DTF Film — Premium Transfer Film for DTF Printing
Buckets of Ink is Arizona's trusted source for CobraFlex DTF transfer film. We stock hot-peel PET film in 13″, 24″, and 63″ rolls with same-day local delivery across Phoenix.
Shop DTF Film Call 480-229-7806
What Is DTF Film?
DTF film is a specially coated PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet used in the direct-to-film printing process. A DTF printer deposits water-based pigment inks onto the film in full color — including a white underbase — and the printed surface is then coated with TPU adhesive powder, cured with heat, and pressed onto fabric. The result is a vibrant, durable, full-color transfer that bonds permanently to cotton, polyester, nylon, blends, and dozens of other textiles — all without pretreatment.
DTF film has rapidly become the most versatile transfer medium in garment decoration because it eliminates the cutting, weeding, and color limitations of vinyl while offering the photorealistic quality of DTG — on any fabric color.
Why Film Quality Determines Print Quality
The coating on DTF film controls how ink is absorbed, how adhesive powder bonds, and how cleanly the film releases after pressing. Low-quality film causes ink bleed, patchy powder adhesion, and failed transfers — wasting both time and materials. CobraFlex DTF film uses a precision double-sided coating: a matte micro-porous print surface for controlled ink absorption and an anti-slip reverse side for smooth feeding in both manual and automatic roll-fed printers.
Shop CobraFlex DTF Film
We carry four CobraFlex DTF powder transfer film SKUs covering every production size. All film is hot-peel, double-coated, and OEKO-TEK certified.
CobraFlex DTF Film Specifications
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) |
| Thickness | 75 micron |
| Coating | Double-sided — matte printable surface + anti-slip reverse |
| Peel Type | Hot peel (cold peel also available) |
| Ink Compatibility | Water-based pigment ink — CMYK + White |
| Printhead Compatibility | Epson i3200, DX5, XP600, and other industrial heads |
| Available Widths | 13″, 23.6″ (24″), 63″ |
| Roll Length | 300 – 325 ft per roll |
| Inner Core Diameter | 3 inches |
| Outer Diameter | 5.4 inches |
| Certification | OEKO-TEK certified |
| Storage | Cool, dry, away from direct sunlight |
How to Use DTF Film — Step by Step
The direct-to-film workflow is straightforward. Follow these four steps for clean, consistent transfers every time.
Print the Design
Load CobraFlex DTF film into your printer. Mirror the image in your RIP software. The printer lays down white ink first, then CMYK color on top.
Apply Adhesive Powder
While the ink is still wet, dust the film with TPU hot-melt adhesive powder. Shake off the excess — powder only sticks to the inked areas.
Cure the Powder
Pass the film through a curing oven or hover a heat press above it at 230–250 °F for 2–3 minutes. This melts the powder into a uniform adhesive layer.
Press & Peel
Place the cured transfer face-down on the garment and heat press at 300–325 °F for 12–15 seconds. Peel the film while hot for a matte finish.
DTF Film vs. Other Transfer Methods
Choosing the right transfer medium affects print quality, production speed, and per-unit cost. Here's how DTF film compares.
DTF Film vs. Sublimation Paper
Sublimation is limited to white or light polyester. DTF film transfers vivid, full-color graphics onto any fabric color — cotton, nylon, blends — with zero pretreatment.
DTF Film vs. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
HTV requires cutting, weeding, and layering for multi-color work. DTF film prints photorealistic, unlimited-color designs in a single pass — then press and peel.
DTF Film vs. Screen Print Transfers
Screen transfers are economical at high volume but carry setup fees and minimum orders. DTF film delivers on-demand production with no minimums and fast turnaround — the bread and butter of most Buckets of Ink customers.
DTF Film vs. DTG (Direct-to-Garment)
DTG prints directly on garments but requires pretreatment and performs best on cotton. DTF film skips pretreatment entirely and works on virtually any textile, making it the more versatile choice for mixed-fabric shops.
Same-Day Delivery in Phoenix
Buckets of Ink brings the store to you. Our delivery fleet covers the entire Phoenix metro area — same day, every day. DTF film, ink, powder, equipment, and screen printing supplies, available 24/7.
Call 480-229-7806
DTF Film — Frequently Asked Questions
What is DTF film made of?
DTF film is made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) with a micro-porous matte coating on the print side. This coating controls ink absorption and helps TPU adhesive powder bond cleanly to the inked design.
What's the difference between hot peel and cold peel?
Hot peel film is removed immediately after pressing — faster for production, with a matte texture. Cold peel film is removed after the transfer cools, yielding a smoother, slightly glossy finish. Both deliver excellent wash durability.
Can DTF film print on dark garments?
Yes. DTF printers lay down a white ink underbase beneath the color layer, so designs stay vibrant on black, navy, charcoal, and other dark fabrics.
What fabrics are compatible with DTF film?
Cotton, polyester, nylon, cotton-poly blends, tri-blends, canvas, treated leather, and more. No pretreatment is needed on the garment.
What DTF film sizes does Buckets of Ink stock?
We carry CobraFlex DTF film in 13″, 24″ (23.6″), and 63″ rolls. We also offer a 24″ two-pack for shops that go through film quickly.
Is this film compatible with my printer?
CobraFlex DTF film works with all major DTF printers that use water-based CMYK + white pigment ink, including systems with Epson i3200, DX5, and XP600 printheads.
How should I store DTF film?
Keep rolls sealed in original packaging, stored flat in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and dust.
How many washes will a DTF transfer last?
Properly pressed transfers hold up through 50+ standard wash cycles. For best longevity, wash garments inside out on a gentle cycle.
Does Buckets of Ink deliver same day?
Yes. We deliver DTF film and supplies same-day across the Phoenix metro area. Call 480-229-7806 to order.
Ready to Order DTF Film?
CobraFlex DTF transfer film in every roll size. Bulk pricing available. Same-day delivery in Phoenix.
Shop All DTF Film Call 480-229-7806
