The DTF Column
correct, that portion of the image will print in the designated spot colour. This method can be time consuming and restricted to certain file types. Despite the complexity, the results are often stunning, as seen in the comparison images. The image on the left has a much higher level of vibrancy, often desired in this type of image.
on different media. Switching between DTF films and inks can disrupt colour accuracy. For consistent colour quality, use a reputable brand that is readily available. These may not be the most economical, and slight batch to batch changes may occur, but the seller should provide support for any issues. In some cases, offering an updated ICC profile for a specific batch or new product.
Colour support tips
Theses pictures show an image printed in nine colours with a comparison in five colours
Enhancement
Alternatively, creating an ICC profile that automatically blends RGBO spot colours with CMYK enhances any imported artwork. This process uses all eight colours to produce vibrant, accurate prints without the need to alter the artwork. Both allocated spot colours and blended spot colours can be used in the same image if necessary for specific parts, like a corporate logo that needs to be printed in a designated Pantone spot colour.
Mixing specific spot digital colours differs from litho printing, as only eight base colours are used for the digital spot colour instead of the 18 available for litho printing. Professional tools from the Pantone Connect range offer CIE LAB values, this is crucial for ensuring colour accuracy and consistency across devices and media. The LAB colour space describes all the colours visible to the human eye.
In digital printing, graphic design, photography, and related fields, LAB values ensure precise colour matching. Scanning a specific colour in a Pantone book provides LAB values that can be input into artwork or directly into the RIP. Although challenging, modern graphic designers must master this skill for accurate colour matching. Smaller devices, like the NIX Spectro range, allow scanning from a pantone book to LAB value at lower costs than professional robotic spectrometers. It is crucial to make sure you are scanning from the correct Pantone colour book, as there are many for different print processes.
The LAB colour space explained: • L (lightness): Ranges from 0 (black) to 100 (white) and determines brightness.
• A: Represents the colour’s position between red/ magenta (positive values) and green (negative values).
• B: Represents the colour’s position between yellow (positive values) and blue (negative values).
Quick and straightforward
A spot colour blended ICC profile in your RIP provides a quick and straightforward way to achieve improved colour accuracy. However, an ICC profile is media specific. A complex ICC profile created for a particular DTF media may not be accurate
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
Do you actually need an eight-colour DTF system? In time we will see these high-end printers becoming the norm as our expectations push the DTF process further and further. Clients will start requesting better colour matching which will only be achievable with an eight-colour system. How does an eight-colour DTF printer differ in looks? From the front, there are not really any distinguishing differences between a standard CMYK and a CMYKRGBO system. On this R-Jet PRO V4 HG the digital ink management system looks a little more complex, but in general most brands of eight-colour DTF printers will look the same from the front. However, the printers are physically different with more ink channels in the colour print heads but still only require the same number of white channels and ink. From the back, you can see they have additional ink bottles to hold the extra colours.
The image being printed
Ensure you purchase DTF consumables from a supplier that offers technical advice and support. It is essential to choose a supplier with the correct resources allowing them to support your business correctly.
Buying DTF film and inks from a company that does not sell or support DTF printers and the RIP software can leave you high and dry when you need help. Buying cheaper alternatives can lead to expensive mistakes and a lot of unnecessary stress for the sake of a few pence per metre saving!
Supporting colour accuracy requires extensive experience and the right equipment. I have 45 years in the printing industry, and I am still continuously learning!
I feel sharing knowledge about colour management and optimising DTF prints is beneficial to all. Therefore, I would encourage anyone to reach out to me for help with colour or just DTF in general, I am happy to help, share and advise wherever possible.
July 2025 | 49 |
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
