Special DTF Transfer Techniques: Shine with Gold, Silver, and More!

And thanks to DTF printing technology, it's no longer out of reach to apply special effects in your shirt business, like luminous, flocking, and gold transfer, on a mass level and at a reasonable price. DTF printing technology is expanding new limits of conventional transfers, thus making it the ideal solution for these effects. With precise positioning and wide material compatibility, DTF printing allows the achievement of effects like silicone and flocking without complicated post-processing. It facilitates easier production and allows intricate effects to be achieved quickly and effectively. For fashion apparel, accessories, or custom designs, DTF technology offers unmatched manufacturing efficiency and design freedom, and imagination can thrive.

Special effect transfers are the application of DTF printing on different transfer films, achieving a variety of unique visual effects. 

• Implementation Principle: Print silicone paste over the DTF white ink layer and cure it with high temperature to create raised textures.

• Application Examples: 3D sport brand logos

Notes: Excessively thick silicone layers may cause cracking in the transfer. Use high-elasticity hot-melt glue powder.

• Implementation Principle: Print hot-melt adhesive on specific areas of the DTF design, cover with gold/silver transfer film, then heat press to transfer.

• Application Examples: Brand tags, wedding gift box foil logos

Notes: Foil transfer temperature must be precise (130-140°C); too high a temperature may cause oxidation and blackening of the foil.

• Implementation Principle: Standard reflective: coat the transfer film with glass microspheres to reflect light. Chroma reflective: use optical-coated transfer film for rainbow effects due to light refraction.

• Application Examples: Police vests, cycling safety strips, trendy T-shirts

Notes: Reflective layers need a transparent protective film to prevent microspheres from falling off.

If you're curious about how DTF printing works for Christmas gifts, check out our previous blog, DTF Printing for Personalized Christmas Gifts: Unique Ideas to Wow Your Loved Ones . Similarly, businesses can fully leverage DTF technology to accurately capitalize on the high demand for special gifts in the Valentine's Day market, timely respond, and launch personalized gifts that truly meet consumer needs.

• Implementation Principle: Print the desired pattern on luminous film and transfer it to the fabric.

• Application Examples: Fashion T-shirts, nighttime markings on outdoor gear

Notes: Glow powder should be ≤20%; excessive use may affect ink flow.

• Implementation Principle: DTF prints the flocking adhesive layer, and static electricity attracts 0.5-2mm nylon/adhesive fibers, which are then heat-pressed to cure.

• Application Examples: Flocked lettering on hoodie cuffs, fuzzy toy tags

Notes: Avoid stretching large flocked areas to prevent fibers from falling off.

• Implementation Principle: DTF prints white ink/color ink onto a transfer film with a laser coating, generating an iridescent effect through light reflection.

• Application Examples: Sneaker decorative strips

• Notes: Laser film requires high printing precision. Incomplete white ink coverage may cause “see-through” effects.

Special effect transfer film, as the "canvas," sustains the creation of differentiated products with unprecedented potential for effects like luminous, flocking, and other special effects to meet consumers' insatiable appetite for personalization. Whether 3D silicone effect or gold effect, DTF printing can create breathtaking visual effects without compromising on quality at an affordable price.

In addition, with continued awareness of environmental protection and the development of production technology, DTF's low-carbon, efficient production process will continue to facilitate its universal use globally. Lower production costs, higher efficiency, and greener materials will be the mainstream for the future development of the DTF printing market.

Efficient, innovative, and competitive printing solution, Inksonic's DTF printing equipment will be the key to your future success. To create customized products individually or produce products in large quantities, Inksonic machines, with our outstanding performance and wide range of special effects, will help you raise product quality, reduce production cost, and shorten delivery time, thereby enhancing your market competitiveness and creating more business opportunities for you. If you are still on the fence about whether DTF printing is profitable, check out our blog , which will give you specific advice. Join the Inksonic printing revolution, and bring new breakthroughs and possibilities to your brand!