Apparel printing buyers and engineers often face pain points such as poor color vibrancy, frequent printhead clogging, weak washing fastness, and flaking when choosing DTF ink and ink for printing shirts. UVINK is a professional manufacturer focused on DTF ink and does not produce printers. This guide provides authoritative technical data to support accurate selection and stable mass production.

Definition of DTF Ink

DTF ink (Direct-to-Film ink) is a water-based pigment ink specially formulated for textile transfer printing. As a high-performance ink for printing shirts, it works with DTF powder and heat transfer to create soft, durable, and vibrant prints on cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics.

UVINK DTF ink features ultra-fine particle size, stable fluidity, and excellent compatibility with Epson printheads, ensuring consistent output for long-run shirt printing.

Classification & Industry Standards

Classification of DTF Ink

• By color: CMYK, CMYK + White, fluorescent DTF ink
• By application: standard DTF ink, premium ink for printing shirts
• By grade: commercial grade, industrial grade (12-month shelf life)
• By fabric compatibility: cotton, polyester, blended fabrics, dark garments

International Industry Standards

• REACH (EU) hazardous substance compliance
• ISO 105-C06: washing fastness standard
• ISO 105-B02: light fastness standard
• Oeko-Tex performance requirements for textile inks

Key Technical Parameters

Parameter	UVINK Industrial DTF Ink
Particle Size	≤0.2 μm
Viscosity (25℃)	3.5–5.0 mPa·s
Washing Fastness	4–5 Grade (ISO 105-C06)
Light Fastness	6–7 Grade (ISO 105-B02)
Shelf Life	12 months (sealed, 5–30℃)
Compatible Printheads	Epson I3200, 4720, XP600, 3200-A1

Source: UVINK 2026 Laboratory Test Report, ISO 105 Series Standards

Application Scenarios

As a professional ink for printing shirts, DTF ink is widely used in various apparel production fields:

• Custom t‑shirts, polo shirts, sportswear, and hoodies
• Dark and light cotton garments, polyester apparel
• Bulk clothing brands, uniform printing, and team wear
• Fashion accessories, textile bags, and fabric merchandise
• Small-batch custom apparel and on-demand printing

Step-by-Step Selection Guide

1. Confirm your printer uses Epson I3200/4720/XP600 printheads
2. Choose DTF ink with particle size ≤0.2 μm to avoid clogging
3. Prioritize inks with washing fastness ≥4‑5 grade for durable shirt prints
4. Select CMYK+White configuration for dark garment printing
5. Verify compliance with REACH and ISO standards for export markets
6. Choose industrial-grade ink with 12-month shelf life for bulk purchasing
7. Select a manufacturer with stable batch consistency and technical support

FAQs for Buyers & Engineers

Conclusion & Contact

Selecting high-quality DTF ink is essential for achieving durable, vibrant, and cost-effective results as ink for printing shirts. UVINK provides industrial-grade DTF ink with strict quality control, excellent printhead compatibility, and international certifications for global apparel production.