DTG/DTF Process for DTG G4

What you will need:

• DTF Transfer Kit (Exclusively for the G4 DTG Printer)
• Includes: DTF-Film-A3 (100 Pack of Hot Peel DTF Film), DTF-Powder-1 (1 Pound of DTF Powder), and DTG-DTF-Shaker-Kit (Tube for applying powder).
• Spare T-shirt for vacuum platen
• Something to tap on shaker tube to help remove excess powder from transfer (12-16” long 1” x 2” board or something similar)
• Heat Press with hover capability set to 350°F

How to setup artwork:

• Design artwork just like you would for DTG!
• Transparent background
• Page size set to 11.75” x 16.5”
• You can “gang up” designs on this page as they will be cut into transfers after you complete the process, general rule is to leave ½” between designs and at least ½” from the borders of the page
• If using the provided DTF Print mode you do not need to worry about mirroring the image when you import it into the RIP – that will be done automatically
• Align the image to the top center of the page in the RIP software

How to print the design:

1. Place a sacrificial t-shirt on the vacuum platen of your G4, it is a good idea to press the shirt first so that it sits flat on the platen.
2. The t-shirt will activate the vacuum platen with sufficient draw to also hold down the sheet.
3. Place your DTF film aligned to the top center of the platen.
4. Send the print job over to the printer just as you would for a standard DTG print.
5. Note that the printer will pause for 30 seconds between the color and white layers to allow the ink to dry a bit.

How to add powder to the printed sheet:

Allow the print to stand on the vacuum platen for at least 30 seconds after it is ejected.

1. Gently pick up the printed film and place flat on a surface to allow the ink to start to gel so that it won't run.
2. Let the printed sheet set for a couple minutes until the white ink no longer has any pooled areas, the white ink surface should be completely flat.
3. Remove the lid from the Powder Application Tube, if you have not already done so – add ½” – ¾" powder to the tube. Insert the printed sheet vertically into the tube, print side inward, so that it conforms to the shape of the tube.
4. Replace lid on the Powder Application Tube .
5. Shake and rotate the tube to be certain to cover the entire printed surface of the sheet with powder.
6. Rap the base of the DTF Shaker Tube on a solid surface like a table top several times to release any powder that has not adhered to the printed sheet. You can also tap on the outside of the tube with a board as described in the section “What you will need” to help remove more powder. NOTE: Be certain to keep a firm hold on the lid while doing this so that it does not come off during the process
7. Remove the sheet, flicking the back of it as you pull it out of the tube to release any additional powder.

Tip: You can hold the sheet by the edge over a garbage can or other receptacle and flick the back of the sheet to remove excess powder from the sheet – this is not a necessity if you are diligent about getting powder off while still in the Powder Application Tube.

How to melt powder on printed and powdered sheet:

1. Place transfer powder side up on the platen of your heat press which has been set to 350° F, set time on the press to 2 minutes.
2. Hover for 2 minutes.
3. Remove the sheet from the press and examine to make sure that the powder has melted.
4. Look closely at the powder, if there are any areas that are matted and not glossy, you may need to hover for an additional 30-45 seconds. Well set powder will be shiny and somewhat like melted cheese.
5. Once you have a good set on your powder you are now ready to cut up your transfers and press them on!

How to apply your DTG/DTF Transfer to a shirt:

1. Set your press to 300-305° F for cotton or high cotton blends. For polyester, synthetics and low cotton blends, set your press to 275-280° F 
2. Place the transfer, glue side down, on the garment in the location you want to apply it to.
3. Press for 10 seconds at a heavy pressure (for some polyesters and synthetics you may need to reduce this to 7-8 seconds – do some testing to determine best practice).
4. When the press pops up, quickly peel the transfer paper from the transfer in a steady, single motion* and cover with a finishing sheet like parchment, Teflon or DFX finishing sheet and press again for 5 seconds.
5. Remove finishing sheet.

* If the edges of the image have difficulty adhering and pull up with the film, increase pressure and/or rub fabric (t-shirt or something similar) over the transfer several times before removing the film.

Questions?  Open a Ticket (coldesi.com)