What’s our DTF Ink?

DTF Ink stands for Direct-to-Film Ink, which is a type of ink specifically designed for use in DTF printing. This is a relatively new technology in the field of textile printing that allows for high-quality, vibrant prints on fabrics, including T-shirts, hoodies, and other garments.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes DTF ink unique and how it works:

Key Characteristics:

Specialized Formulation: 

DTF ink is made to work with the DTF printing process, which involves printing a design onto a special transfer film. The ink is usually water-based and has a good level of pigment to create bright, durable prints.

Flexibility:

 DTF ink can be used on a wide variety of materials, not just cotton. It works on fabrics made of polyester, silk, and even blends, giving it a broader range of application compared to other printing methods.

Durability:

 Prints made with DTF ink are known for being vibrant and long-lasting. They can withstand multiple washes and do not fade easily, which is one of the reasons why DTF printing has gained popularity for apparel.

Wide Color Gamut: 

DTF inks often come in a wide range of colors, including CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) plus white ink, allowing for a wide spectrum of color choices and highly detailed designs, even on dark fabrics.

How DTF Ink is Used:

Printing Process:

In DTF printing, designs are first printed onto a special release film using a DTF printer that uses DTF ink. After printing, the image is coated with a layer of adhesive powder and then cured (heated) to make the adhesive bond with the ink.

Transfer to Fabric:

 The printed and cured film is then transferred to the fabric using a heat press. The heat causes the adhesive to melt and bond the printed image onto the fabric, creating a durable and flexible design.

Benefits of DTF Ink:

Versatility: 

Can be used on a variety of fabrics, including light and dark materials.

High Quality:

 Prints are sharp, vibrant, and have good washability.

No Need for Pre-Treatment: 

Unlike DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing, DTF doesn’t require the garment to be pre-treated before printing, making it a faster and more efficient process.

Cost-Effective:

 For small to medium runs, DTF printing can be more affordable compared to traditional screen printing or embroidery.

DTF ink has been gaining traction in the garment decoration industry because of its ability to deliver high-quality prints at a relatively low cost, especially for small runs and custom designs.