DTF Ink – Reliable Color Solutions for Textile Printing
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing offers enormous versatility for textile finishing – whether in team sports, corporate clothing or creative single-piece production. The right DTF ink plays a central role here: it is decisive for brilliant colors, long-lasting results and reliable adhesion on different textiles.
In Print Equipment's range you'll find a large selection of high-quality DTF inks for different printing systems. The products are tailored to professional requirements and guarantee reliable print results.
What is DTF ink and how does it work?
DTF ink is a water-based pigment ink developed specifically for the Direct-to-Film process. Unlike DTG printing, where printing is done directly onto the textile, DTF printing first produces a mirrored print of the design on a PET film. A special hot-melt adhesive is then applied, which gels under the effect of heat. Only then is the design transferred to the textile using a heat press.
In the DTF process, the ink stays on the surface of the material. In combination with white ink, brilliant results can also be achieved on dark textiles – without pretreating the fabric.
Special features of DTF ink compared with other inks
DTF inks differ significantly in composition, application and print result from other common ink types such as sublimation or DTG – and thereby open up new possibilities in textile finishing.
Technological differences
In contrast to processes such as sublimation or DTG, DTF printing is based on pigmented water-based inks that are transferred to the textile with the help of DTF film and hot-melt adhesive. The ink remains on the surface of the fabric as a closed layer of color. Sublimation inks, on the other hand, evaporate and penetrate the material in gaseous form – a technique that can only be used on polyester-based fabrics.
Versatile applications
DTF inks are particularly versatile and adhere to a wide range of materials:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Blended fabrics
- Even on special surfaces such as cork or PVC (e.g. for slides)
Feel, durability and look
While sublimation printing penetrates the material almost invisibly and is barely noticeable to the touch, DTF creates a slightly rubber-like, elastic surface. This is characterized by high stretchability and strong wash resistance – ideal for sports, leisure and workwear. A further advantage is the integrated white ink: it enables high-contrast, opaque designs even on dark textiles, which is only possible to a limited extent with many other printing techniques.
Buy DTF ink – which variants are available in the shop?
Print Equipment offers a large selection of DTF inks for different production requirements:
- Colors: CMYK plus opaque white ink for brilliant results – even on dark textiles
- Container sizes: Available as 140 ml and 600 ml cartridges, as 250 ml, 800 ml or 1,600 ml soft pouches as well as in 250 ml, 500 ml and 1,000 ml bottles.
- Properties: Fast-drying pigment inks for exact details, stable white inks for even area coverage, optimized for low-maintenance operation
- Compatibility: Suitable for printing systems with Epson print heads such as DX5, DX7, 4720 or I3200-A1
- Certifications: Depending on the ink, certified according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® or GOTS.
All inks are matched to high wash resistance, strong color reproduction and reliable print operation.
Consumables for a smooth DTF print result
DTF ink only unfolds its full potential in combination with the right consumables. In Print Equipment's shop you'll find a wide selection of products that optimally complement the entire workflow:
- DTF films: As sheet material (e.g. A4, A3, 40 × 50 cm) or as roll material (30–60 cm width) – as hot, cold or instant peel for different release times.
- Transfer powder: For even adhesion on the textile – available in various grain sizes, matched to print image, textile type and feel.
- Maintenance and spare parts: Cleaning solutions, filters, dampers, maintenance kits – for smooth and long-lasting print operation.
With matched system components you secure consistently high print quality, reduce downtime and ensure efficient production processes.
Buy DTF ink now at Print Equipment
Print Equipment is a reliable partner for professional DTF printing solutions. In the online shop you'll find high-quality DTF inks of tested quality, matched to different printing systems, requirements and production environments. In addition to well-founded technical advice, you benefit from training offerings as well as optional service and maintenance contracts. Complementing the ink, the shop also offers the matching consumables, software solutions and DTF printing systems – everything from a single source. Whether for beginners or for industrial use: with Print Equipment's DTF products you are ideally set up. All components such as film and DTF ink are carefully matched to one another and meet the highest demands for color brilliance, durability and ease of use.