What is DTF?
DTF transfer: The revolution in textile finishing.
What is DTF, how does it work and which solution is right for you? Find out everything about direct-to-film printing - from the starter kit to industrial production.
In 5 steps to the finished textile: The DTF workflow
Revolutionarily simple - the direct-to-film process
Direct-to-Film, or DTF for short, has taken textile finishing by storm. In contrast to conventional processes, the motif is not printed directly onto the textile, but first printed in reverse onto a special transfer film. The process is as efficient as it is ingenious:
Schritt 2: Das Pudern (Schmelzkleber)
Auf die noch nasse Tinte wird ein spezielles Schmelzkleber-Granulat aufgetragen. Der Kleber haftet präzise nur an den bedruckten Stellen und garantiert später die extrem hohe Waschbeständigkeit.
Schritt 3: Das Trocknen (Gelieren)
Im Trockenofen oder Shaker wird der Kleber bei konstanter Hitze geschmolzen (geliert). Dadurch verbindet er sich fest mit der Farbe zu einer belastbaren und dehnungsfähigen Transferschicht.
Schritt 4: Der Transfer (Pressen)
Das fertige Motiv wird mit einer Transferpresse unter Hitze und Druck auf das Textil übertragen. Der geschmolzene Kleber verankert sich dabei tief in den Fasern deines Stoffes.
Schritt 5: Das Finish (Abziehen & Nachpressen)
Nach dem Abkühlen (oder direkt bei Hot Peel) wird die Trägerfolie abgezogen. Ein kurzes Nachpressen fixiert das Motiv endgültig, sorgt für einen weichen Griff und maximale Haltbarkeit.
Schritt 1: Der digitale Druck (CMYK + Weiß)
Dein Motiv wird spiegelverkehrt mit speziellen DTF-Tinten auf eine beschichtete PET-Folie gedruckt. Die weiße Tinte bildet dabei die abschließende Deckschicht und sorgt für brillante Farben auf jedem Untergrund.
Maximum freedom without weeding!
The advantages of direct-to-film over flex film or screen printing are immense, especially when it comes to speed and detail:
No more weeding: as the adhesive only adheres to the ink, there is no need for tedious manual removal of residual film - even for the finest lines and lettering.
Outstanding stretchability: DTF transfers are extremely elastic and follow every movement of the fabric without tearing or peeling.
Photorealistic results: Brilliant colours, smooth gradients and high-resolution details are standard in the DTF process.
Universally applicable: Whether cotton, polyester, blended fabric, nylon or softshell - DTF adheres to almost all textiles, whether light or dark in colour.
Many people are surprised when the transfer doesn't hold perfectly after washing - this is often due to residual moisture in the fabric. My tip: Pre-press each item of clothing for approx. 3 to 5 seconds before applying the DTF transfer. This removes the moisture from the fabric and smoothes the fibres. This allows the hot melt adhesive to optimally penetrate the fabric and form an unbeatable bond.
Ääd
DTF Experte bei YOW!Want to get started right away without investing in your own printer? Send us your designs and we'll deliver professional-quality DTF transfers straight to your door.
Do you want to be independent and handle large print runs in-house at lightning speed? With Secabo's Heat Presses, you can bring the full added value directly to your desk.
Clubs & Teams
Robust durability and quick personalisation - ideal for jersey numbers, club crests and fan shirts. Withstands every duel and countless washes.
Advertising technicians & copy shops
Portfolio expansion without investment hurdles - offer high-quality textile finishing without needing space for screen printing carousels or drying channels.
Fashion brands & streetwear
High-end look and fine details - photorealistic prints and filigree gradients on dark hoodies or caps without perceptible foil edges.
Event & merchandising agencies
On-demand production and speed - produce merch exactly when it's needed. Thanks to Secabo MultiTrim Pro, you can cut hundreds of transfers in minutes for immediate use.
Workwear & workwear
Industrial resistance on difficult fabrics - DTF adheres perfectly to coarse canvas, softshell or nylon. The high opacity of white ensures brilliant logos on every work jacket. But beware, textiles printed with DTF should be washed at a maximum of 60 °C!
Creator & Etsy shop owners
Maximum margin for small print runs - Whether personalised gifts or your own artwork: With the YOW! Transfer service, you can start without your own machine or scale up with Secabo hardware as your business grows.
DTF knowledge for professionals (FAQs)
What do I have to pay attention to when pressing sensitive textiles (polyester/softshell)?
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With temperature-sensitive fabrics such as polyester or softshell, there is a risk of resublimation (bleeding of the fabric colour into the logo).
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We recommend low-temperature processing at approx. 120°C to 130°C and a slightly longer pressing time.
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In addition, always use a high-quality DTF powder with high barrier properties to effectively stop colour migration.
Hot peel or cold peel - when is the best time to remove the DTF film?
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This depends entirely on the transfer film and adhesive used.
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Cold peel foils need to cool down completely after pressing before you peel them off to guarantee a perfect surface finish.
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Hot peel foils, on the other hand, are peeled off immediately after opening the Heat Press, which massively speeds up your production process - ideal for high quantities.
Which textiles are suitable for DTF?
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This is one of the biggest advantages of DTF: it is a real all-rounder. While other processes often reach their limits with dark fabrics or synthetic fibres, DTF adheres excellently to almost everything.
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You can easily finish cotton, polyester and blended fabrics.
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Even challenging materials such as nylon or softshell are no problem, as long as you adjust the temperature and pressure. This makes DTF the ideal choice for everything from fashion shirts to robust outdoor clothing.
What are the ideal pressing parameters?
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As a rough rule of thumb: medium pressure at 130°C to 160°C for about 10 to 15 seconds.
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But beware: the devil is in the detail. While you tend to work at the upper end of the temperature scale for cotton, you should reduce the heat for polyester and functional textiles (approx. 130°C) to protect the fabric and prevent the colours from bleeding through.
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We always recommend a test print, as every Heat Press and every textile reacts slightly differently.
How wash-resistant is DTF really?
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DTF transfers are known for their extreme durability. When processed correctly (especially the important pressing), the prints are wash-resistant up to 60°C.
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The bond between the hot-melt adhesive and the textile fibres is so stable that the motif neither tears nor fades, even after many washing cycles.
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The print also remains pleasantly soft and stretchy, which makes it particularly popular for sportswear and workwear that has to withstand a lot.
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Available, delivery time: 2-5 days
Content: 0.56 m² (€26.77 / 1 m²)
