Avoid These DTF Printing Mistakes: Expert Advice for Print Businesses
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing has become one of the fastest-growing textile decoration methods in the Australian Print Market. It offers low setup costs, the ability to print on a wide variety of fabrics, and a more flexible workflow than screen or DTG printing.
But here’s the truth: businesses that jump into DTF without proper planning often run into expensive mistakes - from clogged heads and peeling transfers to inconsistent colour and wasted consumables.
The good news? With the right equipment, workflow setup, and support from a trusted partner like Kissel+Wolf, you can avoid these pitfalls and build a profitable, scalable DTF operation.
The DTF Basics You Must Get Right
Media, Ink & Adhesive Fundamentals
Use the correct DTF film (hot peel, cold peel, or hybrid) for your target jobs.
Choose high-quality adhesive powder and ensure even application for durable transfers.
Don’t overlook white ink circulation—it’s essential for vibrant, opaque prints.
Environment & Handling
Keep your print room within the recommended temperature and humidity range to prevent adhesion or clogging issues.
Store DTF film in a dust-free, low-humidity area to maintain consistent results.
Reduce static buildup and airborne contamination around your curing and pressing stations.
12 Common DTF Printing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Skipping Environmental Controls → Leads to curing failures and colour shifts.
Uneven Adhesive Application → Causes weak adhesion and transfer lifting.
Incorrect Curing Settings → Too hot, too short, or poor airflow = cracked prints.
Heat Press Not Calibrated → Inconsistent pressure ruins stretch fabrics.
Poor White Ink Management → Sediment clogs nozzles and reduces print quality.
Using the Wrong Film → Misaligned peel types cause wasted runs.
No Colour Profiling → Oversaturation leads to muddy blacks and off-brand colours.
Ignoring Underbase, Choke & Raster Settings → Produces halos or misaligned outlines.
RIP Misconfiguration → Incorrect ink limits and layering waste ink and film.
Neglecting Printer Maintenance → Skipping daily/weekly checks shortens head life.
Mismatch of Fabric & Transfer → Polyester and stretch fabrics need special settings.
No QA Process → Without wash tests and sample retention, problems multiply.
How Kissel+Wolf Helps You Avoid These Mistakes
Pre-Sale Workflow Assessment
Our team evaluates your business needs, helping you choose the right printer, oven, or shaker for your production scale and budget.
The Right Equipment for Every Stage
Kissel+Wolf provides a full ecosystem of AGP DTF printers and accessories, tailored for different business sizes:
AGP E30: Compact, reliable printer for small to medium shops needing vibrant CMYK+White prints.
AGP DTF-T652/653/654 Series: 60cm printers with up to four Epson printheads, perfect for scaling production.
AGP DTF-T1600: A 1600mm wide-format workhorse, designed for high-speed and high-volume operations.
AGP H650 Pro Shaker: Automated powder application and curing with three-zone heating for consistency.
AGP A380 Oven: Precision curing oven with advanced heat control and adjustable exhaust for cleaner operation.
AGP UV-S30: A UV DTF printer that prints and laminates simultaneously, enabling unique applications on hard surfaces and promotional items.
AGP TK1600: A scalable, wide-format DTF solution designed for Australian print shops.
Heat-press solutions: aligned with your garment types and volumes.
Smart Software That Simplifies DTF
Caldera RIP: Our printers are provided with this software that gives you streamlined control over choke, underbase, and colour consistency.
FlexiPRINT: compatibility for shops that prefer alternative workflows.
Installation, Training & Ongoing Support
On-site installation and operator training
Preventive maintenance plans and fast local servicing
Remote support plus detailed SOPs and checklists
DTF Setup Checklist (For Reliable Results Every Time)
✅ Room at 20–28°C, 45–65% humidity
✅ Film stored flat, free from dust, in sealed packaging
✅ Adhesive powder applied evenly and cured at the right temperature/time
✅ RIP software profiles set correctly for each fabric
✅ White ink agitated daily, nozzle checks performed
✅ Heat press calibrated for pressure and fabric type
✅ Wash tests run weekly with results logged
Real-World Scenarios
Screen Printer Adding DTF
Avoid downtime by learning how to manage underbases and streamline short-run jobs.
DTG Business Scaling Up
Use DTF to handle larger volumes without bottlenecks, while maintaining consistent colour.
Enterprise-Level Integration
Add DTF for small custom jobs without disrupting high-volume production, thanks to Caldera RIP automation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
A: Run daily white ink circulation, use genuine inks, and schedule nozzle checks to prevent sediment buildup.
-
A: Check curing temperature, press pressure, and adhesive coverage - these three factors usually cause failures.
-
A: Maintain 45–65% relative humidity to avoid static and poor adhesion.
-
A: It automates underbase, choke, and colour management, reducing errors and saving time across your workflow.
DTF printing is one of the best ways to expand your print business but only if you avoid the common pitfalls that derail so many first-time adopters. By investing in the right equipment, software, and support, you’ll get a reliable, profitable DTF setup that grows with your business.
Ready to make the switch without the headaches?
Explore Kissel+Wolf Direct-to-Film Solutions or Submit an enquiry through the contact form below
Ready to Get Started with DTF Printing? Let’s Talk!
Looking for the right DTF printer or need advice on setting up your workflow?
Fill out the form below and one of our Kissel+Wolf experts will get back to you.
