Heat transfer labels are widely used in digital textile printing and product decoration. In the DTF (Direct to Film) printing market, two main consumables have been used over the years: PET heat transfer film and DTF heat transfer paper. Both materials support modern digital transfer printing, but they perform very differently in quality, stability and production cost.
DTF Heat Transfer Paper vs PET Heat Transfer Film
Early in the industry, PET transfer film was the first popular option because it produced sharp images and stable results. Later, DTF heat transfer paper appeared as a lower-cost choice. Many users tested the paper, but it still could not match PET film in detail printing, color reproduction, adhesion and wash durability.
As a result, most users continued to choose PET heat transfer film for better printing stability and long-term performance.
This comparison is important for anyone working with heat transfer label, heat transfer clothing labels, and heat transfer labels for apparel.
PET Heat Transfer Film (DTF Film) Overview
PET film is now the most widely used material in DTF printing. It provides high temperature resistance, smooth coating, strong stability and excellent release performance.
Product Specifications – PET DTF Film
Roll sizes:
- 60cm × 100m
- 33cm × 100m
- 30cm × 100m
Film thickness: 75μm
Heat press conditions:
- Temperature: 100°C – 150°C
- Time: 10 – 12 seconds
Sheet sizes:
- A3 / A4
- 50 sheets per pack / 100 sheets per pack
PET DTF film delivers fine image output, strong color saturation, smooth peeling and high washing resistance. It is the most reliable choice for printing heat transfer labels for apparel and other textile applications.
UV DTF Transfer Film (Crystal Labels / AB Film) Overview
UV DTF transfer film is also known as crystal label film or AB film. It uses PET or PVC as the base material and is designed for UV printers. This film features high transparency, strong adhesion and excellent scratch resistance.
Product Specifications – UV DTF Film
Roll sizes:
- 61cm × 100m (approx. 16.5kg)
- 30cm × 100m (approx. 8.25kg)
Sheet sizes:
- A3 (30cm × 42cm)
- A4 (21cm × 29.7cm)
- 50 or 100 sheets per pack
Printing and Transfer Conditions:
- Suitable for UV printers
- Recommended temperature: 110°C – 120°C
Applicable Materials:
Almost any smooth surface except fabric: glass, metal, wood, acrylic, plastic and more.
UV DTF film produces glossy, 3D, high-definition transfer effects. It is waterproof, scratch-resistant and UV-resistant. It is widely used for gifts, promotional items, electronics, decorative products and display signs. It is also an innovative replacement for traditional sticker printing and screen printing.
DTF Heat Transfer Paper – Features & Applications
Features
- Eco-friendly and free of plastic coating
- Good compatibility with different inks
- Bright colors and high image clarity
- Soft hand-feel after transfer
- High elasticity and no deformation
- Available in hot-peel, warm-peel and cold-peel
- Clean release with no residue
Applications
DTF heat transfer paper is ideal for digital textile transfer, especially for personalized printing and small-batch production.
It is widely used in clothing, home textiles and other fields requiring soft and flexible heat transfer clothing labels.
PET Heat Transfer Film – Features & Applications
Features
- PET base with silicone coating
- Common thickness: 25μm to 150μm
- Available in hot-peel and cold-peel, glossy or matte
- Anti-static and anti-scratch surface
- High tensile strength and strong heat stability
- Low shrinkage and smooth surface
- Excellent peeling performance
- Can be reused multiple times in some processes
Applications
PET heat transfer film is widely used in:
- Vacuum metallized packaging and metallic card paper
- PVC tablecloths, leather mats, wall decals, carpets
- High-precision and high-speed transfer production
