2 Regular Guys Talking Decoration and Personalization

Myths and Realities of DTF Printing


Listen Later



Direct-to-Film or DTF Printing is the most discussed topic in garment decorating today. Thanks to a suggestion from a listener, Josh Hester we decided it was time to talk about it on 2 Regular Guys. We got Todd Downing, a power DTF user, to join Aaron and Terry to talk about how the process works and how you might use it in your own shop. Todd will talk about what is true and what is a myth about this new DTF Printing process. Expect a fun and information-packed episode this week on the 2 Regular Guys podcast!





Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants or lectures or selling. We are not doing this for our employers, but rather for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will make your business better, and our industry better. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening!
News * REGGIE Award nomination reminder… https://2regularguys.com/reggies (About 60 nominations so far. Have until November 11th at 5 PM Central Time)* Graphics Pro Expo Charlotte kicks off today and is the last of the in person live events for our industry we are aware of. Come see new products, learn new techniques, meet industry experts, connect with suppliers and network with peers at GRAPHICS PRO EXPO. Dad Joke: What do you call a naughty lamb dressed up as a skeleton for Halloween?Baaad to the bone
The Creative Process Aaron: We welcome to the show, Todd Downing from Fat Dad Custom Wholesale and Our Success Group. Starting with a simple vinyl decal business in 2007, his business has grown to include eco solvent printing, HTV, transfers, team sales and DTF transfer printing.  He is also an online community mentor that strives to help others see how to move their businesses forward in a realistic fashion. Welcome to the Show!Terry: Start us off by telling us about your journey into DTF printing. When did it start and what has that process been like?TODD: In the summer of 2020 I started hearing about this “new” technology where people were printing full color transfers in house with converted printers. After a few months of researching, I found a US company that I was happy with and placed an order for a printer and supplies. It took a good 3 months and over 1k in supplies to learn how each step of the process worked and feel comfortable and confident in the final product. Aaron: So when you got started, what was the thing that stands out that was way different than you expected it to be? The biggest surprise. TODD: That's a hard question as I had spent months researching everything I could about the process and printer but color matching is always fun to do as not all profiles are created equal. I did find out fairly quickly that if not in constant use you are going to have issues fast.Terry: So for anyone unfamiliar with DTF, what is the process to create a DTF transfer?TODD: The short story, you print on a film, let the ink set up, add an adhesive powder, cure, and now you have a ready-to-press transfer.I use Epson P600’s to print on a film and we cure using a manual method which if you are not using an enclosed area like a sand blasting cabinet you are going to get the adhesive powder everywhere. For curing you have a few options like heat press, oven, and even a tunnel dryer.
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

2 Regular Guys Talking Decoration and PersonalizationBy 2 Regular Guys Talking Decoration and Personalization

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

5 ratings