UVDTF
UV DTF Transfers: What They Stick To and How to Apply Them
Nov
Quick answer: UV DTF transfers stick to smooth, hard surfaces such as glass, ceramic, metal, hard plastic, acrylic and sealed wood, not fabric. Clean with alcohol, rub the decal down firmly, peel the top film slowly, and wait 24 hours before hand-washing.
UV DTF transfers are peel-and-stick decals for hard surfaces. There is no heat press. You rub them on, peel away the top film and the design stays behind with no background. Here is what they stick to and how to apply them.
What is UV DTF?
UV DTF prints are cured with ultraviolet light and built up in layers of ink and varnish on a transfer film. The result is a raised, glossy design with a strong adhesive. Our UV DTF can reproduce fine detail, as long as lines are at least 0.5 pt and text is at least 0.6 pt thick.
What surfaces does UV DTF stick to?
UV DTF works best on smooth, hard, non-porous surfaces:
- Glass jars, bottles and cups
- Ceramic mugs
- Metal tumblers and water bottles
- Hard plastic and acrylic
- Sealed or finished wood
- Coated phone cases, notebooks and laptops
It is not recommended for fabric or apparel, raw wood, silicone or rough textured surfaces. For clothing, use DTF transfers instead. If you are unsure about a surface, test a small piece first.
How to apply UV DTF transfers
- Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely.
- Peel off the backing to expose the adhesive.
- Line it up carefully. The adhesive is strong and permanent, so you cannot reposition it once it touches the surface.
- Press it down firmly with a squeegee or your finger, working from the centre out.
- Peel the clear top film slowly at a sharp, flat angle. If part of the design lifts, lay the film back down, rub again and try once more.
- Let it cure for 24 hours before it gets wet.
Care tips
- Hand-wash only.
- Do not put UV DTF items in the dishwasher or microwave.
- Do not soak items for long periods.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers on the design.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use UV DTF on t-shirts?
No. UV DTF is made for hard surfaces. For apparel, use heat-applied DTF transfers.
Are UV DTF transfers dishwasher safe?
We recommend hand-washing only. Dishwashers can wear down the design over time.
Can I reposition a UV DTF decal?
No. The adhesive grabs straight away, so line it up before it touches the surface.
How long before I can wash a UV DTF item?
Wait 24 hours, then hand-wash gently.
Order with the UV DTF gang sheet builder or upload your own UV DTF sheet.
