How to Use DTF Transfer Film with Sublimation Printer

Are you a sublimation crafter who’s been wondering if you can make other transfers on your printer such as DTF but you don’t know how? Well, this is the perfect guide for you!

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is known for its versatility which allows crafters to print different designs on various fabrics, especially cotton, polyester, and blends . DTF printing normally requires a specialized printer to make quality prints. However, you can always adapt your sublimation printer for DTF transfers using DTF-specific inks, films, and software. 

This guide will take you through detailed steps to transition your sublimation printer for DTF transfer and make your printing process a success. Enjoy!

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing differs significantly from Sublimation Printing techniques. However, with the right adjustments and modifications, you can always end up using your sublimation printer to make perfect and high-quality DTF transfers with ease. Here’s how you do it:

Before starting your project, there are several tools and materials that you need to have with you for your transfers to be successful. They include the following:

Once You’ve gathered the above materials, it’s time for the magic to happen. Keenly follow the steps provided below to successfully make DTF transfers with your sublimation printer.

The first thing to do is to make necessary adjustments to your sublimation printer so that it can be able to print onto the DTF transfer film. Here’s how you do it:

• Flush The Ink Tank and Replace The Ink 

Open the ink cartridges of your sublimation ink and empty them. Then flush the system manually using distilled water or any cleaning solution through the ink lines. Removing all the sublimation ink from the ink tank and the ink line is essential in preventing clogging or mixing which can affect your prints. 

Now go ahead and refill the ink tanks with DTF inks, ensuring proper segregation of the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) and white inks.

• Installing and Configuring the RIP Software

The next step is to install the RIP software so that you’re able to manage the ink CMYK ink profiles and the white under base. Once successfully installed, adjust the settings to optimize DTF film as shown below:

• Printer Maintenance 

Now do a performance check for the nozzles to confirm all colors, including white, are printing clearly and cleanly. DTF inks are different in density so you must shake the white ink bottles daily to prevent sedimentation which can lead to clogging.

Once your printer is all set and prints. The next thing is to get your designs ready.

We recommend using professional design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, LokLik IdeaStudio, CorelDRAW, Silhouette Studio. This software will ensure you create high-quality designs with crisp output. Make sure the resolution is 300 DPI + for quality prints.

Save your designs in a compatible format such as PNG or TIFF and make sure the background is transparent. Now import your design to the RIP software and add a white underbase layer if you're working with dark or colored fabrics.

Well, once your printer and designs are ready for printing, then the remaining part of the project is an easy peasy ride for you.

Insert the DTF transfer film into your sublimation printer, Make sure the printable side (coated side) is facing upwards, and align the film properly to avoid shifting as you print.

For precise ink deposition, ensure the print mode is set to unidirectional then adjust the ink density to avoid oversaturation which can cause your prints to smudge. Mirror the designs so that it appears correctly when doing your transfers.

After successfully printing on the DTF transfer film, you need to immediately apply the Hot-Melt Adhesive Powder to the design and cure it for perfect transfers.

Lay the printed film on a flat surface with the printed area facing upwards. Be careful how you handle the film because the ink is still wet and you can easily spoil the design if you’re not careful enough.

Now evenly sprinkle the Hot-Melt Adhesive Powder over the wet ink layer of your designs. Gently lift the film from the sides simultaneously and tilt from left to right, then right to left for the adhesive powder to cover all the parts of the design evenly. 

Then hold the film from one side and tap it from the back (unprinted side )with your finger or any object so remove any excess powder from the design and the transfer paper. Now gently place the transfer film on the heating pad of the heat pressor with the design facing up, and cover it with a parchment paper. Then heat for about 2-3 minutes at 250°F (120°C) until all the adhesive powder melts into the ink.

Well, everything is now set and it’s time to test if you’ve hacked DTF transfer using your sublimation printer. Let's now do the transfer to fabric and see how it will turn out.

Place the T-shirt or the fabric you’re designing on the heating pad of your heat press machine. Make sure the side you want to transfer is facing up. Now place the transfer film with the design facing down onto the garment and cover it with parchment paper. Make sure your heat press temperature settings are set to (300–320°F (149–160°C) and with medium pressure, heat press for 10-15 seconds .

Determine whether your film is a "hot peel" or a "cold peel" and remove it accordingly: For hot peel remove the film immediately and for cold peel let the film cool completely before peeling.

Once you’ve completed the transfer, wait at least 24-48 hours before washing your fabrics. This allows the adhesive to fully cure for perfect bonding with the fabric. Now wash your garments in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. To preserve the design, only air dry on low heat.

Doing DTF transfers with a sublimation printer will not always be as easy as you think. You’re bound to have some challenges in the process. Luckily for you, here are some of the common issues you might face and how to troubleshoot them to ensure consistent and high-quality results.

Signs that ink is not printing properly include missing colors in prints, streaks or gaps in the design, or the white ink not printing at all. This is normally caused by clogged printheads, sedimentation in the white ink, or incorrect ink settings.

To solve this issue, do the following:

• Clean your printheads using the printer’s utility software or flush them manually with the right cleaning solution.

• Shake the white ink daily to prevent sedimentation.

• Do small prints to circulate the ink if the printer has been idle for a long time.

• Double-check your ICC profile settings.

• Verify that the white ink is properly configured.

This normally happens when there is excess ink deposition, incorrect film orientation, and poor printer settings. To avoid ink smudging on the transfer film, do the following:

• Reduce the saturation levels in the RIP software.

• Print on the right side of the transfer film (coated side).

• Let the printed film dry for some seconds before applying the adhesive powder.

Inconsistent adhesion powder application is caused by uneven sprinkling or clumping of the adhesive powder or the wet ink not holding the powder. To avoid uneven adhesive powder application, do the following:

• Use a shaker to powder the design gently.

• Tilt and tap the film to remove all the excessive powder from the designs.

• Apply the adhesive powder when the ink is still wet and tacky.

• Use a consistent heat source when curing the adhesive powder.

Poor transfers are caused when you use incorrect heat press settings, incompatible fabric, and insufficient adhesive bonding. To ensure your transfer is accurate make sure to:

• Set the heat press temperature between 300–320°F (149–160°C) and apply medium pressure and press for 10–15 seconds.

• Use the right fabric type. DTF works on most fabrics but ensures they can withstand the heat press temperature.

• After peeling the film, cover the design with parchment paper and repress for 5–10 seconds.

Sometimes the white layer ink can have issues making your prints appear uneven, especially on dull or colored fabrics. This is normally caused by improper white ink settings or clogged ink nozzles. Here’s how to sort out the issue:

• Make sure the RIP software settings are right and that the white under base is activated.

• Perform a nozzle check and clean the white ink nozzle as needed.

• If possible, print the white layer separately to ensure even coverage.

DTF transfers using a sublimation printer can be quite tricky but with the right tips and precautions, you’ll be having the best results in every project. Here are some of the tips and precautions to keep in mind:

Here are some of the frequently asked questions when it comes to DTF transfers using a sublimation printer. Let's have a look at some of them to make even better transfers:

In conclusion, using a sublimation printer for DTF printing is an exciting process that opens up new possibilities for creating vibrant and durable transfers on a variety of fabrics. While the process requires some modifications and adjustment of your sublimation printer, the results are very rewarding as we’ve seen in this guide. 

Nothing is stopping you now from making perfect DTF transfers even if you don’t have a printer. Just gather the right materials and with this guide, you’re set to produce eye-popping designs that are durable and stand out for their high quality. 

Please share this article with others in the crafting community so that they can also make quality DTF transfers using their sublimation printers. We wish you all the best in your next DTF project and share with us your experience - we would love to know how your project worked out! Bye!