😲 Direct to film (DTF) Hack With the Inkjet Printer - Sublimation on Cotton
If you're looking to create high-quality designs on cotton shirts and other fabrics, you need to know about Direct to Film (DTF) printing. DTF printing is a technology that allows for printing on cotton, using an inkjet printer.
In this video, we'll dive deep into DTF transfers, sublimation on cotton, and how to make DTF transfers using an inkjet printer. We'll start by discussing what DTF is and how it differs from traditional sublimation. DTF transfers involve printing an image onto a special film that is then transferred onto the garment using a heat press. Unlike traditional sublimation, DTF transfers allow for printing on cotton and other fabrics that can't withstand the high heat required for sublimation.
We'll also demonstrate how to make DTF transfers using an inkjet printer and DTF powder for sublimation. With this DTF sublimation hack, you'll be able to create high-quality transfers on cotton shirts and other fabric items.
Additionally, we'll compare DTF printing to traditional sublimation and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method. We'll also answer the question: can you use an inkjet printer for DTF printing?
In conclusion, this video is a must-watch for anyone interested in trying out DTF printing or sublimation on cotton. We'll provide you with all the necessary information, materials, and step-by-step instructions to achieve the best results. Don't miss out on this exciting DTF hack with an inkjet printer!
Free Sublimation Designs 👉 designbundles.net/free-design...
🤩 Follow CrystalAnn Here 👉 / @youcantotallymakethat
Design used in this video 😎👇
designbundles.net/the-sublima...
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Supplies Needed 😎👇
Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and purchase.
✅ Cricut explore 3 - amzn.to/3RApm5a
✅ Cricut easypress 3 amzn.to/3rwDYrX
✅ Canon Printer amzn.to/3INBa2H
✅ DTF Film amzn.to/42kOiTE
✅ DTF Powder amzn.to/3nRP2BE
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Can you use dtf film with inkjet printer
00:55 - Supplies needed
04:29 - Designs used
07:42 - Using DTF powder
09:16 - Preparing the Tshirt
10:40 - Pressing the DTF hot melt powder
11:15 - Result
14:34 - Wash test results
16:48 - Roundup
Watch Next 😎👇
How to Sublimate on Dark Cotton T shirts 👕 DTF Direct to Film Sublimation Hack (100%)
• How to Sublimate on Da...
Sublimation on Cotton 🚨 DTF Direct to Film Sublimate on 100% Cotton
• Sublimation on Cotton ...
😱 DTF Transfer on Screen Print Confetti??!! | Christmas Craft Ideas 2022
• 😱 DTF Transfer on Scre...
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#dtf #dtfprinting #dtfprinter #dtftransfers #sublimation #sublimationforbeginners #sublimationhacks #sublimationhacks #sublimationprinting #sawgrass #sublimate #designbundles #sublimationtutorial #hack #sublimationhacks
Design used in this video 😎👇 designbundles.net/the-sublimation-lover-s-bundle?ref=nlK5ap designbundles.net/regulrcrative/1898448-farmhouse-sublimation-bundle-25-farm-life-sublimat?ref=nlK5ap
❤
Where’s the link for the powder?
Where is the paper link
I'm using the same printer listed in the video. My design has white in it but it's not printing white?. Help please!
To get the colors to stay, you have to do a "set" press. After you peel the film, you will take your parchment or whatever you used between the press and the film, and "set" the color. Just press it for an additional 20 seconds. It causes the inks to penatrate deeper into the fibers.
Great tip Josh! We might need to try it ! - Agata
you tried it and it and the colors set?
@@DesignBundles What if you used sublimation ink? How would that change it? @joshdavis729 will be trying your tip
@@eranabramovich not me personally. Everyone I've seen do the "hack" stated that you have to press it after you peel so the colors set. Idk.
@@joshdavis729 yes everyone i watch do the dtf press item twice
Changing your printer settings from 300dpi to the maximum resolution that your printer can produce will help the colors be more vibrant, for example, I have a cannon pixima ts3500 series inkjet printer and when I create my custom guitar decals and stickers, I change the printer settings from 300dpi to 1200dpi, which deposits more ink onto the dtf film I use
omg I LOVE YOU! I've had this stuff sitting around for over a year and for some reason, never used it. It's amazing! My very first attempt and the colors are vivid and totally covered. I wish I could show you a picture of just how perfect it turned out on a cotton fat quarter for a tester.
This was so cool. I was shopping for Reveal Paper and caught your video. I shared this with several friends. Thanks a trillion this was useful. I just started using DTF without the vest results. You've inspired me. Again thanks a trillion
OMG!!! Thank you so much because I really don't want to keep sending my images to an DTF order service for my projects. That would be more I would have to charge. I'm just starting out & I love this hack. I gotta get the powder. So awesome.
Absolutely like to see it in Black! Thank you!
Great hack!! Although I don't know a whole lot about the shirts, only designing them, I have to agree with adjusting you printer settings and allowing the shirt to sit for 24-48 hours. I also thought about the adjustments when printing if you were to first import it into procreate and adjust P3 display and your best printing options between RGB & CMYK and using you adjustments there, not to lose any color in pixels when adjusting prior to printing. Then just make adjustments to your printer itself!! I'm super excited to see how any of these comments have helped below or if my own made the cut!!
I love it I think it would have lasted longer with a second press and also waiting 24 hours to wash as recommended but over all cant wait to try out I been using the sub to dtf hack I have been loving it ❤❤
I want to express my gratitude for this incredibly helpful video! Thank you so much! While I won't be using my regular printer for designing due to potential issues after washing, it's still valuable to understand the process. This video has provided me with that knowledge, and I'm relieved I didn't have to conduct the experiment myself.
I tried your hack and I’m so happy it worked. Thanks for sharing this
I’ve seen several of videos on this and I believe the colors will last if you let the shirt sit for 24 hours before washing or doing anything to it.
I don’t see scientifically how that makes a difference. Just like saying when a white t-shirt is dyed a different color from the factory and it sits for months on end before it reaches consumers washer dryers it will not leak color. It definitely does. There are other ways to secure the ink onto the individual fibers. I don’t see why letting it sit for 24 hrs does anything different.
Well, because everything is chemicals and sometimes it takes a while for chemicals to finish combining and interacting and settle completely. In your example the difference would be how long they let the dye set before rinsing it out. It will make a difference.
woow thanks so much, ive tried with my sub printer and I was getting roller marks from my sub printer..... 100% going to try this. Thank you 🤩
Omg I'm so shook! I've been wanting to do more complicated shirt t-designs. But I didn't want to invest in sublimation. I have to try this!
Yes!!!! Let us know how it goes for you! We have a Facebook group and we would love to see pictures of your completed project: go.designbundles.net/facebook_community Enjoy your weekend! - Dawn
@@DesignBundles Thank you!
I just did and it's amazing!
Several years ago I was a Brand Ambassador for several different inkjet printer companies. Many times, the various brands used different types of ink in the printers for the black vs the rest of the colors. You may find that the difference in the color intensity after washing was due to both Dye and Pigment inks being used in your printer.
Thank you for sharing this information with us! - Dawn
Yup, grandma was always right 👍👍👍😂😂
Exactly!!!
Thanks guys🎉
Great point!
Thank you! I spent all evening yesterday trying to figure this out!
I found your video to be the easiest to follow. Thank you. 🎉
Black ink is probably pigment while colored ink is probably water-based. For this reason, black ink is more durable. It would be good info if someone did the test with all the inks being pigment
Don't forget you selected "automatic" for your printer color setting. Try another print with the setting on high quality glossy photo paper and I think the colors will get printed heavier and will result in less wash out. And as others have mentioned, do a second pressing to further set the ink. I think it will also make a difference if you compare dye based inks vs pigment based inks.
Thank you so much for sharing this tip with us! We'll give it a try on our next tutorial. The second press seems the way to go as well! - Dawn
This will only work on white shirts tho
@Kitchen Briks why only white shirts?
According to one sthal video suggestion one should leave the printed T shirt, after printing the image, for at least 24 hours before washing the product this is to allow the colours to naturally set according to the Stahl presenter. I have not attempted this process yet as gathering as much info as possible before testing out. Hopefully, it is all good information for those of us who are using or planning to use plain old inkjet printers without converting them.
@@Paul-su3qh I'm looking into get into shirt printing. What printer to do you suggest that I use? I'm saving to see if I can get a printer and a heat press and whatever else is needed to get started.
WOW so glad I found this video...I was thinking of getting a sublimation printer however I am just a crafter so this is great for what I want to try.
If you Press with a Teflon Sheet vs Parchment Paper after you peel it will have an effect on the look of the ink. Most people do not like a shiny look. A shiny look will have a vinyl appearance. However that is purely a preference.
One more thing that I think will help next time, I think you are supposed to press the design again by putting either a Teflon sheet or parchment paper on the design AFTER you have pressed the image the first time. After it cools, then you take the film off and press again by itself. I hope I said that right lol. Anyway, I saw someone do this and the ink did not go off after washing. And also, she said she put the powder on TWICE. She let it cure under heat one time and then put powder on again and cured it a second before pressing it onto the shirt.
Thank you for all those tips Aisha! I will send them to Crystal so we can try again! This was so helpful we will definitely try it! - Agata
What video did you watch?
I was going to ask the same thing
When doing dtf they put it into a baking oven after using the powder. Then you press it on. The baking is an important step in dtf
Playing around with solid colors would be great to see how that works along with just black. This is an exciting hack for me, since I am not ready to invest in sublimation. 🙂
It will not work on black unless you put clear Htv or white vinyl down first
@@daliciapenny524 sorry, I was unclear, I would like to see solid ink prints, not shirt colors 🙂
Yes, this is a great option in place of sublimation. We will keep testing for you! - Dawn
Yes,please show us more! I think it was a win!
Best or photo printing setting. Also set after printing. This is awesome! Will be ordering. Thanks for the DIY
Awesome - so on a cotton canvas tote or makeup bag …. Something that you do not necessarily have to launder …. This would work well. Would like to see a solid back design done! ❤
YES! Exactly! We are going to keep testing this and will share the results! - Dawn
One thing that was missing that is done with DTF was to cure the powder which can be done by placing on the heat press. The top platen would be close to the paper & then cured for about 2-3 minutes. I haven't viewed many videos using sublimation ink, but curing the powder is a step along with heat setting the image after the initial press.
Thank you for sharing! We will add this to our next round of tutorials with the DTF as well as we're always looking to test out new things! -Dawn
It didnt look like she cured it and I though she said she said she didnt Please let me know . What do you think ?
She did that she just cut it from the video to save from having a long video but she showed you what to do to cure it and explained it just as you did
What is the powder?
When using the ink jet printer do you use the ink that comes with it or do you have to use the sublimation ink ?
This is amazing!!!! I'm a hobby crafter, for our vacations, I'm going to try this!!!!
omg i loved your video i already have an canon printer that i use for my household printing. i also have a printer that i converted to sublimation and now that i know i can use my canon for dtf ill be buying another one to use for that. thank you so much for these videos.
Always do a second press. If you use a T seal sheat for the second press it will make a big difference in feel.
Please, if you don’t mind, what's a T seal sheet?
@belyndamorris2236 no worries. I didn't know what that was until about 2 months ago. The only thing I know about it is that they are made with a special coating that locks your image to the fabric. It makes the image much softer, in my opinion.
Hello from Michigan! Loved the video. I would like to see this again but waiting the 24-48 hours to see if the colors stay. This would be a great alternative to a sublimation printer for me.
Noted! We will definitely check all the tips we got in the comments from all of you! Looking forward to it! - Agata
Yes! This is so exciting! Thank you 😊
Thank you so much for sharing this experiment.
I saw this a while back. I printed the design and cured the powder and applied. I did a second press and it looked AMAZING. I decided to do a wash test a couple days later and the first wash it came out like new. Dried on low heat inside out and rewashed. Second wash showed fading. Repeated and third was it looked terrible. If you want to wear it once and not wash it I think it's awesome. Great for a kids birthday party,family reunion or a gift they never wear or wash. I also tried it on a dark shirt because I HATE white shirts. The ink looked like a huge blob of nothing and I wasted a shirt. Try it yourself if you want and you can get the same results. Awesome hack but for me I'll stick to using sublimation.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We were thinking the same thing, that it was best for a once wear shirt! - Dawn
Are you using water based inks or pigment? Because pigment shouldn't wash out like water based.
Great effort and interesting as well. I just think the science of sublimation which actually fuses the inks into polyester just doesn’t compare well with the process here, which is fundamentally a thermal bonding process. The dye and/or pigment-based inks in standard inkjet printers are indeed going to fade upon repeated laundering, whereas true dye sublimation doesn’t. For marketing wearables, I’d go ahead and cough up $600 for a wide-format Epson Ecotank and fill it with real dye sub inks. Thanks for sharing your energy and knowledge though.👍👏🏽
what sub ink do you suggest?
That is so awesome! I need to try it out!
I ordered the supplies and will DEFINITELY be trying this
I did see other videos as well about waiting 24-48 hours before washing it too. :)
On the other videos did the ink stay better? Do you know which ink and printer they were using? - Agata
I’ve been using inkjet! I like having options! Can you do a video on using dark colors? Love your content! ❤
Thank you so much Lynda! We are going to test this on dark fabric next! - Dawn
How many washes so far w the inject ink? Is it still as vibrant as sublimation ink? 🥰
You just using regular ink?
I am going to give it a try. I can't afford to get a Sublimation Printer or epson ecotank conversion. I have reviewed other responses below and will take them into account. Thank you for the video
Wow!! Thanks for sharing this info. It was so helpful.
I wonder if you made the colors in Canva a bit more vivid and then tried the suggestion of pressing it for another 20 seconds if it would stay vibrant? Very cool though. I'm ready to try it!
Hi Mia! That's a great suggestion! We're still testing this out so we will try this as well - Dawn
Sadly, the ink is NOT all the same. In many printers, the black ink is pigmented ink but the rest of the colors are actually dye. Dye's have brilliant color but are far from waterproof where pigmented ink is not as bright but far more waterproof. This is why the black held up so well and the other colors didn't. To make this work the way you want it to, you will need to convert the printer to use all pigment based colors. This is fairly easy on the ink tank style printers and can also be done on many others but will require changing the cartridges to refillable types and update its firmware to work with them. Make sure that you are looking for pigment ink and not sublimation ink because they are different. Another advantage to this method is even after the conversion, the printer can still be used as an actual printer when needed and the prints look fine and are far more durable.
Yes but adding an external tank unit (CISS kit) to the printer is not successful in most cases right?
@@kushanthapushpakumara7713 I wouldn't go that far but there are some issues with installing them. You need to make sure that the printer is compatible with a chipless print solution and then properly reflash the printers firmware with the chipless firmware. You can do this with the printer still using its original cartridges and many do that so that they are no longer tied to the manufacturers rip-off pricing for ink. This is also done when converting the printer to sublimation printing so you can use load it with sublimation ink. CISS kits are mainly used for high volume printing but are not necessary for this. You can just buy some refillable cartridges for your printer once it is converted to chipless and fill them with actual ink for the colors instead of the dyes the factory cartridges come with.
@@tombonini7393 thanks for this wonderful reply!! Tbh I couldn't find such detailed information on the internet. Thanks again!
Would love to see if a black or color laser jet print out would work. It would be different because a laser printer uses powder (toner) so there is never a stage were the ink would be wet as it melts the toner when it puts it on the paper and then it is permanently bonded to the paper. I don’t have a standard ink jet printer because I never used it enough to keep the cartridge functional. I use sublimation ink on most the projects and a color laser printer on normal printouts as the toner never goes bad even with months in-between printouts.
I was always wondering whether a normal paper printer would work with printing designs for T-shirts. And you showed that it's OK.
I am really excited by this! I really want to do sublimation but can't afford the printer, or have room for one. I have an HP inkjet printer and think it would work really well with it. I would love to see how an all black design would turn out.
So happy Lisa! This was our whole point with making it bringing sublimation to everybody ❤️ We still needs to make some tweaks but hopefully it will work well for you! - Agata
I also have an HP inkjet and cannot afford/have room for a sub printer. I will try it as well.
@@jenniferkathleengoodeaux2327 me too
Hi Lisa have you tried the hack on your hp inkjet printer?
@@marigoldgatmaitanberen8105 Not yet. I can't afford the powder right now. Hopefully soon!
Could be great for things that are less likely ti get washed, like canvas totes.
Great, I will try this method for a photo quilt. Thank you
Awesome explanation. I was going to ask about how to cure it before pressing it. You will see the question on one of ur videos. 😊 Gracias
Great video! Can you do the black design like you said and also can you do the color design again with an inkjet printer... But maybe next time you can show it washed after it has set for 48 - 72 hours so that we can see that result.. Thanks! 🙏
noted! Will definitely try! - Agata
Thank you for this very informative and helpful video tutorial!!
This is AWESOME! Do you think this process will work on metal wreath sign blanks as well?
Please, please, please keep doing more videos on this! My HP Officejet Pro inkjet printer uses Pigment ink rather than Dye ink which is most often used in inkjet printers. I'm wondering how that would come out? Also can you use this on other things that are not fabric? GREAT VIDEO!!!!
Hi there! The powder is only meant to help the design adhere to fabric. - Dawn
Pigment ink also cold do this
Those colors usually are better if you cure the adhesive
@@kingdomtouchesbyajayrichrn6077 u mean curing the powder before applying on the design film??
Hi. I have an Epson printer. Will this work with that? And, when you show the stack of papers for the printer, do you just place them behind the DTF sheet? Just ordered a large amount of the supplies from your link to help you out. Love your channel!
Hi there! Thank you for your support and we're so happy to hear you love the channel ❤️ Your Epson will work and the paper is used to help the film go through the printer! -Dawn
Love your picture in the back -“ I can totally make that” ❤
Thank you so much! - Dawn
I think this is great cause buying all that other sublimation stuff was going to be a bit pricey for me. Thanks
Awesome presentation using inkjet printer for sublimation. But, here are some issues to be noted. Using a DTF hack printer or just an inkjet you will have roller marks. Hack printers such as Epson Eco tanks or standard inkjets when printing on film remain wet, whereby the printer wheels will catch the wet ink and leave marks as the film is coming out of the printer. This may not happen at first, but it will leave roller marks eventually. Regardless what seems to be good idea “Hack” it does not work most of the time. It can’t. The print rollers on a non DTF printers (hack) are not designed for any type of film (DTF Film). A printer that is made for DTF printing don’t have the same print rollers designs as a standard printer. If you’re using any Eco tank printers or what to purchase one for sublimation printing, best to convert it for sublimation only, not for DTF film. Trust me, you will end up wasting so much money trying to use this hack printing on film. If you want to do DTF on Film, save up for a DTF printer and never have to worry or wast films due to roller marks.
Hi Lou! Thank you for sharing this with the crafting community! We would recommend this for a one wear shirt, but not a crafting method to be used continuously. Which DTF printer do you recommend? - Dawn
Thank you. These hacks are getting out of control. Just save your business money or use your job to fund your business until your business funds itself.
The Canon Pro 100 printer has a setting found in Print Settings>Maintenance that prevents the paper from getting abraded during the print process. No more stray color marks. I’ve been using it for years for all my image printing. Works every time.
You can remove the rollers on many printers.
@@michaeleshapiro2337 is this ink jet
The reason why the other colours faded and the black didn't was that most of the canon pixma printers use a pigment based ink for black and dye based ink for other colours. The dye based ink washes out but the pigment ink doesn't. Repeat this same process but with a printout taken from a pigment based printer and you should be good!
So we can use any ink printer for this paper ?
hello, is it also good with inkjet printer but with sublimation ink?
This is 100% accurate. Easily switch to pigment based inks in the printer and you won't get the faded colors (at least as quickly)
I love this! thank you for sharing, I definitely have to try it.
You are very welcome! Thank YOU for stopping and crafting with us today! - Dawn
The black held up better because on most inkjet printers, like that Canon, the black is pigmented and the colours are dye based. Some epson printers specify they use pigmented inks, or if you set up a CISS then you could buy pigmented inks. Though at that point, I'd just stick with sublimation if that's the case. (I'm basing my info on owning an ink refill and supply store, and a print shop). Nice vid, that was interesting and really well put together. I just randomly scrolled to your vid. I'll have to check out others.
Yay, it worked. I love your expression when it printed . Lol
Haha! Thanks Pam! I sent it to Crystal :) - Agata
This is awesome, thank you!
Thank you so much Janice! - Agata
Thank you so much! I'm going to test this out and see how it works. I'll use your links. Thank you!
Thank you so much for watching and if you have any questions, please send an email to mail@designbundles.net! - Dawn
I bought the items yesterday so we will see!
Love to see if we could wait 24 hrs. before washing. Love your videos!
Hey Peggy! We are working on that next! Stay tuned! - Dawn
I cannot wait to try this!
Thank you for this hack.
Yes! Please do an all Black design of this!!
Hello Thank you for sharing this information. I want to try this hack but does it work on dark shirts or do you have to use the white Harv first
Definitely trying this!
how long do you let it cool for after 1st press? it seems like a long while to cool and the film was still sticky... I'm going to test some different films as well maybe thats the issue. great job!
Thank you for this video, I'm definitely going to try this👍🏿
I love this so exciting!!
Awesome! Can't wait to try this.
Sounds good! Happy to help! - Agata
Do you have to use a specific software program to print designs? For example, all cricut designs are done thru cricut.
LOVE THIS!! i would love to see the black on a colored shirt...so will this hack work with the sub ink and stay?? or will it wash out also?? Thanks for sharing this awesome hack!! Donna
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge it very informative information...
You're amazing thankyou for your wisdom ❤️
Omg 😳 I’m so grateful for this video 🤩🤩🤩🤩 I just need some for my kids. I really dislike weeding 😵💫😵💫. Will try this. Thank you
What inks did you use in this ? there are special inks for the transfers did you use that ?
Was the printer used converted to a sublimation printer using sublimation ink or the regular ink for that model?
This is a great hack. I will try it this weekend. But quick question, does the image needs to be vectorized?... Or it doesn't matter?
Hi, yes I have done this. Depend on printer for brightness. But my printer inks on roll with Sawgrass, so this is an alternative for me.
Did you do the cure first? I saw other hacks that showed placing it just under the heat press without pressing down at all that "bakes" it I guess. Also did you let it cure before washing? I always allow 72 hours for cure time before wearing, using, washing.
This video was awesome, I have an inkjet printer thank you for sharing
You are very welcome, Wanda! Enjoy the rest of your day and stay well! - Dawn
Can this be used on ceramic coasters?
Thanks for the help its about to be on
I used the Godora Transfer Powder with GOZYE transfer film on two shirts. I allowed the shirts to set for more than 24 hours and they look terrible because they faded. I used the GOZYE powder and transfer film on another shirt and let it set more than 2 hours before washing and it looks great, no fading. What did I do wrong?
I have an Epson WF-3820 printer and all the ink colors are pigment based vs dye-based. Can This technique work on a polyester shirt since it's not really a sublimation process?
Great afternoon session
Thank you! Glad you liked it! - Agata
Thank you!
Wow..I just discovered your video and this is amazing...Do you think there will be a loss of color if you let it sit for a length of time before washing? Thanks for your video.
Do u print the image on the matte side or on the glossy side?thank u for the video
how did you attach the cardstock to the clear page? Great video
Great video! Question: Don't you need to wash the t-shirt to remove the finish sizing so it will adhere better? When my students did the 'transfer magic' project, the shirts had to be washed and dried first. Just a thought. Thank you!
Amazing I'm going to try this
I did the print on dtf film with the Ecotank printer everyone uses for sublimation. I have 2 Ecotank printers, one with regular ink in it and one with sublimation ink. I printed on the dtf film with both printers, applied the powder, heated the powder and then pressed the images to 2 separate white 100% cotton shirts and the one with the regular ink got wet (my daughter washed her hands and wiped it on the shirt) and the ink ran. It got everywhere. And before you ask, yes i did a second press. Also, the color with the regular inkjet ink was not as vibrant as the sublimation ink. I printed the same exact image for both shirts, just with the different ink and the sublimation one was far more pigmented.
What ink did u use that worked? Tia💕
I’m so glad you replied with this! I also have 2 eco tanks - 1 with the supplied ink and 1 with sublimation ink. I was wondering if the regular ink would work lol. I’ll stick with my sublimation ;)
wow..thank you.
what measurements are you using in Canva, pixels or inches?
Hello, I'm new to all of this... I'm assuming you're putting the powder on the wet side of the film? I just want to get this right! Thank you for an awesome tutorial!