Process
Direct-to-Film
The full spelling of DTF, referring to the production method of printing ink directly onto a transfer film before heat applying to fabric.
Definition
Direct-to-film is the full spelling of DTF. It describes a transfer printing workflow where ink is jetted directly onto a coated PET carrier film, dusted with polyamide hot melt adhesive, cured, and later heat pressed onto a garment. The name distinguishes the process from direct-to-garment (DTG), which prints ink onto fabric directly, and from screen printing, which forces ink through a stencil mesh. Direct-to-film does not require pretreatment, weeding, or color-by-color setup. The film carries the entire image including the white underbase, so any fabric color and any artwork complexity is achievable in a single press cycle.
Related Terms
DTF
Direct-to-film transfer printing process used to produce full-color heat-applied graphics for apparel decoration.
PET Film
A polyester terephthalate carrier film used as the printing substrate for DTF and UV DTF transfers.
Carrier Film
The clear or coated plastic sheet that holds the printed design until it is heat applied to the garment.
White Underbase
A layer of white ink printed beneath color ink so the design reads correctly on dark or colored fabric.