UNDERSTANDING DTF CONSUMABLES

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing has rapidly gained popularity in the garment-decoration industry due to its versatility, on-demand output and ability to print on a wide range of fabrics. However, the quality of the final product is heavily influenced by the consumables used – particularly the film and ink. These two components are the foundation of the DTF process. Their quality directly affects print durability, colour vibrancy and overall print quality.

DTF film acts as the carrier for the printed design before it is transferred to the fabric. It typically has a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) base with customised layers of special coatings. These coatings allow ink to land, pin properly and release cleanly during heat transfer.

Low-quality film can cause several issues. Poor ink pinning can lead to pooling, dot gain and blurred images. Another problem is inconsistent release, which may leave excess residue or cause parts of the design to remain stuck to the film. Additionally, low ink limits result in dull, inconsistent prints with a limited ability to colour match.

With high-quality DTF film sharp detail reproduction – especially in fine lines and halftone gradients – is ensured. Furthermore, consistent ink limits help maintain colour accuracy and ensure bright whites and a full-colour spectrum. In addition, clean release minimises defects and improves production efficiency and speed.

Films also vary in thickness, coating uniformity, number of layers and anti-static properties. M&R has recently created a new film, Quatro Film – H, which was custom-formulated with higher consistency and custom-receptive layers. This allows customers to deposit more ink when they want, where they want. Premium films are engineered to work seamlessly with modern DTF printers and hot-melt adhesives – reducing waste and reprints.

More importantly, premium films are engineered to work best with premium inks. Ink and film can be designed to work harmoniously, so that each enhances the performance of the other.

DTF textile inks are made from water-based pigment, designed to pin on the receptive layer of the film, bond with the adhesive powder and transfer to fabric during heat pressing. The ink’s formulation affects not only visual appeal, but also the durability and consistency of the print.

For example, M&R Quatro White V2 ink is a brand-new formulation focused on expanding the operational window and overcoming environmental limitations. This new formulation allows users to lay down more white ink while combating low humidity and high-temperature workspaces. This results in brighter whites and more consistent base layers for large areas of coloured ink. Pooling and inconsistent colour fields are reduced, while durability and extending run times are maintained.

Inferior inks may fade quickly after a few washes and lack colour-matching capability. They may also crack, peel, pool or pinhole – especially on stretchy fabrics. Low-quality inks can clog printheads due to settling, satelliting or drying on the printhead, leading to downtime and increased maintenance costs.

“With high-quality DTF film, sharp detail reproduction is ensured”

High-quality DTF inks offer rich, vibrant colours with accurate, consistent colour matching. They also provide excellent wash fastness, maintaining print integrity over time. On top of this, smooth flow and stability reduces printer issues and improves print consistency. Lastly, better open time can be achieved with a wider operational range for heat and humidity.

Ink compatibility with the printer and film is also crucial. Using mismatched or generic inks can result in poor curing, uneven textures, lower ink limits, faded white areas and reduced adhesion to fabric.

“Ink and film can be designed to work harmoniously”

Critical factors in DTF film and ink compatibility include:

Contact angle/surface tension which is the angle at which a liquid (ink) meets a solid surface (film). This determines how well the ink spreads across the film or stays in place. Finding the right contact angle is key. Drops need to sit precisely and stand taller to achieve better opacity and more vibrant whites.

Co-efficient friction is the surface treatment that allows the film to track efficiently and consistently. It is determined by the film’s resistance to motion on print surfaces.

Coating uniformity is essential across all layers and in the release layer. This plays a vital role in consistent performance.

High-quality DTF films are engineered with surface coatings that optimise the contact angle for pigment inks. These coatings are essential for consistent colour density and sharpness.

Uniform coating thickness – across the film surface – ensures predictable ink behaviour. Variations in coating can cause differential absorption, leading to banding, colour shifts or inconsistent curing and release. Advanced, proprietary manufacturing techniques help achieve this uniformity in premium films.

Inks also influence this interaction. Formulations with controlled viscosity and surface tension are designed to complement the film’s coating properties. This ensures optimal contact angle and flow behaviour.

In a production environment, consistency and reliability are key. Using high-quality film and ink reduces the risk of defects, improves customer satisfaction, lowers operational costs and reduces labour.

While premium consumables may carry a higher upfront cost, they often yield better results – fewer reprints, higher efficiency and a stronger brand reputation.

For businesses scaling up or offering custom apparel, the ability to deliver vibrant, durable prints is a competitive advantage. Investing in trusted brands and verified suppliers ensures that each print meets professional standards.

Engineering inks and films to work best together, ensures predictable ink limits, an expanded colour gamut and consistent image quality. The result is reliable, high-quality transfers.

“Ink compatibility with the printer and film is crucial”

DTF printing is only as good as the consumables it relies on. Film and ink quality are not areas to cut corners. In doing so, the entire production process can be compromised.

For optimal results, consumables should be chosen that are tested, compatible with equipment, compatible with each other and backed by industry feedback. The highest probability of success comes from choosing a complete DTF ecosystem that has been proven and engineered to work together. The difference in print quality, durability and customer satisfaction will be well worth the investment.