There’s plenty of talk in the industry about UV DTF, but do you know precisely what it is and how it works? Jamie Turner of 1ClickPrint breaks down the print and application process
According to Jamie Turner, the managing director of machinery and consumables supplier 1ClickPrint, UV DTF (ultraviolet direct-to-film) printing has been the “up-and-coming new kid on the block” for some time now, promising to “revolutionise branded items and be a nail in the coffin” of other print methods.
“But still, at trade show after trade show, print professionals look at me in disbelief when they see just how easy UV DTF is to apply and just how premium the finished results look,” he reveals.
“The gloss finish of the UV varnish gives a jaw-dropping, high-end look to almost any print. The unvarnished matt finish provides a more flexible print that’s perfect for items such as squeezable water bottles.”
UV DTF opens up almost any item to be branded, he reports, with the application being “almost disappointingly simple”. He adds: “With a couple of the most basic pointers, almost everyone’s first attempt comes out perfectly.”
Secret sauce
The “secret sauce” to UV DTF printing is the adhesive media and the way in which the printer removes the protective film, and also the application of the carrier film at the end, explains Jamie.
When the DTF film starts its journey through the printer, the first step is the removal of the protective film. The remaining white media – which already has the adhesive on it – is then printed with a white layer followed by a colour layer. If varnish is selected, then this layer is printed last.
All of the inks, including the white and the varnish, are UV inks and so are all cured by the UV lamps in the printer. Lastly, the carrier film is applied to the completed, cured print.
“Our UV DTF is drama-free, you just send down any artwork with a transparent background and it pops out completely finished. There’s no need to mess with spot colours or the suchlike, it’s all automatic.
“The machine also automatically applies the carrier layer as it prints so no pre or post processing is required.”
With trade printing of UV DTF transfers available and awareness of the technique now rapidly growing, Jamie asks: “Can print professionals afford to not give UV DTF a go?”
STEP-BY-STEP: UV DTF PRINTING
(1) Using a 1ClickPrint 60cm UV DTF printer, the protective layer is removed from the DTF film
(2) The inks – 1ClickPrint media and inks were used here – are then printed: white first, then colour, then varnish
(3) The inks – 1ClickPrint media and inks were used here – are then printed: white first, then colour, then varnish
(4) Trim your prints down with scissors or a guillotine. UV DTF transfers don’t leave a residue or film so you don’t have to be precise with your cuts as only the actual print will transfer
(5) Peel the white backing paper from the transfer. Keeping the print flat and peeling away the white backing is the best way to ensure the print stays on the carrier film
(6) Place the transfer where you want it to be on the object then give it a firm once over with your thumb or a squeegee
(7) Peel away the carrier film. If you’ve pressed the transfer down, it should stay put, but if it does lift with the carrier film, give it another firm press and it will stay firmly in place
(8) Give the transfer an hour for the adhesive to fully cure and you’ll be left with a tough, vibrant print that will impress any customer
