DTF Film Rolls: Choosing the Right Type for Your Project

 

When you’re into DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, the film roll you pick can dramatically affect the quality of your prints, the speed of your workflow, and how well the design lasts. But with so many film types, sizes, and finishes, how do you choose? Here’s a practical guide to help you make smart decisions — based on what you actually want to print, how you press, and what fabrics you’re using. 

1. Why Film Rolls Matter 

DTF film rolls are made from PET (polyethylene-terephthalate) and come with a special coating that holds DTF ink well, helps powder stick, and releases cleanly after heat pressing. 
Choosing the right film means fewer failed prints, less wastage, and better-looking final products. 

2. Hot-Peel vs Cold-Peel: What’s the Difference? 

One of the first decisions is how the film peels off after pressing: 

• Hot-Peel Film: You press at a certain temperature, then peel the film immediately while it’s still hot.  

• Pros: Much faster workflow, ideal for high-volume printing. 

• Cons: Slightly less forgiving; may not be as durable over many washes.  

• Cold-Peel Film: You press, then wait for the film to cool before peeling. 

• Pros: Better wash durability, less risk of cracking over time. 

• Cons: Slower process, needs cooling time. 

Which to use when? 

• Use hot-peel if you’re doing batch production or team shirts and want to maximize speed. 

• Use cold-peel if your designs are detailed, or you’re printing for quality or longevity (like premium hoodies or garments that will be washed a lot). 

3. Film Thickness and Coating — Why It Matters 

Film thickness (measured in microns, “µm”) affects feel, ink absorption, and durability: 

• Common thicknesses: 75 µm to 100 µm.  

• 75 µm films: lighter, more flexible — good for everyday T-shirts. 

• Thicker films (100 µm): can support heavier ink loads, better for dense or dark designs, and sometimes more durable.  

• Coating: Some films are double-matte (matte on both sides), which helps reduce static and curl.  

4. Size of the Film Roll — Matching It to Your Printer 

Film rolls come in different widths. Choosing the right one depends on your printer and the kind of designs you run: 

• Typical widths: around 30 cm (≈ 12″), 60 cm (≈ 24″), and more, depending on your printer model.  

• Long rolls (like 100 m) are common and help reduce frequent media changes. 

• Always check your carriage width, take-up system, and whether your heat-press oven can handle the roll width. 

5. Storage & Handling Tips 

To get the most from your film rolls: 

1. Store in a dry, cool space (ideally 40–60% humidity) to avoid moisture affecting the coating.  

2. Use anti-static handling: static can attract dust or mess with powder application. 

3. Test a new roll before committing to a big job — press a few samples to calibrate time, temperature, and peel method. 

4. Post-press: A quick second press (with parchment or silicone sheet) can improve adhesion and hand-feel. 

 At DTF GEARS, we recommend matching your film to your workflow and your garment type. If you’re doing volume, prioritize hot-peel wide rolls. If quality is your game, lean toward cold-peel, stable films, and always do a test run. Good film = better prints, fewer rejects, and happier clients.