Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is one of the most efficient and versatile textile printing solutions available today. However, many common mistakes can degrade transfer quality, increase production costs, or damage your equipment. In this Must Technology guide, discover the errors to avoid and the best practices to adopt for perfect and long-lasting DTF prints.
1. Using poor quality inks or consumables
The quality of TPU inks, films, and powders directly influences the durability of the transfer, the opacity of the white, and the sharpness of the final result. Low-quality consumables often lead to:
- a white that cracks after washing
- faded colors ,
- uneven melting of the TPU powder,
- head obstructions .
For professional quality, Must Technologie recommends using:
- DTF XPD2 STS inks for 924D printer
- Universal DTF STS 1L Inks
- Premium DTF films
- High-quality TPU powders
2. Working without a shaker or with poorly applied powder
Manual TPU powder coating is uneven and significantly increases the risks:
- excess powder → thick and rigid transfer;
- Insufficient powder → poor adhesion;
- of unstable drying ;
- of a fragile transfer .
For perfectly consistent quality, a pro DTF line always requires a shaker .
👉 The printer + shaker duo is essential for a reliable production flow.
3. Overloading or underloading white space
The white layer is the most delicate in DTF. Two common mistakes are:
- Too much white → thick transfer, lack of flexibility, cracking.
- Not enough white → dull colors, poor opacity.
A high-performance printer ensures a consistent white layer, in particular:
4. Ignore the temperature and pressing time
DTF requires precise control of parameters:
- 150°C for most films,
- Pressing for about ten seconds ,
- average pressure.
Poor press skills lead to:
- partial transfer,
- Corners that are peeling off,
- TPU fusion defect.
5. Failure to maintain the printer regularly
A DTF printer requires daily maintenance to prevent printhead clogging. The most common errors are:
- do not purge the egg whites regularly,
- leave the printer inactive for several days.
- using poor-quality inks,
- Do not clean the capping station.
Proper maintenance increases the lifespan of the printer and stabilizes print quality.
Conclusion: How to avoid errors in DTF?
To achieve professional and durable DTF transfers, the key is to use a high-performance printer , a suitable shaker , and quality consumables . By following best practices, your production will be more stable, faster, and more profitable.
Must Technologie assists you in choosing your complete DTF line and in optimizing your production.