Do You Need DTF Powder for DTF Film?

The Direct-to-Film (DTF) technique is a groundbreaking digital printing method that allows full-color artwork to be transferred onto a wide variety of garments. DTF involves printing a design in mirror mode onto PET film using specialty DTF printers such as those from the CobraFlex line, followed by coating the wet ink with hot melt adhesive powder. The film is then cured to bond the adhesive to the ink, creating a ready-to-press transfer.

But how did DTF begin? This innovation emerged as an efficient solution to limitations in screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) processes. Early on, CobraFlex pioneered a revolutionary step: the powderless DTF printing process. CobraFlex was the first company to engineer jettable adhesive technology through Epson 1300 printheads, introducing the industry’s original powderless or no-powder DTF printing system. While current DTF setups still rely on adhesive powder, CobraFlex continues to lead innovation with active development toward reintroducing no-powder DTF printers in the near future.

Today, the traditional method using powder is still required for most commercial applications. However, CobraFlex continues to lead innovation with active development toward reintroducing no-powder DTF printers in the near future.

Do You Need DTF Powder?

Yes, currently, DTF powder is required for most Direct-to-Film transfers. The powder is critical in bonding the printed design to the garment. After printing onto PET film with water-based inks, the powdered adhesive melts during curing and becomes the glue that adheres the design to the fabric. Without this adhesive, traditional DTF prints would not survive heat pressing or washing.

But that’s changing. CobraFlex Printers pioneered the first powderless DTF printing solution by developing jettable adhesive ink compatible with Epson 1300 printheads—an industry-first. Known across the garment decoration market as the originators of the no-powder method, CobraFlex eliminated the need for powder coating and curing with this cutting-edge technology.

Though powder is still the norm, CobraFlex is actively developing and preparing to relaunch its updated no-powder DTF printer line, bringing cleaner, faster, and more efficient production capabilities back to print shops nationwide.

Do You Need Powder for DTF Transfers?

If you're in Minneapolis, MN 55441, St. Paul, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, or in the Idaho Falls–Pocatello, ID corridor—including Rexburg, Blackfoot, and Ammon—Buckets of Ink delivers CobraFlex printers, films, powders, and support tailored to your needs. Whether you're a startup or a high-volume shop, we’ll help you get ahead with the latest in DTF innovation. that bonds permanently to the fabric upon heat pressing, eliminating the need for pretreatment sprays or weeding. It's a time-saving and cost-effective method especially suited for both small batch and mass production printing.