Co-authored by Philip Chu, Product Manager, Roland DGA; and Mike Davis, Application Specialist, Roland DGA
In the fast-moving decorated products industry, two techniques are rapidly gaining popularity: UV-DTF (UV direct-to-film) transfers for hard surfaces, and UV-HTV (UV heat transfer vinyl) for apparel. Together, they’re giving decorators a UV-curable transfer workflow that stretches across an unprecedented range of substrates, from drinkware and phone cases to baseball caps and performance wear.
The substrate reach of these technologies is a large part of the appeal. UV-DTF transfers adhere directly to glass, metal, acrylic, ceramic, wood, and plastic surfaces that traditional heat-transfer methods simply can’t touch. With primers and appropriate surface prep, UV-DTF can decorate items such as tumblers, phone cases, and wooden signs. UV-HTV, meanwhile, brings the durability and vibrancy of UV-curable inks to fabric decoration, adding premium textures and gloss that increase the products’ appeal.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the full process for both applications — UV-DTF for hard surfaces and UV-HTV for apparel — covering artwork preparation, materials selection, application technique, and the finishing steps that determine how well your decoration holds up over time. Whether you’re new to UV transfers or looking to improve your skills and capabilities, this guide will give you the foundation to produce consistent, professional results across both types of substrates.
Read this full article on Apparelist, a publication of PRINTING United Alliance, ASI’s strategic partner.
