4 Best Ways to Store DTF Powder Efficiently
Author : KingJet
2025-08-20
In DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, DTF powder acts as the bridge between the design and the T-shirt printing process. It not only enhances ink adhesion and improves color saturation but also directly impacts the durability and feel of the T-shirt after transfer.
However, many users experience issues such as powder clumping, discoloration, or waste due to improper storage, ultimately affecting production efficiency and product quality.
This article will explore how to effectively store DTF powder to help you maximize its use, reduce waste and costs, and achieve perfect results with every print.
Table of Contents
What is DTF Powder?
DTF powder (Direct-to-Film Adhesive Powder) is the core adhesive material in the DTF printing process, appearing as white or black powder.
Its primary function is to firmly bond ink with PET film through a heat-pressing process during the DTF printing workflow, forming a transferable printed layer. It also provides DTF prints with excellent elasticity, wash resistance, and high clarity, ensuring effective adhesion between ink and fabric. The specific working principle is as follows:
1. Printing: The DTF printer prints the design pattern onto the DTF PET film.
2. Shake powder: While ink is still wet, DTF powder is evenly spread, and the powder adheres to the wet ink surface.
3. Curing: The powder is melted through oven heating, forming a protective layer and fixing the ink.
4. Transfer: The cured film is transferred to the fabric using a DTF heat press machine.
Based on the above DTF printing principles, it is clear that DTF powder is crucial to the garment printing process. Therefore, it is important to understand how to store DTF. Powder ensures flawless printing every time, ensuring clothing is more durable and long-lasting.
Core Challenges of DTF Powder Storage
There are three key points to consider when storing DTF powder:
Moisture Absorption and Caking
This is the most common and challenging problem, as DTF powder has extremely strong hygroscopic properties. Once it absorbs moisture from the air, the powder particles stick together to form hard lumps. Caked powder can lead to:
1. Uneven powder distribution: Clumped powder is difficult to distribute uniformly through automatic powder dispensers, leading to poor adhesion or incomplete patterns during transfer.
2. Equipment blockages: Large clumps of powder may block powder spray pipes or filters, increasing equipment maintenance costs.
3. Heat pressing defects: Agglomerated areas may fail to fully melt during heat pressing, resulting in cracks or peeling of the pattern after transfer.
Oxidation and Color Change
Some DTF powders may slowly oxidize after prolonged exposure to air or certain environments. This can cause the powder to turn yellow or darker. Furthermore, using discolored powder for transfer printing can directly affect the color accuracy and white purity of the final printed design, and significantly reduce adhesion.
Electrostatic Waste
DTF powder particles are very fine and easily generate static electricity, leading to:
1. Dust flying: In a dry environment, static electricity can cause powder to fly and adhere to the inner wall of the container or the surface of the equipment, increasing actual usage and higher costs.
2. Health hazards: Flying powder will contaminate the work area and may be inhaled by operators, posing a health risk.
When printing special-shaped or small objects, it is often necessary to have a dedicated person responsible for precise positioning and material loading, resulting in high labor costs and increased error rates. Now, UV flatbed printers equipped with an intelligent visual positioning function only need one operator to easily manage the entire equipment, and even take care of multiple machines at the same time, which greatly reduces labor costs.
4 Best Ways to Store DTF Powder
To improve the utilization rate of DTF powder and ensure the best printing effect, you can follow these four storage methods:
Storage Environment
It is very important to place DTF powder in a sealed and dry environment because DTF powder is sensitive to temperature and humidity. Therefore, the storage area must remain cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humid areas. It is recommended to install temperature and humidity monitoring equipment to monitor environmental parameters in real time.
Recommended storage temperature: 18℃-25℃.
Relative humidity: <50RH (In extremely humid environments, it is recommended to use dehumidification equipment to maintain a dry environment)
Selection of DTF Powder Containers
Maintaining the best condition of DTF powder depends on the storage container you use. Usually, a container with good sealing is used, such as the following three types:
1. Sealed drums/cans: HDPE or PP plastic drums with silicone seals and sturdy snap-on lids are the most common and reliable option, effectively blocking moisture and dust while allowing easy access to the powder.
2. Glass jars (with sealing lids): Glass is inert and not prone to static electricity. Making it a good choice, but be careful to prevent it from falling.
3. Vacuum sealed containers: If portability and long-term storage are your priority, vacuum sealed jars/bags can be used. They can remove air and moisture inside and can be stored for weeks or even months, providing a higher level of protection.
Note: It is not recommended to store DTF powder in exposed metal containers because metal containers will produce static adsorption effects, causing powder particles to adhere to the inner wall of the container, resulting in waste and cleaning difficulties.
Comparison of Three Containers for Storing DTF Powder
| Container Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Sealed drum | Low cost, drop resistant | May age with long-term use |
| Glass jar | Excellent sealing, high stability | Fragile, inconvenient to handle |
| Vacuum container | Excellent airtightness, convenient to use | Slightly higher cost, more operations required |
Handling and Operating Guidelines
Your daily handling and storage methods will also affect the subsequent performance and quality of DTF powder. The following are three important usage suggestions:
1. Reducing exposure: Each time you take the powder, you must act quickly and cover it tightly immediately after taking it. Do not leave the container open, even for only a few minutes, as this may cause the DTF powder to become wet.
2. Use clean and dry tools: It is recommended to use a clean and completely dry spoon or measuring cup to take the powder. Additionally, different white or black DTF powders should use separate tools to prevent cross-contamination.
3. Avoid direct hand contact: Do not measure the powder with your hands. Your hands may transfer oils, moisture, or small particles from your skin to the powder, causing it to clump.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
In addition to properly storing DTF powder, daily regular inspections are also essential. It is recommended to check at least once a week or month to see if there are any lumps or discoloration.
In addition, it is recommended to use the powder strictly according to the opening date or production date. You can put a label on the container to indicate the powder type, opening date, and expiration date. This can not only ensure the freshness of the DTF powder, but also ensure the correct use of different types of DTF powder.
How Long Can You Store DTF Powder?
The shelf life of DTF powder is a common concern for users, especially its shelf life after opening. Generally speaking, the shelf life of DTF powder after opening is around six months or less, so it’s recommended to use it as soon as possible to ensure optimal printing results. This is because once the powder is opened, it is exposed to air and moisture, which can cause it to deteriorate—possibly causing clumping, discoloration, or reduced binding ability.
While storing the powder in a high-quality sealed container in a cool, dry environment can slow this process, it cannot completely prevent it. Therefore, the sooner the powder is used after opening, the more stable the printing results will remain. Understanding this timeframe and its changes will help you plan and manage your inventory more effectively, avoiding unnecessary costs due to expired powder.
Conclusion
Special attention must be paid to environmental control when storing DTF powder. The best method is to place the powder in a high-quality sealed container and store it in a cool, dry environment at 15-25°C, strictly avoiding direct sunlight.
At the same time, follow the DTF powder handling procedures and develop the habit of regular inspections to prevent the DTF powder from becoming damp and clumping. This is the key to ensuring stable print quality and consistent results each time, making your DTF printing business smoother and more efficient.
If you would like to learn more about DTF consumables storage guidelines, please contact the professional KingJet team for the best advice.
FAQ
Can I reuse DTF powder?
DTF powder is typically intended for single-use and is not recommended for reuse. After the powder undergoes heating and curing, its chemical properties change and it loses its initial adhesive strength. Residual powder may also contain impurities, moisture, or deteriorated particles, which can affect print quality (such as uneven coating and poor adhesion). To ensure consistent results, always use fresh, dry powder.
How to use DTF powder?
DTF powder is a crucial material for DTF T-shirt printing. Proper use of DTF powder can enhance the quality of your garment printing. The specific steps are as follows:
1. Printing: Use a DTF machine to print your design onto DTF PET film.
2. Applying DTF hot melt powder: While the ink is still wet, immediately apply the powder evenly across the entire print area. Typically, a powder shaker or manual powder cup is used to ensure even coverage of the design. Next, the film is shaken to remove any excess powder, leaving only a thin layer adhering to the wet ink.
3. Curing: This is accomplished in a curing oven, fusing the powder to the design.
4. Transfer: A DTF heat press permanently attaches the cured design to the fabric.
how to cure dtf powder with heat press?
When curing DTF powder with a heat press, the required time, temperature, and pressure will vary depending on the DTF film and fabric being pressed.
Pressure Value: The recommended pressure value for the heat press machine is 0.45-0.6 MPa.
Below are the recommended heat press temperatures, press times, and peel times for four different types of DTF films:
Cold peel film
Pressing Temp.: 155℃-165 ℃ (311°F-329°F)
Pressing time: 8-12 seconds
Peeling time: After the film cools down
Double-sided hot-peel film
Pressing Temp.: 155℃-165℃(311°F-329°F)
Pressing time: 8-12 seconds
Peeling time: wait for 14 seconds
Double-sided instant film removal
Pressing Temp.:155℃-165℃(311°F-329°F)
Pressing time: 8-12 seconds
Peeling time: immediately
Instant press & peel film
Pressing Temp.:155℃-165℃(311°F-329°F)
Pressing time: 8-12 seconds
Peeling time: immediately
Depending on the type of DTF film you are using, select the appropriate heat press temperature, time, and peeling time for curing the DTF powder using the heat press. The specific steps are as follows:
1. Set the pressure value on the DTF heat press machine.
2. Set the temperature on the DTF heat press machine.
3. Place the DTF transfer film in the heat press machine, ensuring the printed side is facing the top of the T-shirt.
4. Set the heat press time. The high temperature will then melt the DTF powder, transferring the design to the T-shirt.
5. Peel off the DTF film and check the cured state of the DTF powder to ensure the design is fully adhered to the T-shirt.
How to store DTF powder?
Store DTF powder in a sealed container in a cool, dry place (15–25°C), away from direct sunlight, moisture, and contaminants. Exposure to moisture or high temperatures may cause clumping, discoloration, or loss of adhesion. After opening, use within 6 months for best results. Proper storage will extend shelf life and maintain print stability.
