Impressions - May/June 2024 - 40

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dtf decoration
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The DTF
Advantage
Step into the future of apparel and promo product decoration with DTF
BY NICOLE ROLLENDER, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Direct-to-film (DTF) transfers have emerged as a game-changer
in the printing industry, providing decorators a new and efficient
way to decorate apparel and hard goods.
" Adding DTF transfers enables decorators to never say 'no' to
a job, regardless of the quantity the customer needs, " says " Ninja
Mike, " founder and CEO, Ninja Transfers (ninjatransfers.com).
" DTF turns standard screen printers and embroiderers into onestop
shops for apparel and promotional products. Always saying 'yes'
to a customer opens new business doors and also helps maintain
good relationships with long-time customers. "
For decorators interested in DTF, starting by outsourcing transfer
production to a reputable vendor, like Ninja Transfers, is a common
first step. As you become more established, investing in a DTF printer
to bring production in-house can be your next move.
" The versatility around the eligible designs and products that work
well for DTF simplify your sales process and open up the product
assortment for print on demand, " says Josh Ellsworth, Chief Revenue
Officer, STAHLS' (stahls.com), another company specializing in
all aspects of the heat-transfer business, including custom transfers
and the presses used to apply them.
Advantages of DTF
Many factors set DTF apart from other printing processes:
Fabric compatibility: Stretchable DTF transfers can adhere
to nearly any fabric type and color, including cotton, polyester,
blends, synthetics, leather and silk. This versatility extends to both
light and dark garments. " Other print-on-demand digital printing
methods struggle with varying fabric types
and colors, " Ellsworth says.
No minimums: DTF's screenless technology
allows for profitable production of
quantities as low as one piece. " This means
true quantities of one can be profitable, "
Ellsworth says.
Unlimited color palette: DTF offers
vibrant, full-color, photorealistic designs with
a limitless color palette of CMYK hues. This
capability enables color gradients, blends,
patterns, defined edges, fine lines, details and
free-floating text. " Unlike other printing
methods, good DTF won't have an outline
or a halo around the design, " Ellsworth says.
Ease of use: DTF transfers don't require
Adding DTF transfers to their lineup allows decorators
to become one-stop shops for all types of customers and
their needs. Photo courtesy of Ninja Transfers
P.40
ImpressionsMagazine.com May/June 2024
pretreating the garment. They're relatively
easy to apply and don't require making
screens, separating artwork, or weeding, saving
time and effort. " As soon as your transfers
and blanks arrive, you can get started on the
job, " Mike says.
Screen-print quality with a heat press:
DTF offers vibrant, soft and durable designs
that withstand at least 60 washes. " You can
apply DTF to any fabric and expect the same
vibrancy and durability across the board, "
http://www.ImpressionsMagazine.com/digitaldecorating http://www.stahls.com http://www.ninjatransfers.com http://www.ImpressionsMagazine.com
Impressions - May/June 2024

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