Known and preferred by textile artists everywhere, direct-to-film (DTF) printing helps put vibrant, detailed, and durable designs onto shirts, hats, tote bags, and so much more. However, with the design’s occasionally stiff and heavy quality, it’s not uncommon for designers and consumers alike to have a bone to pick with the end results. If you’re ready to improve the tactile quality of your prints, let’s dive into some tips that will make your DTF prints feel softer and more comfortable to wear.
Use Premium Quality Inks and Powder
Choosing high-quality inks and powder is essential for achieving that soft touch in your DTF prints. Premium inks not only deliver vibrant colors, but they also contribute to a more flexible finish.
When paired with top-notch adhesive powder, you can create prints that adhere better to the fabric without adding unnecessary stiffness. A good rule here is to do everything you can to make sure that the ink really bonds and blends with the fabric’s fibers.
Make Sure the Powder Is Finely Ground
While you’re picking out quality inks and powders, make sure the powder brand you choose is finely milled. A fine powder ensures an even application and a smoother finish on your prints.
On the other hand, coarse powders can lead to a thicker, heavier texture, which defeats the purpose of achieving that light, breathable feel. This may take some trial and error, but once you find the perfect formula, it’s among the must-have supplies for quality printing.
Don’t Use as Much Back-Layer Ink
While selecting a quality white ink will make your prints softer and lighter, you want to try and use as little back-layer ink as possible. The less you use, the thinner the end result will be, so you’ll want to play around with your process and find that sweet spot.
On the topic of using less ink, you may also want to find ways to use less color in your designs. Don’t be afraid to use a color knockout to lessen how much ink you need for the design and let the color of the fabric do some of the work. For example, if your linework is black, letting the fabric of a black T-shirt act as the linework gives the design room to breathe.
Press Your Design Twice
One of the easy ways to make your direct-to-film prints feel softer is to press it twice to really bond the ink to the fabric. This can be controversial as most manufacturers claim you only need to do it once, but that second press can work wonders for creating a garment with a lighter feel.
With heavy pressure and a second pass, you’re not just creating a stronger bond but also a more comfortable end product. With a few tweaks, you can transform your designs into wearable art that feels as good as it looks.
