DTF (Direct-to-Film) powder is a specialized hot-melt adhesive used in textile printing. After a design is printed onto PET film with DTF inks, the powder is applied to form an adhesive layer. Under heat and pressure, this layer bonds ink and fabric together, ensuring the transfer is vivid, durable, and resistant to washing. The quality and type of DTF powder directly affect print appearance, hand feel, durability, and production efficiency.

How to Choose the Right DTF Powder

Several factors guide the selection of DTF powder for optimal results:

• Fabric type: Cotton and linen require balanced adhesion and softness, while polyester and nylon may need powders with dye-blocking properties. Coarse fabrics like denim demand powders with larger particles to achieve strong coverage.
• Design complexity: Fine powders capture details in logos, small text, and delicate designs; medium powders provide universal performance; coarse powders excel on textured materials.
• Durability: For sportswear and workwear, powders must resist stretching and repeated washing.
• Machine compatibility: Choose powders with consistent particle size that flow smoothly in automatic shaking systems and activate within your machine's curing temperature.
• Testing protocols: Always validate powders on real fabrics before mass production.

How to Test DTF Powder Quality

A professional evaluation ensures long-term reliability. Testing should cover:

• Flowability: Powders must remain free-flowing, avoid caking due to moisture during storage.
• Activation temperature: Select a powder that activates within your production process, typically between 95–150℃, ensuring proper bonding without damaging fabrics.
• Adhesion: The powder must firmly bond ink to fabric during heating, creating a lasting image.
• Peel performance: Clean separation during hot peel or cold peel, without damaging the image.
• Stretch and flexibility: Transfers should stretch with fabric movement without cracking.
• Coverage: The powder should fully block fabric color, especially for white bases on dark garments.
• Wash fastness: A high-quality powder maintains color and adhesion after multiple washing cycles, protecting garments from fading or peeling.

Hanrun Paper DTF Powder Solutions

Hanrun Paper offers a complete portfolio of powders designed for different fabrics, particle sizes, and applications. Each type is engineered for professional-grade performance:

DTF-Fine Powder White

Particle Size: 0–80μm

Suitable Fabrics: Lightweight fabrics such as cotton, silk, chiffon, polyester blends, synthetic fibers

Key Features: Fast melting, uniform coverage, soft hand feel, smooth surface finish, excellent wash durability

Applications: High-detail logos, premium fashion apparel, care labels, small logos, sportswear with precision designs

Best Use Case: High-end garments and accessories where detail resolution and smoothness are critical

DTF-Medium Powder White

Particle Size: 80–200μm

Suitable Fabrics: Cotton, polyester, blends, T-shirts, uniforms, tote bags

Key Features: Low melting temperature (110–115℃), flexible and solvent-free adhesive, durable wash performance, abrasion resistance

Applications: Personalized clothing, promotional apparel, team uniforms, casual wear

Best Use Case: General-purpose production across standard fabrics

DTF-Medium Powder Black

Particle Size: 80–200μm

Suitable Fabrics: Dyed polyester, dark-colored synthetics

Key Features: Anti-sublimation function to block dye migration, wash resistance, soft and flexible finish

Applications: Sportswear, jerseys, dark polyester promotional clothing

Best Use Case: Prints on dark polyester that require long-term color stability

DTF-Coarse Powder White

Particle Size: 150–250μm

Suitable Fabrics: Heavy or coarse textiles such as denim, canvas, linen

Key Features: Strong adhesion, superior coverage, reduced waste on thick fabrics, reliable viscosity on textured surfaces

Applications: Denim jackets, workwear, canvas bags, linen products, industrial textiles

Best Use Case: Durable prints on coarse materials prone to peeling or poor adhesion with standard powders

DTF-Solid Lock Powder

Particle Size: 80–170μm

Suitable Fabrics: Polyester, nylon, leather, canvas, coated textiles

Key Features: Low melting point (95–105℃), strong adhesion, water resistance, smooth finish with limited elasticity

Applications: Workwear, bags, wallets, belts, leather accessories, gift boxes

Best Use Case: Industries requiring stable bonding across multiple substrates where high stretch is not essential

How to Store DTF Powder Properly

Correct storage ensures that powder maintains its performance:

• Environment: Store in sealed containers at 10–30℃, 35–65% relative humidity.
• Avoid Moisture: Keep away from high humidity to prevent clumping and poor flow.
• Protection from Light: Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat.
• Packaging: Keep powder in original sealed bags until use.
• Shelf Life: Up to one year under recommended conditions.

Conclusion

DTF powder is the invisible foundation of every high-quality transfer print. By understanding how to choose and test powders—and by applying the right Hanrun Paper solution—you can achieve vivid colors, excellent wash durability, and superior adhesion across diverse fabrics.

Hanrun Paper's range of DTF-Fine Powder White, DTF-Medium Powder White, DTF-Medium Powder Black, DTF-Coarse Powder White, and DTF-Solid Lock Powder offers tailored solutions for everything from delicate silk to rugged denim. With the right powder, you gain not only technical reliability but also greater business efficiency and product value.