the most common fabric types used in t-shirts, polyester is generally the most durable. 100% cotton, cotton/polyester blends, and cotton/polyester/rayon blends are also good choices for this resilient wardrobe staple.
Choose washing in low temperatures, about 30-40 oC (86-104 F) or even at a cold wash and use medium washing cycles (600-800 rpm). In addition, washing programs of smaller times (30 min to 1 h) are suggested. Avoid washing the garments again right after washing them.
We recommend using dtf ink that compatible with your dtf printer so there's no clogging or other issues. Depending on the printer you're using, direct-to-garment (DTG) or any textile inks will work.
