Introduction: Why Film Choice Matters

Over my years in the DTF (Direct to Film) printing industry, I’ve seen one truth again and again: the quality of your transfer film defines the quality of your print. Even the best printer and inks will fall short if the film is unstable, inconsistent, or poorly matched to your project needs.

That’s JINLONG I developed and tested a 6-layer premium DTF transfer film, engineered to solve common industry pain points such as curling, inconsistent peeling, and wash durability. In this article, I’ll guide you through the general framework for choosing films—and explain how this 6-layer design unlocks professional-grade results.

Part 1: Understanding Key Parameters

1. Peel Type: Cold vs. Hot

• Cold Peel: Peel after cooling; ensures strong adhesion and preserves fine details.
• Hot Peel: Peel immediately after pressing; faster for high-volume work, but less forgiving with intricate lines.

👉 jinlong’s insight: My 6-layer film integrates both hot peel and cold peel release coatings—giving you flexibility to choose the method depending on your workflow.

---

2. Surface Finish: Matte vs. Glossy

• Matte: Soft, premium look, less reflection.
• Glossy: Vibrant and bold, but more reflective.

👉 With my film, a dedicated matte coating layer enhances subtle elegance while maintaining consistent color density.

---

3. Base Thickness & Heat Resistance

• 75–100μm: Good for detail, flexible.
• 100μm+: More stable, easy to handle.

👉 The PET base layer in my film is heat-resistant and dimensionally stable, preventing warping under press heat. This stability improves registration accuracy for multi-color designs.

Part 2: The Six-Layer DTF Film Advantage

Here’s a breakdown of how each layer works together:

1. Ink-Absorbing Coating
   • Receives ink smoothly, locking in vibrant colors.
   • Prevents bleeding and enhances edge sharpness.
2. Hot Peel Release Coating
   • Allows fast workflow when immediate peeling is required.
   • Ideal for production runs.
3. Cold Peel Release Coating
   • Ensures delicate lines and micro-details remain intact.
   • Provides stronger adhesion to fabrics, especially cotton.
4. High-Temperature Resistant PET Base Film
   • Core support layer.
   • Withstands press heat without deformation, ensuring durability.
5. Matte Coating
   • Creates a professional, non-reflective finish.
   • Elevates fashion and premium garment projects.
6. Anti-Static Coating
   • Minimizes dust attraction and prevents static cling.
   • Improves workflow stability in dry or high-speed environments.

👉 jinlong’s perspective: “This 6-layer stack isn’t just about complexity—it’s about solving real-world print shop problems: peeling flexibility, wash durability, and consistent handling.”

Part 3: Matching Film to Project Requirements

By Fabric

• Cotton → Cold peel layer ensures strong adhesion.
• Polyester → Hot peel speeds up production; stable PET prevents dye migration.
• Blends → The dual peel system adapts to variable fabric behavior.

By Design Complexity

• Fine-line logos → Cold peel + matte finish for precision.
• Large graphics → Hot peel + stable PET base for fast, bold results.

By Production Scale

• Custom small batches → Use cold peel mode for reliability.
• Large-volume shops → Hot peel mode saves time without sacrificing quality.

---

Part 4: Common Pitfalls and Professional Advice

1. Choosing single-layer films → Leads to curling/static.
2. Ignoring finish → Glossy may overpower certain fabrics.
3. Not testing wash durability → Always run test washes on target fabrics.

👉 jinlong’s tip: With a multi-layer film, you eliminate many of these pitfalls—but testing on your specific fabrics is still non-negotiable.

---

Conclusion: A Framework + A Solution

When choosing DTF transfer films, always evaluate:

• Peel type (speed vs. detail)
• Finish (matte vs. glossy)
• Stability (curling, static resistance)
• Durability (heat and wash resistance)

The 6-layer DTF film I designed combines all these benefits in one material, giving you flexibility, reliability, and premium print results—without forcing you to compromise between speed and quality.

---

Quick Selection Checklist (jinlong’s Go-To Guide)

• Cold peel for precision; hot peel for speed
• Matte finish for premium fashion; glossy for bold sportswear
• Look for anti-static treatment to avoid print defects
• Choose heat-resistant PET base for stable, durable transfers
• Test on your fabric before scaling up

---

✦ Written by jinlong, with insights from over 23 years in DTF technology and materials development, including hands-on experience designing multi-layer transfer films for global print shops.