What is DTF Hot Melt Powder and How to Use It for High-Quality Printing | Sumo Transfers Printing Guide
What is DTF Hot Melt Powder and How is it Applied in Printing?
DTF hot melt powder is indispensable in DTF printing, as it forms the adhesive that binds the printed design to the fabric or material. Knowing what this powder really is and how to apply it properly will significantly enhance the quality and durability of your prints. Let's explore what DTF hot melt powder is and how to apply it effectively for DTF printing.
What is DTF Hot Melt Powder?
DTF powder, also known as DTF adhesive powder, refers to a fine, granular material laid down between the designed fabric and the print in the process of printing to ensure that the two are properly bonded. In a cross-bonding system with DTF film, the design is typically first printed and then transferred onto the fabric. When heated, the powder melts and it bonds the design to the fabric in a manner that eventually helps to produce very durable and vivid results.
There are lots of DTF powder varieties available in the market that are more favorable to other types, depending on the fabric and printing conditions. Proper selection of the best DTF powder will uplift your print quality; better adhesion of the print with a soft touch on the fabric.
How to Apply DTF Hot Melt Powder in Printing?
Application of DTF hot melt powder is one of the very important steps in the procedure used for DTF printing. Right after printing your design to the DTF film with the correct ink, on the printed side of the film, you would apply DTF transfer powder directly. The powder sticks on the wet ink and thereby brings the appearance of a layer of adhesive.
After applying, shake off the excess powder so that only what is really needed to be attached to the design is there. It assures the even layer of DTF adhesive powder, and it doesn't texture or cause any other problems during the transfer.
The Heat Transfer Process
After that, you will need to cure the DTF powder. This step involves putting the film with your design coated in powder under a heat press or in a curing unit. The heat melts the hot melt adhesive powder that becomes a solid layer, binding the ink onto the fabric when it is pressed. This step is very important so that, after washing, the design does not peel off.
In the final stage of heat transfer, the film is laid onto the fabric, followed by applying heat and pressure using a heat press, whereby the melted powder binds the design into the fabric, fixing it permanently and allowing it to survive as many washes as possible.
DTF Powder and Paper: A Strong Duo
In some cases, DTF paper and powder work together, particularly in such cases where traditional DTF film may not be appropriate. The paper will help transfer complicated designs with ease in such scenarios. The process is also the same, apply the powder, dry it, then press it onto the fabric using heat. This mixture can allow more flexibility with design types that one could create and transfer.
Making the Most of DTF Powder
The uses of hot melt powder in DTF printing only ensure that the quality of the end product is good. It is based on the correct application and curing process, whether it be for a standard DTF powder or any specialized hot melt adhesive powder for heat transfer.
Experiment with different powders and methods to find the best option for your specific print job. Tired of poor DTF prints? Put these tips into action, pick the right powder, and see how it changes your next projects. Let Sumo Transfers DTF Company help you get the best results!
