Process
UV DTF
A UV-cured direct-to-film transfer designed for rigid substrates and applied with a cold-peel adhesive instead of a heat press.
Definition
UV DTF is a transfer format that uses UV-curable acrylate ink printed onto a cold-peel adhesive film. Unlike standard DTF, UV DTF does not require a heat press. The decorator peels the transfer from its backing and burnishes it onto a clean, room-temperature rigid surface like glass, metal, acrylic, ceramic, or wood. UV DTF is the production-ready answer for tumblers, mugs, water bottles, signage, and rigid promotional goods. The cured acrylate film is dishwasher-safe on top-rack settings, waterproof, and chemically resistant. UV DTF is sold by the square inch and also offered as a gang sheet format at Long Island DTF Printing.
Related Terms
DTF
Direct-to-film transfer printing process used to produce full-color heat-applied graphics for apparel decoration.
Raised UV
A UV printing technique that builds dimensional height by layering and curing multiple ink passes on top of each other.
Substrate
Any material onto which a transfer or print is applied. Includes apparel, hard goods, leather, and rigid surfaces.
Hard-Good Substrate
Any rigid non-textile material a transfer can be applied to, including glass, metal, ceramic, acrylic, and wood.