DTF transfer prints by the metre are an excellent way to customise textiles. However, knowing how to store them is key to maintaining their quality and ensuring professional results.

Whether you have a DTF printer or use our DTF service by the metre, this post is for you. We explain the most effective storage methods to ensure your DTF prints are always in perfect condition when you need them.

Advantages of DTF printing by the metre

Having DTF prints by the metre offers multiple benefits:

• Time and Cost Savings: With the prints already made, you only need to stamp them when requested. This simplifies the process and reduces production costs.
• Reduction of materials: Producing in large quantities in a single process saves ink and film.
• Consistency in prints: Ensures that all prints maintain the same colour and quality.
• Environmental benefits: By reducing waste, you contribute to sustainability.

If you use our DTF service by the metre, you won't need to invest in machinery, replacements, or consumables. You will only need a heat press to complete the process.

Risk factors for DTF transfers

As we have seen, storing metres of DTF prints offers many advantages, but it is vital to store them correctly to avoid issues. Here are the main risk factors:

• Temperature: Keep transfers at room temperature. Excessive heat can melt the adhesive, causing them to stick together.
• Humidity: Humidity is the greatest enemy. Levels above 50% can cause bubbles and peeling edges.
• Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to the sun can activate the adhesive and deteriorate the transfer.
• Dust: Particles can accumulate and reduce adhesive power.
• Insects: Protect prints with moth repellents or desiccants to prevent damage.

Correct storage

How to avoid these risk factors? Here are some tips. Keep your DTF transfers in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment. Avoid areas with sudden temperature changes, direct sunlight, and humidity, as they can damage the materials and colours.

Use automatic temperature control and dehumidifiers to create the perfect environment. If you don't have central air, place small dehumidifiers near your transfers and ensure they are emptied regularly.

In addition to controlling the environment, it is essential to store DTFs correctly. Here are some easy and affordable techniques to ensure your transfers are always ready to use:

Storage in roll

Firstly, roll the DTF with the design, powder, and ink facing inwards, leaving the film on the outside. This protects the adhesive layer and prevents it from sticking and causing damage. Place the rolls in airtight cardboard tubes and store them in a dry place, free from moisture and off the ground. Place two moisture-absorbing bags at each end of the tube for better preservation.

Flat storage

If you prefer to store the DTF sheets flat, avoid angles, edges, and creases. Place sheets of paper between each transfer to keep them separate and in good condition. Do not stack more than 50 transfers on top of each other, as the weight may cause them to stick together. Keep the stacks tidy, with the larger transfers at the bottom, using cardboard or paper dividers.

Additional protection

Transparent plastic bags or special airtight covers are ideal for protecting prints from dust, moisture, and friction. Expel as much air as possible before sealing them to prevent moisture build-up. Whether storing transfers rolled or flat, add silica gel sachets to absorb moisture. Remember to replace these sachets each time you open the tube or bag.

Keep a record

Print a reference of what you have stored, including units, design models, sizes, and quantities. Keep a detailed record to facilitate future reprints and reduce DTF waste. This will help you maintain accurate tracking and avoid unnecessary confusion and losses.

Use of shelves

The shelves are ideal for high-turnover businesses where DTF transfers are used regularly. We also recommend labelling the shelves for easy identification of different designs and sizes, which will allow you to quickly find what you are looking for and save time.

Plastic airtight containers

The airtight plastic boxes, available in a variety of sizes and designs, are perfect for storing anything from small batches to larger stocks. By investing in a quality container, you ensure that your transfers remain in perfect condition. The sturdy containers not only store but also protect your transfers.

How long can DTF prints by the metre be stored?

The storage duration of DTF transfers largely depends on the conditions in which they are kept. In a cool, dry environment away from sunlight, they can last for years. However, storing large quantities for an extended period may affect the effectiveness of the adhesive, reducing the quality of the prints.

Storage Recommendations:

• Ideal time: It is advisable to use them within 3 to 12 months for optimal results.
• Non-ideal conditions: If you cannot maintain ideal conditions, use the DTF prints within the first 3 months to prevent any degradation in quality.
• Regular Rotation: Apply the "first in, first out" principle to ensure that all prints are used and do not remain stored for too long.
• Regular inspection: Regularly check your stored prints for signs of deterioration, discolouration, or damage.

If you notice that your transfers are not adhering properly, have peeling issues, or the film is wrinkled or deformed, these are signs that they are no longer in their best condition. In that case, you may need to order new DTF prints by the metre from Brildor.

We hope our guide for storing DTF transfers has been helpful to you. Follow our advice to protect them from sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity. This way, your DTF transfers will always be ready to impress.

If you have any questions, share them with us in the comments. Our team will be delighted to provide you with answers and assistance. You can also contact our Customer Service department directly for additional help.

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See you in the next post!