The complete process follows five core steps: Printing → Powder Spreading → Powder Shaking → Curing → Transfer Printing. It is applicable to both manual operation and small powder shaver operation. Beginners can hardly make mistakes by following the process strictly.
Step 1: Keep the Ink Layer Moist after Printing (Key Pre-operation)
Print mirror patterns on PET heat transfer film with a DTF printer, and spread powder immediately after printing without long-time placement. At this time, the ink on the film is in a wet and viscous state, which is the best time for powder adsorption. Dry ink will fail to bond powder firmly, easily causing powder falling and incomplete transfer patterns.
Step 2: Spread Powder Evenly for Full Coverage
Spread an appropriate amount of DTF powder evenly on the printed ink layer. For manual operation, tilt the powder box and sprinkle powder gently; for machine operation, turn on the automatic powder feeding mode directly.
Core requirements: Cover all printing areas completely without exposed ink or blank spots. Focus on supplementing powder for fine lines, small characters and edges to avoid glue shortage and edge peeling during transfer. Do not pile excessive powder, as thick powder will cause hard, whitish and poor breathabl
Step 3: Shake off Excess Powder to Avoid Caking
After powder spreading, tilt and shake the PET film gently to completely shake off excess unadsorbed powder on the surface. Focus on checking pattern gaps and corners to prevent powder accumulation and caking.
Step 4: High-temperature Curing to Form Adhesive Layer (Core Step)
This is the key step that determines the fastness and hand feel of prints. The purpose is to melt solid powder at high temperature to form a flat, transparent and elastic adhesive layer that fits closely with the ink layer. Two commonly used curing methods with beginner-friendly accurate parameters are as follows:
✅ Oven Curing (Recommended, Uniform Effect)
Temperature: 155-160℃, Duration: 3-6 minutes
Judgment standard: The powder is completely melted, the surface presents a matte slightly bright texture without granular feeling or whitish caking, and the adhesive layer is flat and transparent before taking out.
✅ Heat Press No-pressure Curing (Emergency Solution Without Oven)
English: Temperature: 160℃
