First time printing direct to film (DTF) with a DTG printer...UNREAL results!
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In this special edition of Print Pros, Sheneil explains how the process of a DTF (direct-to-film) printing method is just as easy as the heat transfer method. To prove how simple the process is, she uses Ricoma’s RICOH Ri 1000 DTG (direct-to-garment) printer and a heat press to demonstrate the outstanding results. For more information on the RICOH Ri 1000 or RICOH Ri 2000, click here to contact us: https://ift.tt/g0hNKWO To compare the Ricoh Ri 1000 and Ricoh Ri 2000 DTG printers, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycC5ZMXwWVk If you want to see custom apparel and personalized garments, check out our Facebook group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery: https://ift.tt/HnxmcGW... Follow us on Instagram to view more great videos and tutorials featuring custom apparel masterpieces that you can make from home: https://ift.tt/WQKgYtu Join the Ricoma newsletter for educational blogs, videos and live webinars: https://ift.tt/2FdG6Z9 Get our latest Ricoma embroidery YouTube videos sent straight to your Facebook Messenger: https://ift.tt/JA3BDgr Here’s the scoop: DTF involves transferring an image with the help of a heat press, so you're free to use any garment material, type or color – not just 100% cotton. The major difference between DTF and DTG is, direct-to-garment printing sprays designs directly on the garment. Plus, when printing on black garments, the DTG printer sprays a white layer of ink before spraying the colored-ink to achieve a vibrant, color-popping finish. However, DTF printing uses a combination of ink, film paper, and powder. For DTF printing on a DTG printer, you can create designs as large as the DTG platen, which is 16x20 inches. Speaking of designs, Ricoma’s DTG printer comes with a software that allows you to create all DTF designs, so no need to purchase additional software. For smaller designs used on other printers, you would have to print two separate designs to later align them on your garment to achieve large prints. When using DTF printing method, your designs will print directly onto a “transfer sheet” instead of printing directly on the garment like DTG. To ensure the sheet is not misplaced during the printing process, taping down the sides of the sheet will help keep it stable. (The matte side should face up; the shiny side should face down – however, read the instructions of your transfer sheet because brands differ.) To begin the printing process, press ‘SET’ on your DTG panel. If an obstacle is detected, an orange button will appear and you will need to adjust the height of the panel to the left. Once resolved, the orange button becomes a gray button. Hit ‘RETURN’ to continue and press ‘SET’ once more – this is where your printing begins. After the design has printed, remove it and place it on a flat area suitable to use DTF powder, which is the next step in the process. Once placed on a flat surface, cover the whole design with DTF powder – ensure every area of the design is covered with this powder. An easy way to do this is lifting the sheet and shaking it a bit to spread the powder all over. After covering your design with direct-to-film powder, remove the excess powder from the sheet. To target the powder around the design, a brush or pair of scissors will suit best. If choosing scissors, cut delicately around the design. After, place the cut version of the sheet onto your heat transfer platen. Hover it under the heat press for 300 seconds with a temperature of 375-degree Fahrenheit - (this varies as well, so ensure you read your sheet brand’s instructions carefully.) To ensure successful results, your adhesive DTF printing powder should have melted and resulted in a shiny coat. Next, gently remove the design to a flat surface. Then, place your garment onto the heat press platen. Now press your garment using the heat press machine for about 5-10 seconds at a 375-degree temperature until all wrinkles are gone (placing a Teflon sheet over the garment before pressing it helps keep the garment safe). After, place your design onto your garment facing down. Next, place a Teflon sheet on top of the garment with the design. Finally, press your garment for about 20 seconds at a 375-degree temperature. Once your design is finished, allow it to cool down for 120 seconds at room temperature. The final step is to peel the sheet off.
First time printing direct to film (DTF) with a DTG printer...UNREAL results!
