The DTF Column
Some DTF film costs more; this is why it matters
Colin Marsh, MD of Resolute, explains the pros and cons associated with different types of DTF consumables and how British manufacturing is set to stabilise costs and improve the DTF process.
I
n direct to film printing, PET film may look like a simple carrier sheet, but it is one of the most important consumables in the whole process. With a minefield of options available, it can be difficult to navigate what is best for your business. The coating on the film controls how the ink lands, how the white sits on the back of the colour, how the adhesive powder bonds to the white, and how cleanly the transfer releases after pressing. That is why some DTF films are better than others and why the lowest cost roll is rarely the best value long term.
Key things to look for
Cheaper films are often produced with lower-grade coatings in poor environments, giving less consistent coating weights. They may print acceptably on basic designs, but under production conditions they can show their weaknesses. Static and moisture ingress can also affect the end results, most of which are only seen once it is too late and the garment is finished. The savings on a roll of DTF film can quickly disappear through waste, reprints, downtime, and customer complaints. But there are much worse hidden traits lurking when you dig deeper into the manufacturing process. Higher quality DTF films use more refined coating chemistry and tighter manufacturing control. Coating speeds between the multiple layers can affect the tack continuity between the colours, in a similar way that tack affects colour in litho printing. Tired of seeing purple-looking dark blues and grainy, wavy cyan and greys? This is generally caused by
Coating DTF film slitter
the incompatibility of the film coatings and the ink. Better coatings are designed to hold the ink precisely where it is printed, maintain strong opacity from the white layer, and release cleanly after heat pressing. In many cases, premium films also use cleaner, higher-grade components, reducing unnecessary chemical load while improving print stability and colour accuracy. Batch-to-batch consistency is also the sign of a good quality modern film coating. The latest hybrid film coatings offer the best of both worlds, great consistent quality coupled with continuity.
Bring it back to our shores
Believe it or not, British manufacturing is fighting back and making a difference, especially in the DTF area. The main reason is quality. Throughout the reign of DTG that started back in the late 90’s, manufacturing mainly remained outside the UK, ink, pre-treatment, garments, etc were mostly all imported without question. Recently, anyone involved in importing goods will know the pain the shipping industry is going through since January 2026, and it’s getting worse. Buying components and manufacturing locally can make a huge difference, helping to boost the UK economy while offering a stable, reliable supply of quality DTF consumables. Freshness is another area that is often overlooked. DTF ink and DTF film are both chemistry-led products, and both can degrade over time. Inks can thicken, settle, separate, or lose stability, especially white ink. Film coatings can absorb moisture, lose surface performance, curl, or become less predictable if subjected to extended shipping times coupled with harsh temperatures. Check manufacturing dates when your goods arrive; spending half of its shelf life in transit can cause havoc with performance and quality. Consideration for safety for the workforce also plays its part. Eliminating the use of harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, which can be found in use with some imported low-grade DTF film coatings, is just as important as maintaining a stable price. Watch out for “too good to be true” prices, because they generally are.
The key to a perfect print
Keeping every element in sync is essential. Compatibility between all four parts of the DTF “sandwich” is key to the final result: the film coating, CMYKRGBO colour layer, white layer, and adhesive must all work together. When they do, the result is instant hot-peel performance, stunning prints, a soft hand feel, and excellent durability. As more established British companies invest in manufacturing, the UK textile decoration industry is moving forward with confidence, helping to stabilise the rapidly growing DTF market.
| 50 | September 2026
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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