What is The Best fabric for DTF Printing?

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is a popular method for printing on fabrics. It is a versatile process that can be used on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and leather. However, not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to DTF printing. Some fabrics are better suited for DTF printing than others. In this article, we will discuss the best fabric for DTF printing. We will also discuss the factors that you need to consider when choosing a fabric for DTF printing.

While sublimation printing predominantly caters to polyester fibers rather than cotton, and screen printing offers flexibility across various fabrics like cotton, organza, silk, and polyester, you might wonder: what fabrics are best suited for DTF printing?

Also, while direct-to-garment (DTG) printing excels when used on 100% cotton, direct-to-fabric (DTF) printing offers incredible versatility across a wide range of garment materials. DTF printing can be successfully applied to cotton, nylon, treated leather, polyester, 50/50 blends, as well as both light and dark fabrics. The beauty of DTF printing extends beyond traditional textiles, as the transfers can also be seamlessly applied to diverse surfaces such as luggage, shoes, and even unconventional materials like glass, wood, and metal. With DTF printing, the possibilities for creative expression are truly boundless.

What Fabrics can be used for dtf Printing?

1. Cotton Fabric

Known for its comfort and breathability, cotton fabric is immensely popular for clothing and household items such as decorative linings, bedding, children’s garments, and professional wear.

Cotton is the go-to fabric for Direct to Fabric (DTF) printing, particularly for natural fibers. With cotton fabric, you have a wide range of options, including denim, poplin, loopback, and jersey. We have a diverse selection of print bases available, including GOTS certified organic jerseys, woven poplins, and organic loopbacks.

One of the most common applications for DTF printing on cotton is babywear. The end result is incredibly soft, and we use non-toxic inks for added safety. The digital printing process allows for the replication of intricate designs like watercolor or hand-drawn illustrations. It’s best to opt for repeat patterns in lighter colors rather than large areas of dark, block color. We highly recommend using our stock of organic cotton jersey for babywear.

For casualwear, such as joggers, hoodies, sweatshirts, and T-shirts, DTF printing is a perfect fit. Cotton loopback fabric with weights starting from 280gsm creates a great canvas for print designs like camo, leopard prints, and tie-dye, which can then be cut and sewn into stylish lounge sets. Repeat prints on jersey T-shirts are also a popular choice.

For sleepwear, DTF printing works wonders on both jersey and woven fabrics, making it an excellent choice for traditional pyjamas. Whether it’s baby pyjamas, matching sets, or adult styles, the process is ideal for stretch fabrics and woven materials, especially when incorporating repeat pattern prints.

With DTF printing, you can achieve exceptional results on cotton, providing a wide array of design possibilities. From babywear with its soft and intricate designs to casualwear featuring eye-catching prints, and even sleepwear offering comfort and style, DTF printing on cotton opens up a world of possibilities for creating unique and personalized apparel.

2. Polyester Fiber

When it comes to polyester, DTF printing truly shines, producing vibrant and eye-catching prints. This synthetic fabric finds extensive applications in sportswear, casual wear, swimwear, outerwear (including linings), and more. Additionally, DTF printing eliminates the need for pretreatment, unlike DTG printing, making it a convenient choice.

3. Silk Fabric

Silk, a luxurious and natural protein fiber derived from the cocoons of crawling larvae, possesses remarkable strength and resilience. While various insects produce silk for forming their cases, only the silk obtained from moth caterpillars is used to create silk fabric. The raw silk fibers extracted from the cocoons are spun into silk yarn, which is then woven into the luxurious silk fabric we know.

The distinctive three-sided crystalline structure of silk fibers contributes to its shimmering appearance. This structure allows incoming light to refract at different angles, imparting a visually rich and captivating texture surface.

The DTF printing process is equally effective on natural fibers like cotton or silk, as well as synthetic materials such as polyester or rayon. Thanks to the white ink layer used in DTF printing, the prints exhibit consistent quality on both dark and solid-colored fabrics, as well as on white and pastel materials.

The printed designs are stretchable and resistant to cracking, ensuring durability. The versatility of DTF printing is truly remarkable, as it can be applied to nearly all types of fabrics, making it a standout choice among various printing methods available.

4. Leather

Surprisingly, DTF printing is also well-suited for leather and PU leather materials. This opens up a world of possibilities, as DTF printing on leather yields impressive results with durable and vibrant colors. Leather items like bags, belts, clothes, and shoes can be transformed into unique pieces with the application of DTF printing.

5. Denim

Denim is a type of fabric that is made from cotton yarn. It is typically a sturdy fabric that is known for its durability and comfort. Denim is often used to make jeans, jackets, and other garments.

DTF printing can be used on denim fabric. The process is similar to printing on other fabrics, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the denim fabric should be pre-washed to remove any sizing or other treatments that may interfere with the printing process. Second, the heat press temperature should be set slightly higher for denim than for other fabrics. Finally, the denim fabric should be allowed to cool completely before handling or wearing.

6. Nylon

Nylon is a type of synthetic fabric that is made from polyamide. It is typically a strong and durable fabric that is known for its water-resistance and elasticity. Nylon is often used to make sportswear, rainwear, and other garments.

DTF printing can be used on nylon fabric. The process is similar to printing on other fabrics, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the nylon fabric should be pre-washed to remove any sizing or other treatments that may interfere with the printing process.

Second, the heat press temperature should be set slightly lower for nylon than for other fabrics. High-temperature environments pose a challenge for dyeing or printing nylon fabric, making direct to film printing the preferred method. Acid dyes are commonly employed in this process. However, acid dyes present difficulties due to unstable color outcomes and inadequate color fastness after printing, issues that have persisted for an extended period.

Finally, the nylon fabric should be allowed to cool completely before handling or wearing.

Tips for DTF printing on nylon:

1. Use a high-quality DTF printer.
2. Use a good quality transfer film.
3. Pre-wash the nylon fabric.
4. Set the heat press temperature slightly lower for nylon than for other fabrics.
5. Allow the nylon fabric to cool completely before handling or wearing.
6. With these tips, you can create beautiful and durable DTF prints on nylon fabric.

Benefits of DTF printing on nylon:

1. The prints are water-resistant, so they will not fade or crack when exposed to water.
2. The prints are also wrinkle-resistant, so they will stay looking good even after repeated wear.

DTF printing can be used to print on a variety of colors of nylon, so you can create custom designs that match your personal style.

7. Blended Fabrics (50/50 blends)

If you are looking for a durable and versatile printing method for blended garments, DTF printing is a great option. A blended fabric is a fabric that is made from two or more different types of fibers. For example, a 50/50 blend is a fabric that is made from 50% cotton and 50% polyester.

When it comes to digital textile printing, each material within the fabric necessitates the use of specific inks that are compatible with its composition. This ensures that the ink adheres appropriately to the main materials without staining or compromising other elements. By utilizing a DTF printer, color consistency is preserved, allowing for optimal printing results on blended fabrics. This approach prevents any undesired effects such as lighter colors or white exposure.

DTF printing can be used on blended fabrics, including 50/50 blends. The process is similar to printing on other fabrics, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the blended fabric should be pre-washed to remove any sizing or other treatments that may interfere with the printing process. Second, the heat press temperature should be set slightly lower for blended fabrics than for other fabrics. Finally, the blended fabric should be allowed to cool completely before handling or wearing.

Tips for DTF printing on blended fabrics:

1. Use a high-quality DTF printer.
2. Use a good quality transfer film.
3. Pre-wash the blended fabric.
4. Set the heat press temperature slightly lower for blended fabrics than for other fabrics.
5. Allow the blended fabric to cool completely before handling or wearing.

Benefits of DTF printing on blended fabrics:

1. The prints are colorfast, so they will not fade or bleed when exposed to water or sunlight.
2. The prints are also wrinkle-resistant, so they will stay looking good even after repeated wear.
3. DTF printing is a relatively inexpensive printing method, so it is a cost-effective way to customize blended garments.

Specifically for 50/50 blends, the cotton and polyester fibers are evenly distributed throughout the fabric, which gives it the best of both worlds. The cotton provides softness and breathability, while the polyester provides strength and durability. This makes 50/50 blends a great choice for garments that will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear, such as sportswear and activewear.

DTF printing on blended fabrics can produce high-quality results. The prints are durable and will not crack or fade over time. Additionally, DTF printing can be used to print on a variety of colors of blended fabrics, so you can create custom designs that match your personal style.

Factors to consider when choosing a fabric for DTF printing.

1. Smoothness: The fabric should be smooth so that the ink can adhere properly. Wrinkled or textured fabrics may not produce good results.
2. Absorbency: The fabric should be non-absorbent so that the ink doesn’t soak into the fabric. This will help the print to stay vibrant and sharp.
3. Weight: The fabric should be light-weight so that it is easy to press. Heavy fabrics may require more heat and pressure, which can damage the fabric.
4. Durability: The fabric should be durable so that the print will last. Some fabrics, such as cotton, are more prone to fading than others.
5. Type of design: The type of design you want to print will also affect the type of fabric you choose. For example, if you want to print a detailed design, you will need to choose a fabric with a smooth surface.

Conclusion

DTF printing is particularly advantageous for synthetic materials such as cotton, silk, polyester, or rayon. The prints achieved on these fabrics exhibit vibrant colors and depth, creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Moreover, DTF prints can withstand stretching without cracking, making it a superior choice in terms of fabric selection among various printing technologies.

DTF printing offers a fantastic range of possibilities for fabric choices, enabling you to create stunning prints on polyester, cotton, silk, and even leather. With its versatility and exceptional results, DTF printing stands out as a remarkable printing technology in the world of fabric printing.