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Everything you need to know — how it works, how to troubleshoot, and what specs actually matter when choosing a supplier.
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If you've ever tried to print a vivid design onto a black T-shirt and ended up with washed-out colors, you already understand the problem DTF white ink solves. Without a high-performance white underbase, printing on dark or colored fabrics is practically impossible.
DTF white ink is a pigment-based ink used as an opaque underbase layer in Direct-to-Film transfer printing. Unlike sublimation or standard inkjet inks, DTF white ink contains high concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) pigment — the same compound used to create opacity in paints and coatings.
In the DTF workflow, white ink is printed as the final layer on PET film (after CMYK colors), creating a solid opaque backing. When heat-pressed onto fabric, the white layer faces the garment — acting as a visual foundation that allows full-color designs to appear vibrant on any fabric color, including black, navy, or dark green.
Understanding the production workflow helps you troubleshoot problems and optimize quality at every stage.
Create or import artwork in RIP software. The software auto-generates a white ink channel beneath CMYK layers. White ink coverage, density, and choke settings are configured here — directly affecting opacity and edge definition of the final transfer.
CMYK inks print first, then white ink on top (film is reversed, since it flips when pressed onto the garment). For EPSON i3200, KYOCERA KJ-4B, RICOH G5/G6 heads, viscosity must be precisely matched. INKBANK DTF white ink is certified at 7–12 mPa·s at 25°C.
While ink is still wet, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) hot-melt powder is applied across the printed surface. The powder adheres only to wet ink areas. This step is critical — the powder-to-ink bond determines wash durability.
Transfer passes through a curing oven or infrared lamp. Correct temp (120–135°C) fully melts the powder without scorching. Under-curing causes peeling; over-curing causes brittleness.
Cured transfer is placed ink-side down on the garment and pressed at 150–165°C for 10–15 seconds with firm, even pressure. Carrier film is peeled away hot or cold depending on film specification.
Design is permanently bonded via the TPU adhesive layer. A correctly produced DTF transfer on 100% cotton withstands 50+ wash cycles at 40°C without fading, cracking, or peeling.
Many decorators switching from DTG to DTF ask whether they can use the same white ink. The answer is no — and the differences matter significantly for print quality and printhead health.
| Property | DTF white ink | DTG white ink |
|---|---|---|
| Substrate | PET film | Direct onto fabric |
| Bonding mechanism | TPU hot-melt + heat press | Absorbed into fibers |
| Viscosity range | 7–12 mPa·s | 15–25 mPa·s |
| Pre-treatment required | No | Yes (cotton) |
| Fabric compatibility | All fabrics | Mainly cotton |
| Wash durability | 50+ cycles | 30–50 cycles |
Using DTG white ink in a DTF system causes clogging, inconsistent opacity, and poor powder adhesion. Always use ink formulated for your production method.
With dozens of options on the market, quality variation is significant. These are the technical specs that actually matter:
Higher concentration = better opacity. Look for D50 particle size < 300nm for industrial inkjet systems.
Should stay consistent across 20–40°C. Inks that thin in warm environments cause dot gain and opacity loss.
Ask for 30-day settling test data. Ink that separates within days will cause consistent production headaches.
For EU/US markets: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is increasingly required by brands and retailers.
Suppliers should provide head-specific recommendations and ICC profiles. "Works with all printers" is a red flag.
Developed by our in-house R&D team — led by scientists with nearly 20 years of inkjet ink research experience — and manufactured in our ISO 9001-certified facility in Shenzhen, China.
Tested to international standards — every production batch
Opacity (L* on black fabric)
≥ 92
Viscosity at 25°C
8–11 mPa·s
Storage Stability
No settling / 30 days
Wash Fastness (ISO)
Grade 4-5 / 50 cycles
Printhead Temp Range
30–35°C
Available Formats
1L · 5L · Bulk
Yes — this is one of DTF's major advantages over sublimation printing. DTF transfers adhere to cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and even leather through the TPU hot-melt adhesive bond.
With INKBANK DTF white ink and quality TPU powder, transfers are rated for 50+ wash cycles at 40°C. Washing inside-out with cold water extends this further.
We supply both production studios scaling up and large-volume factories. Contact our sales team for current MOQ and pricing.
Store at 15–25°C, away from direct sunlight, sealed when not in use. Shake or agitate gently before use. Do not freeze.
Request samples and get printhead-specific ink
recommendations from our technical team.
A leading digital inkjet ink manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China. 40,000+ tons annual capacity · 50+ patents · shipped to 100+ countries. en.inkbank.com.cn
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