Tips and tricks

This article provides tips and tricks you need to get started with Direct to Film (DTF).
Want the perfect print on your clothing? Direct to Film (DTF) seems like the ideal solution: razor-sharp prints, versatile, and affordable. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Read on to discover how to achieve the desired results with DTF transfers without any surprises.

Static electricity

Static electricity can be very annoying during the DTF process. It can prevent excess powder from being optimally shaken off the film, as it remains attached when the film is statically charged.
Synthetic flooring can cause this.
What can you do about it? Ideally, the printer and any powder machine should not be placed on carpet. The choice of DTF film also plays a significant role. A good quality film is much more resistant to static electricity buildup due to a good antistatic coating.

DTF Printer Maintenance

It might seem obvious, but this is the Achilles’ heel of the DTF printer. Take DTF printer maintenance seriously and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Proper maintenance minimizes downtime and maximizes productivity.

Temperature

Keep the temperature of the room where the printer is located as constant as possible. This promotes consistent quality and also keeps the humidity constant.

Humidity

Keep the humidity between 40% and 60% relative humidity.
If the humidity is too low, it can cause the print head to clog nozzles more quickly. It can also make it harder for the white ink to flow optimally, and the adhesive powder to adhere less effectively.
If the humidity is too high, the ink can absorb moisture from the air, causing smudges. The adhesive powder can also absorb too much moisture, preventing it from fusing optimally with the ink. You can check the humidity with a hygrometer.

What can you do to keep humidity levels in check?

Ensure good ventilation and exhaust. Because the ink is water-based, the relative humidity can increase during production due to water evaporation from the ink.
If the humidity is too high, use a dehumidifier.
If the humidity is too low, use a humidifier.
Keep the room temperature constant. Humidity is related to temperature, and temperature variations contribute to humidity variations.

DTF Films

Use a good quality DTF film!
We mentioned this earlier in this article. Not all films are created equal, and there are many cheap films on the market that are inconsistent in quality and, for example, have significantly poorer resistance to static electricity buildup. So, choose a good quality film for a good end result.

Presses

Always pre-press cotton garments for a few seconds before applying the transfer to remove moisture or wrinkles. This ensures better adhesion of the film to the fabric. Read more about pre-pressing.
Press the DTF transfer with TheMagicTouch T.Seal for a softer print that sits more beautifully in the fabric. Read more about post-pressing.
Use a lint roller to clean your garments before pressing them. Lint or dirt on the fabric can lead to uneven application and poor print quality.
Invest in materials to place under your garments to create even pressure distribution when pressing transfers onto garments with seams, buttons, or zippers. TheMagicTouch Application Support Kit is ideal for this.
Trimming transfers: Use a rotary cutter to neatly cut around your printed designs for a professional look and smoother handling during pressing.

Guidelines

Store transfers airtight in zip-lock bags to prevent humidity.

Store the transfers flat in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Do not stack heavy objects on top of the transfers to prevent damage.

Do not stack DTF transfers too high to prevent damage from the weight.

Do not store DTF transfers for more than 1 year.

Read more: Accessories for Direct to Film →