UV DTF stands for Ultra Violet Direct-to-Film. UV DTF printing is a digital printing method that uses a UV printer to print on film to make decals or stickers for hard surfaces.
Unlike regular UV printing, you don’t print directly onto the object. Instead, the design is printed on film first, then transferred. Because of this, you can decorate surfaces that are too big, curved, sloped, or uneven for a regular UV printer.
But that’s not all. In this guide, we’ll explain how UV DTF printing works, compare it with other printing methods, and show how it can be useful.
Let’s get started.
How Does UV DTF Printing Work?
Now that you know what UV DTF printing is, let's take a closer look at how it actually works. The process combines the precision of UV printing with the flexibility of DTF, and it all starts with the design.
Step 1: Creating the Design
The process begins with making a digital design on your computer. You can use any design software to create logos, artwork, or patterns. Save your design in common file types like EPS, AI, TIFF, or PNG.
Before printing, you’ll also need RIP software such as eufyMake Studio. It handles the arrangement of white ink, color layers, and varnish. This step is important for getting smooth gradients, sharp text, and accurate color output.
Double check your design before printing. Make sure the colors are accurate and the resolution is high enough for a clean, sharp result.
Step 2: Printing the Design onto the A-Film
Next, your design is printed onto a special plastic sheet called PET A-film, which serves as the base for the process.
The A-film has a layer of adhesive on its surface, protected by a removable film. And you’ll need to carefully peel off this protective layer to expose the adhesive before printing.
A-films come in different types. Some have a matte or glossy finish, and others vary in thickness, depending on the surface look or flexibility you want. Most are one-sided and designed to work with UV-curable inks.
Once the A-film is ready, the UV DTF printer uses UV-curable inks to print your design directly onto the adhesive layer.
Step 3: Adding the B-Film Layer
After printing your design on the A-film, you’ll add a clear sticky sheet (called B-film, a PVC-based sheet) on top of it.
The B-film has stronger adhesive than the A-film, so when you press them together, the design and adhesive from the A-film stick to the B-film
Think of this B-film like the sticky part of a sticker - it helps your design stick to whatever surface you want to put it on later.
We recommend using a UV laminator to complete this process. It will press the A-film and B-film flat, which helps prevent bubbles, wrinkles and crooked edges. This gives you a smooth, clean finish with fewer mistakes.
Step 4: Putting the Design on Your Item
This is where UV DTF printing really shines! Unlike other methods, you don’t need any special heating equipment. Simply:
- Separate the backing A-film from the top B-film (your design stays on the B-film)
- Cut the film roughly into a rectangle around the design. There is no need to be perfect.
- Place the B-film (with the design facing down) onto the surface of your item
- Use a flat tool, like a squeegee or scraper, to press down evenly across the entire design. This ensures the adhesive bonds securely to the surface.
- Slowly peel away the B-film. The design will stick to the item’s surface, while any excess adhesive is removed along with the B-film.
That’s it! Your design now sticks firmly to your item.
To help you see how UV DTF transfers are made, we made one for a mug and filmed the steps. Here is the video.
UV DTF vs UV Printing vs DTF Printing: What Are the Differences?
As you see, UV DTF printing, UV printing, and DTF printing share some similarities, but they each have distinct processes, applications, and advantages.
Here's a breakdown of their differences:
| Feature | DTF Printing | UV DTF Printing | UV Printing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Fabrics like t-shirts, hoodies, bags | Hard & curved items like bottles, mugs, phone cases, signs | Hard & flat items like signs, plaques, and rigid packaging |
| Materials | Cotton, polyester, fabric blends | Metal, glass, plastic, wood, ceramics, leather & more | Metal, glass, plastic, wood, ceramics, leather & more |
| Surface Type | Soft, flexible or curved | Hard, smooth, flat or curved | Hard, smooth, flat or curved |
| Printing Method | Prints on film, adds adhesive powder, then heat presses to fabric | Prints on film, cures with UV light, sticks like a sticker (no heat press) | Prints directly on item surface and cures with UV light |
| Transfer Step? | Yes – heat press needed | Yes – manual transfer with peel-off film | No – printed directly onto object |
| Curved Surface Friendly? | Yes | Yes | No (Only with UV rotary printer) |
| Heat Required? | Yes – heat press | No – uses UV light | No – uses UV light |
| Equipment Cost | Low – affordable for small businesses | Medium – more costly due to special printers and UV film | High – professional-grade machines |
| Who It’s For | Clothing brands, small print shops | Crafters, hobby sellers, personalized gift businesses | Larger businesses, sign shops, premium product printers |
| Speed of Use | Slower – needs heating & pressing | Faster – peel & stick after UV cure | Fast – prints directly with UV light |
For more information, check out our guide explaining the difference between UV DTF and DTF printing.
Best UV DTF Printer for Home
You might be wondering if there's a machine that combines the strengths of both UV and UV DTF printing. The eufyMake E1 is the answer.
It's compact, affordable, and offers a good print size. With three add-ons, it supports UV DTF, flatbed, roll-to-film and rotary printing. This means you can print on film, flat materials, and even round items like mugs and bottles.
If you're a small business or maker looking for UV and UV DTF printing in one device, the eufyMake E1 UV Printer is a smart and space-saving choice.
eufyMake E1 UV Printer
Create stunning 3D texture and vibrant color on almost any surface. Compact yet versatile — built for both business and creative home use.
Benefits of UV DTF Printing
There are five key benefits that make UV DTF printing a popular choice. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Sticks to More Surfaces
UV DTF transfers can bond to a wider range of surfaces than direct UV printing. The adhesive layer makes it possible to decorate items that don’t hold ink well or can’t fit in a printer bed.
No Heat Press Needed
The UV light instantly hardens the ink during printing, eliminating the heat press step needed in regular DTF printing. This speeds up production and works better for heat-sensitive materials.
No Printhead Risk
The printer never touches the final object. Your design is printed on a flat film instead, so there's no chance of a head strike. This keeps the machine safer and helps the printhead last longer.
Faster Batch Workflow
UV DTF lets you print multiple designs on a single film sheet and apply them later. You don’t need to reset or align each item one by one. Just cut, peel, and press. It’s a convenient way to handle bulk orders or repeat designs.
Durability on Non-Porous Surfaces
The cured ink and adhesive film together create a strong bond on smooth or glossy items. UV DTF prints resist scratches, sunlight, and chemicals.
In many cases, they are more durable than direct UV prints on untreated surfaces.
Popular Uses for UV DTF Printing
UV DTF printing is all about flexibility. It sticks to surfaces that other methods avoid—curved, textured, glossy, or anything in between. You don’t need heat or pressure to apply it, and the ink holds up well over time. That’s why it’s showing up in so many different spaces.
Automotive Decals & Personalization
One of the most common uses is car decals. These prints go straight onto windows, doors, or interior panels and stay put, even after months of sun, rain, or washing. You can get sharp details and bold colors, and it doesn’t peel or fade the way traditional vinyl sometimes does.
Image: Felix Fuchs
Labels for Small Product Batches
For things like spice jars, handmade soap, or gift boxes, UV DTF lets you create custom labels that feel like part of the packaging.
Once printed, the label peels off the film and goes on smoothly—no bubbling, no edges sticking out. It wraps around curves and corners with a clean, seamless look.
Drinkware
You can use UV DTF on candle jars and mugs. It's one of the easiest ways to decorate curved drinkware or containers without special tools. As long as the surface isn’t deeply curved, the transfer goes on cleanly.
Packaging
UV DTF is also great for packaging. You can use it to add logos, names, or designs on boxes, pouches, or jars. It works on glossy and uneven surfaces too.
If you make products at home or run a small shop, this is an easy way to make your packaging look better. You can print a full sheet of UV DTF stickers in one go. Then cut and use them as needed.
Signs, Displays& Tags
UV DTF is also used for labels and signs on surfaces like acrylic, metal, and wood. It’s good for things like machine tags, shop displays, and nameplates. The ink is cured right after printing, so it’s tough enough for indoor and outdoor use.
Image: ThisFact
Final Thought
Now you know what UV DTF printing is all about, and why it's becoming so popular for businesses wanting better printing options. If you need custom designs that last on challenging surfaces, this technology is better than standard UV or DTF processes. For your next custom printing project, UV DTF might be exactly what you need.
FAQs
What printer do I need to print UV DTF?
You need a UV flatbed printer or a UV-compatible printer that supports DTF films and white ink. Make sure it can handle the material size you want to print on.
What is a UV DTF printer used for?
A UV DTF printing machine is used for customizing hard surfaces such as bottles, phone cases, signage, and industrial labels. It allows for high-resolution, scratch-resistant prints on non-porous materials without requiring direct printing or heat transfer.
What printer can I convert to UV DTF?
Some inkjet printers can convert to UV DTF. Printers made for resin or heat transfer work best once you add UV inks, coatings, and software.
How long does UV DTF last?
UV DTF can last at least two years outdoors without significant fading, and indoors, with proper care, it can last for many years.
Can you use UV DTF for shirts?
No, UV DTF printing is not designed for fabric or textiles. It works best on hard surfaces like glass, metal, and plastic. For printing on shirts, traditional DTF printing or screen printing is recommended.
Is UV DTF like a sticker?
Yes, UV DTF works like a sticker. You print the design on a clear film, then peel and press it onto the surface. But only the printed part sticks, not the background. So you don’t need to cut it out perfectly like regular stickers.
