Frequently asked questions
General
Where do you ship to?
We ask that customers organise a courier of their choice for collections and delivery. We are based in Sinoville, Pretoria.
Do you offer design assistance?
Yes we can assist you with designs as there can be cases where the type of product and material that is being branded requires certain aspects of the design to meet certain criteria to get the best outcome.
Do you offer bulk pricing for large orders?
Yes we offer bulk pricing, please contact us to discuss the requirements and volume to get a great price for bulk orders.
UV DTF printing
Overview
What is UV DTF printing?
UV DTF is a printing method where a design is printed with UV-curable inks onto a special adhesive-coated film (A-film) and instantly cured with UV light. A secondary film (B-film) is then laminated on top, creating a durable decal that can be applied to a variety of hard surfaces without heat.
How does UV DTF differ from traditional DTF printing?
UV DTF is designed for hard, non-porous surfaces (glass, metal, plastic, wood, ceramic) and uses UV light for instant curing. It does not require a heat press for application.
Traditional DTF is primarily for textiles and fabrics and uses water-based inks and an adhesive powder that must be cured with heat and pressure from a heat press.
What materials can I print on?
UV DTF transfers work on a wide range of smooth, non-porous rigid materials, including glass, ceramics, metals, plastics, leather, and wood.
Do I need a heat press for application?
No, a major advantage of UV DTF is that no heat press is required. The transfer is applied using firm pressure with a squeegee, and the top film is then peeled away, leaving the design behind.
Is UV DTF like a sticker?
Yes, the final product functions much like a high-quality, durable sticker or decal where only the design itself (not a clear background) adheres to the surface.
UV DTF Durability & Care
How long do UV DTF prints last?
With proper application and care, prints are highly durable and can last for 3 to 5 years or more, both indoors and outdoors.
Are they waterproof and UV-resistant?
Yes, the cured ink is resistant to water, fading, scratches, and UV exposure.
Are they dishwasher safe?
While the prints are durable, hand-washing is generally recommended to maximise longevity. The high heat and harsh detergents in dishwashers can potentially degrade the adhesive over time.
UV DTF Artwork & Design
What file formats and resolution are best?
High-resolution files (at least 300 DPI) are recommended for optimal print quality. Acceptable file types typically include PDF, PNG or SVG.
Can I print metallic or glitter colours?
Standard UV DTF printing typically uses CMYK and white inks and cannot print true metallic or glitter effects, which will instead appear as a flat grey or colour.
Troubleshooting
Why is my print not sticking to the surface?
Ensure the target surface is clean and dry; any dust, oil, or residue can hinder adhesion. Use a squeegee to apply firm, even pressure across the entire design before peeling the top film.
Steps To apply UV DTF transfers
- Clean the non-porous surface with alcohol and dry it completely.
- Peel the backing paper off the decal to expose the adhesive.
- Position the decal precisely on the surface
- Squeegee firmly and evenly across the entire design to bond the adhesive
- Peel the top clear transfer film off slowly at a low angle
- Cure for 24–72 hours before washing or heavy use
DTF Printing
Overview
What is DTF printing?
DTF printing involves printing a design onto a special PET film using water-based inks, applying an adhesive powder to the wet ink, curing it with heat, and then heat-transferring the design onto a garment.
What materials can DTF be used on?
One of DTF's key advantages is its versatility; it works well on a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, leather, and canvas, on both light and dark fabrics.
Is DTF better than screen printing or vinyl?
DTF is generally more cost-effective and efficient for small, multicolour, or detailed runs, as it requires no screens or weeding.
DTF Durability & Care
How long do DTF prints last?
With proper application and care, DTF prints are very durable and can withstand 50 or more wash cycles without significant cracking, peeling, or fading.
How do I wash DTF printed garments?
To ensure longevity, wash the garment inside out in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle, using a mild detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and high heat in the dryer. Air drying is best, or tumble dry on low heat.
What does a DTF print feel like?
DTF prints have a soft, flexible, and slightly rubbery feel, known as a "soft hand". The feel is often described as a soft vinyl, more elastic than traditional methods.
DTF Artwork & Design
What file format is best for printing?
Vector files like .pdf and .svg are excellent for crisp images. High-resolution files minimum 300 dpi with a transparent background.
Can I print white designs or on dark fabrics?
Yes, DTF printing uses a crucial white ink underbase, which makes colours vibrant and ensures that designs pop on both light and dark materials.
Steps to apply DTF transfer using a heat press:
- Preheat the heat press to the recommended temperature (150°C–160°C).
- Pre-press the garment for 5-10 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
- Position the DTF transfer on the fabric with the printed side face-down (so you are looking at the clear film backing).
- Press the design for 10-15 seconds using medium pressure, with a Teflon sheet on top for protection.
- Peel the film once it has cooled down (cold peel)
- Re-press the design for another 5-10 seconds with a Teflon sheet on top for protection. This enhance durability and finish.