DTF Color Test Print Page (PDF)

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a cutting-edge technology that transcends traditional sublimation printing by utilizing a distinct process and specialized inks, including white ink, to deliver superior results on a wide array of fabrics. Unlike regular CMYK ink deposition on a sheet of paper, DTF printing involves printing designs on PET film with a DTF printer, applying a unique adhesive powder, and then heat transferring the design onto the fabric. This process allows for vibrant, detailed prints that are durable and versatile.

Please note: This test page is intended to be used for DTF sublimation only! For regular sublimation printing test page, see this guide and PDF downloads.

Traditional sublimation printers do not use white ink, which is a fundamental component of DTF printing. Sublimation printing relies on heat to transfer dyes onto light-colored polyester fabrics, and a regular sublimation test page is designed to evaluate this process. However, it falls short in assessing DTF printing capabilities.

DTF Color Print Page will test color performance of your DTF printer

Click download button below to get the A4 PNG template file required for this test.

How to Use This File for DTF Color Test

Traditional sublimation dye printing does not employ white ink, which is a crucial element in DTF printing. Consequently, a standard test sheet used for inkjet or sublimation printers is not suitable for evaluating DTF printing. Sublimation printing relies on CMYK inks and heat to transfer dyes onto polyester fabrics, resulting in vivid prints on light-colored materials. However, without white ink, sublimation printers struggle to produce accurate colors on dark or non-polyester fabrics.

In contrast, DTF printing includes white ink to create an opaque base layer, ensuring that colors remain vibrant and true regardless of the fabric color. The DTF test page incorporates specific patterns and color blocks designed to test the unique capabilities of DTF printers. These patterns are crucial for assessing color accuracy, balance, density, and registration while also highlighting mechanical issues such as banding, streaking, or alignment problems.

One of the key points for this test is white ink inclusion. The use of white ink in DTF printing allows for vivid and opaque prints on both light and dark fabrics, a significant advantage over sublimation printing, which lacks this capability. The white ink inclusion makes this test page a great fit for DTF printing and not such for regular sublimation, and therefore it should be used with DTF printers exclusively.

Follow these steps to perform a sublimation printer test:

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printers are specialized devices that operate differently from traditional printers, including sublimation printers. The following steps will help ensure that your DTF printer is properly configured and maintained for optimal performance.

1. Check the Printer Manual:
   • Refer to the DTF printer manual for specific instructions and settings related to DTF printing. This will ensure that the printer is correctly configured and that the test results are accurate.
2. Ensure the Printer is in Good Condition:
   • Inspect the printer for any issues such as clogged print heads or mechanical problems. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the print heads and checking the ink levels, is crucial for maintaining print quality.
3. Use the Appropriate DTF Film and Adhesive Powder:
   • Use the recommended PET film and adhesive powder specified by the manufacturer. The correct materials are essential for optimal ink transfer and print quality in DTF printing.
4. Check the Printer Settings:
   • Configure the printer settings according to the instructions provided for DTF printing. This includes selecting the correct print resolution, ink type (including white ink), and media type. Ensure that the white ink settings are properly adjusted to create a solid underbase for vibrant colors.
5. Print the DTF Test Page:
   • Load a DTF test page into the printer. Ensure that the design includes specific patterns to evaluate color accuracy, gradient smoothness, and mechanical issues such as banding and alignment. Print the test page at 100% scale without any scaling options enabled.
6. Apply Adhesive Powder and Cure:
   • After printing the test page, apply the adhesive powder evenly over the wet ink. Shake off any excess powder and then heat the printed film to cure the adhesive. This step is crucial for ensuring the adhesive bonds properly with the ink.
7. Transfer the Design to Fabric:
   • Place the printed film onto the fabric and use a heat press to transfer the design. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for temperature, pressure, and duration. The correct transfer process ensures that the colors remain vibrant and the print is durable.

By following these steps, you can effectively use the test page to identify any potential issues with your DTF Color printer and ensure high-quality printed results.

How to Evaluate This DTF Printer Test

Evaluate the DTF Color Test Print:

Inspect the transferred design for color accuracy, vibrancy, and detail. Check for any issues such as banding, streaking, or misalignment. The white ink layer should be solid and provide a good base for the colors.

What’s next?

Once you’re happy with your printed page appearance, you can proceed to the next test (there is a link below). Or pick another color test page from our printing test collections. On this website we offer a variety of color test pages that you can download and use for your ink printer or laser printer quality assurance tests.