| FEATURES | DTF | SUBLIMATION |
|---|---|---|
| Substrates | Works on all fabrics (cotton, polyester, blends) | Only works on polyester or polymer-coated materials. |
| Design Opacity | Opaque; visible on dark fabrics. | Translucent; best on light/white polyester. |
| Durability | Medium durability. Designs may crack or peel over time. | Highly durable. Ink bonds with fabric fibers, resisting heavy use. |
| Cost | Affordable setup and materials – budget-friendly. | Higher equipment and material costs – ideal for high-volume use. |
DTF (Direct to Film) film is a PET-based film coated with a printable surface. The process
involves:
Printing CMYK + white ink onto the film.
Applying hot-melt adhesive powder.
Curing the film with heat.
Heat-pressing the design onto fabric or other substrates.
Key advantage: Works on all fabrics without pre-treatment .
Most fabrics! Cotton, polyester, blends, leather, spandex, and activewear ar e all compatible. Stretchable DTF film is ideal for elastic fabrics (e.g., lycra).
Yes. Use a modified inkjet printer (e.g., Epson) with DTF-specific water-based inks. Avoid
regular inkjet or sublimation printers .
Many DTF inks are OEKO-TEX® certified and comply with REACH/ZDHC standards,
making them hypoallergenic and low-VOC .
Yes for small projects. Set to medium heat (no steam), press for 15–20 seconds, and let
cool before peeling. A heat press is recommended for consistency .
Hot peel: Peel immediately after pressing for a softer feel.
Warm peel: Let cool 10–15 seconds for better edge adhesion .
Keep unused film in its original sealed packaging or airtight bags. Store flat in a cool, dry
place to prevent curling .
Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity <60%. Excess moisture can cause ink smudging or
powder clumping .
Our Film warranty is 12 months ..
Tel: +86 17706217416
Add: Building L2A, No. 520, Lane 1588, Zhuguang Road, Hongqiao World Center, Qingpu District, Shanghai, China