Learning About Direct-to-film Transfers in Clothing Design  

As someone involved in clothing design and the fashion industry, you’ve likely heard the term “direct-to-film,” also referred to as DTF printing. The name is indicative of what it is. An image gets printed onto a transfer film, which then gets transferred onto the garment.

About Direct-to-film Transfers in Clothing Design:

Benefits can range from great color results to its durability to its ability to get used on various clothing (and other) materials. Keep reading to learn more about the DTF printing process and how to incorporate it into your clothing business potentially. 

• Watch online videos

There are many online videos available that can help you learn more about the direct-to-film process. Some options include how it compares to other printing methods, how the step-by-step process works, how long it takes from start to finish, what to know if you want to buy your own printer, and the costs. 

Watching DTF videos can give you a good insight into different areas of the process, even some you might have yet to think to look into. Likewise, watching DTF videos can give you a good insight into other areas of the process, even some you might have yet to think to look into. Hence, you know more about what goes into the technique, how to order the clothes, and what the printer company will do to the clothing that will end up with your customers.  

• Take online classes

Taking an online direct-to-film clothing design class can help you learn more beyond watching videos on your own. Some may be specifically for beginners so that you can learn from an early stage.  

There are many online classes about clothing printing, especially regarding t-shirts, so you may have to sift through and find one specifically for direct-to-film printing. Unfortunately, there is the possibility of lumping information with generalized clothing classes about different printing techniques.  

However, even if you are still looking for exactly what you need, investing in classes about the different printing methods can still be beneficial. First, it allows you to learn more about each option. Hence, as you continue to develop design ideas for the clothing to sell through your store, like the Bella + Canvas quarter-zip pullover wholesale, you can automatically know which one you feel would be best for that particular design idea and garment.

• Take an in-person direct-to-film class

Finding a direct-to-film printing in-person class might be challenging, depending on where you live. However, if you’re able to take one, it can be highly beneficial. Even if you’re planning on hiring a company to do the printing process for you, this gives you an up-close-and-personal look at what they’ll be doing to the clothing you’ll be ordering. 

What’s even better with an in-person class is that you’ll likely be taking the hands-on approach, so they’ll be able to take you step-by-step through the direct-to-film printing process. For example, you can see attire needs for safety, how to apply the powder, and more. Then, at the end of the class, you’ll be able to touch the actual design after it’s finished and pull it and stretch it to see how everything looks and feels.

• Take notes about the process

Regardless of how you’ll learn more about the direct-to-film transfer printing process, take meaningful notes as you go along, such as how no pretreatment is needed. Getting different insights and tips from instructors and those who have done the process countless times before can help you build up your little library of information about it instead of learning all your information outright from one person and one place. 

Keep a separate notebook where you jot down all your information so you always have it on hand. As you go along, you can also write down any questions you have that still need answers, so you can either do the research yourself or ask someone who’s an expert with DTF to answer it for you.

• Schedule a meeting with an expert

If there’s a printing company you’re considering using, ask one of the higher-ups if they’d be willing to take the time to answer your questions and provide you with more insight into the DTF process. Also, see if they’d be ready to have an in-person chat, video call, or phone call with you.

Be honest and explain that you’re a clothing business owner considering hiring them to do the DTF clothing for you but that you’d like to know more about the pros and cons of the process and what’s involved in it before you make any decision about placing an order. As a result, it gives you more information about DTF printing but also helps you learn more about a company you may be ordering from and how they operate.

• Keep notes of your direct-to-film learning

If at any point you pay to obtain knowledge about the direct-to-film printing process, keep a notation of the payment and when and where you made it. If you own the notebook mentioned above with information, that would be a great place to store it. 

Depending on your circumstances, you can consider some education deductions payments during tax season. Your accountant will be able to provide more information on this and if it’s an option for you, but it’s a good idea to ask ahead of time so you know what exactly you need to track as you obtain your education.

Learning more about direct-to-film transfers for clothing design isn’t just a great idea to expand your knowledge and potentially incorporate new methods into your business. It can also help your customers. Should they ask you questions about the DTF process, the development of the designs, and how to care for and wash the clothes, you’ll easily be able to explain it if the need arises.