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UV DTF vs DTF: Picking A+B Film and Ink for Hard-Surface Transfers
By the Impact USA technical team · Reviewed 2026-11-08
Impact USA, founded in 2016; team with 25 years of technical experience.
Quick answer: Use DTF for garments and UV DTF for hard surfaces. Direct-to-film transfers use water-based ink and adhesive powder pressed into fabric. UV DTF prints UV-cured ink onto an A film, then laminates a B film so you can peel and apply it like a sticker to glass, metal, acrylic and plastic. Our Impact UV DTF Ink is not for fabric.
- Choose DTF if you decorate T-shirts, hoodies, hats or other textiles.
- Choose UV DTF with clear A+B film if you want a glossy, raised transfer with the item showing through.
- Choose UV DTF with white A+B film if you want the white A+B version for your hard-goods work.
- Choose 13-inch clear film if your UV DTF printer takes narrow rolls.
Comparison
| Product | Type | Size | Listed details | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact UV DTF Ink 1 kg | UV DTF ink | 1 kg | Listed for Epson TX800, XP600, 1390, i1600 and i3200 systems; not for fabric | Hard surfaces |
| Clear UV DTF A+B Film 24 in x 328 ft | Clear A+B film | 24 in x 328 ft | Glossy, raised texture; listed resistance to UV light, scrubbing and solvents; 2-week delivery | Wide UV DTF printers |
| Clear UV DTF A+B Film 13 in x 328 ft | Clear A+B film | 13 in x 328 ft | Same clear film in narrow width | Desktop UV DTF printers |
| White UV DTF A+B Film 24 in x 328 ft | White A+B film | 24 in x 328 ft | 1 A printable roll + 1 B clear transfer roll | Wide UV DTF printers |
Two processes, two jobs
DTF (direct-to-film) prints water-based pigment ink onto PET film, coats it with TPU adhesive powder, cures it, and heat-presses it into fabric. It's built for apparel.
UV DTF prints UV-curable ink onto an A film. A B film is laminated on top. To apply, you peel off the backing and press the transfer onto the object like a sticker. No heat press or powder is needed. It's built for hard goods: tumblers, phone cases, signs, glass, metal, acrylic, wood and plastic.
The inks, films and equipment are not interchangeable. Don't run UV ink in a DTF printer or try to press UV DTF transfers into a shirt.
How A+B film works
The A film is the printable layer that receives the UV ink, and on most printers the adhesive layer. The B film is the clear transfer film laminated over the print; after application you peel it away and the design stays on the object. Each of our A+B sets ships as matching A and B rolls of the same width.
Clear or white film
Our clear UV DTF film gives a glossy surface with a raised, three-dimensional texture. Its listing states resistance to UV light, scrubbing and solvents and good long-term storage. It comes in 24-inch and 13-inch widths. The 24-inch clear roll currently shows a 2-week delivery time.
The white A+B film is our 24-inch premium option, sold as one A printable roll and one B clear transfer roll. Ask us which version suits your printer and the look you want.
Choosing UV DTF ink
Impact UV DTF Ink is listed for printers built on Epson TX800, XP600, 1390, i1600 and i3200 systems. It works on metal, ceramic, plastic, wood, acrylic and more, but it is not suitable for fabric. Confirm that your printer is configured for UV ink before loading it.
What we don't promise
Durability depends on surface prep, the object's material and how it's used. We don't make dishwasher-safe or outdoor-life claims for UV DTF transfers. Clean the surface well before applying, press firmly and test on a sample item before taking a large order.
Running both processes
Many shops run DTF for apparel and UV DTF for hard goods. Keep separate printers, inks and film storage. For the garment side, see our DTF film guide and DTF powder guide.
Frequently asked questions
Store-written FAQs from the Inkjet Parts team, not customer submissions.
- Can I use UV DTF on shirts?
- No. Impact UV DTF Ink is not suitable for fabric. Use DTF for garments.
- Do I need a heat press for UV DTF?
- No. UV DTF transfers are applied by pressing them onto the object and peeling the B film.
- What is the difference between A and B film?
- A is the printable layer; B is the clear transfer film laminated over it and removed after application.
- Is UV DTF dishwasher safe?
- We don't make dishwasher-safe claims. Results depend on surface prep and use, so test first.
- Which printers is Impact UV DTF Ink listed for?
- Systems built on Epson TX800, XP600, 1390, i1600 and i3200 heads.
Shop the recommended supplies
- Impact UV DTF Ink 1 kg
- Clear UV DTF A+B Film 24 in x 328 ft
- Clear UV DTF A+B Film 13 in x 328 ft
- White UV DTF A+B Film 24 in x 328 ft
Not sure which to order? Call our technical team at 844-571-8171 before you buy. Supplies can be returned within 30 days; a 30% restocking fee applies to boards, and printheads are not covered by warranty.
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Impact UV DTF Ink 1 kg, CMYK, White & Varnish
Original price
$ 52.00
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Original price
$ 52.00
Original price
$ 52.00
$ 52.00
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$ 52.00
Current price
$ 52.00
Impact UV DTF Inks are specially formulated for application in the UV-DTF method. These inks exhibit vivid and enduring colors, ensuring the creati...
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