DTF film: types, microns and which one we use

Thickness: why we print on 100 µm

The market's standard thickness runs from 75 to 125 microns. Thin films (75 µm) are cheaper and more flexible, but curl more in the oven and handle worse on large gang sheets; thick ones take everything but cost more and transmit heat less well.

We work with 100 µm matte film: the balance between dimensional stability (critical on a 60 cm roll and gang sheets up to 5 m), comfortable handling for the customer and clean transfer. It's the same figure you'll see in our product specs — no coincidence.

Matte or gloss, cold or hot

The film finish influences the transfer finish: matte film leaves a more understated result and hides press marks and sheen; gloss makes colours look more vivid but shows every pressing flaw. For textiles, matte is the professional standard.

The peel (removing the film after pressing) can be hot — immediate, faster in production — or cold — waiting a few seconds, more forgiving for inexpert hands. Our film is dual: it accepts both, though for beginners we recommend the cold peel, which forgives more.

• Matte 100 µm dual: what you get from DTF.pro.
• Cold peel: wait 5-10 s after opening the press — safer.
• Hot peel: immediate removal — for experienced production.

Special films: when they make sense

There are effect films — glitter, metallic, glow-in-the-dark, holographic — that bring finishes impossible with ink. They work, but they change the rules: they usually demand specific temperatures, their wash durability is lower than standard DTF and the cost per metre rises.

Our honest recommendation: save them for accents and special editions, not the everyday logo. If your project needs them, write to us and we'll tell you what's feasible and with what realistic durability.

How to store printed DTF

A printed transfer is stable for months if stored well: flat or on its roll, away from heat (no cars in the sun or radiators) and from damp, ideally in its packaging. The polyamide is hot-melt: premature heat is its only real enemy.

We ship gang sheets rolled and protected for exactly this reason. If you order extra for restocks, keep the roll in a cool drawer and you'll have transfers ready to press for 6-12 months with no appreciable loss.