ImagesMagUK_November_2021

IS DECORATOR PROFILE www.images-magazine.com 38 images NOVEMBER 2021 We’re happy to send out samples for people to try and see how good they are in a cool environment, which means they can be used on demand, Jeff explains. “When customers order more, you just have to pull them out of the drawer, put them on and it’s done. If you have a business where you’re doing regular designs, you could have 20 designs stacked up.” Colour control Although DTF is good on “everything that has been a problem in the print industry” such as weeding, fine detail, full colour and short runs, Jeff points out that the machine currently has to convert Pantone to CMYK. But it’s still possible to print any bespoke colour. “Pantone options are in development, but it’s already very accurate.” The only negative he can think of is that DTF uses film so it’s not as eco-friendly as DTG. “But it may come,” he adds. Jeff set up DTF Transfer in July to supply other printers and small fashion brands with transfers on backing sheets, offering standard delivery of five working days, or two days for more urgent orders. Through the dtftransfer.co.uk website, customers upload their artwork, pick the size of their garment, specify cotton or polyester to guide white levels in the design, and then get a proof for approval. Orders are growing, with many coming from other printing companies keen to profit from the growing DTF wave that’s rolling across the market. “There’s a big demand for DTF machines and the waiting list has taken off so there’s not enough actual machines out there. They didn’t expect it to explode so much,” he comments. To prove the effectiveness of the process, DTF Transfer is sending out sample packs of five good-quality prints, charging only delivery costs. “We’re happy to send out samples for people to try and see how good they are,” Jeff says. “We give them instructions but we don’t say, ‘Don’t do this, don’t do that’. We want them to just have a go and try them on anything.” Jeff expects to start promoting DTF Transfer even more in the business-to-business sector, including exhibitions. He sees DTF taking off in the UK as it has in the US. “From what I’ve read about the US, DTF is running parallel with DTG, complementing it rather than taking over. Once people see DTF, that’ll become a new style of printing. Screen printing will still have its place as some people ask for it, and DTG is improving, so it will come down to customer preference. So far, we think the DTF printer is absolutely amazing and I’m sure it’s going to be really popular.” www.dtftransfer.co.uk Graphics printed on the R-Jet Pro DTF prin ter Hoodyworld’s premises near Stratford-upon-Avon Applying a DTF print Jeff favours hoodies from Anthem, AWDis and Stanley/Stella