DTF Ink | OEKO-TEX® Certified Direct to Film Ink – Epson Compatible, Water-Based

What Is CCI DTF Ink?

CCI DTF Ink is a premium water-based ink system purpose-built for Direct to Film (DTF) printing. Developed by Chemical Consultants Inc — a manufacturer with decades of experience in specialty inks and chemistry — this ink is formulated to deliver razor-sharp detail, exceptional color depth, and long-term print durability on virtually any fabric type. Whether you’re running a high-volume print shop or building out a DTF workflow from scratch, CCI DTF Ink delivers consistent, professional results from the very first print.

Key Features

• High-Opacity Color Output CCI DTF Ink produces vivid, saturated CMYK colors and an opaque, film-building white — essential for bright, true-to-file results on both light and dark garments. The white ink layer serves as the base coat, giving your colors something solid to sit on, which is the secret behind DTF’s signature pop on black or navy fabrics.
• Optimal Viscosity — Zero Clog Formula One of the biggest pain points in DTF printing is ink that’s too thick or too thin, leading to clogged heads, banding, or inconsistent flow. CCI’s DTF Ink is engineered to an optimal viscosity range that keeps channels clear and flow consistent — run longer without interruption and clean up less.
• Water-Based & OEKO-TEX® Certified This ink is non-toxic and water-based, making it safer for operators and more environmentally responsible. The OEKO-TEX® certification means it has been independently tested and verified to be free from harmful substances — a growing requirement for brands selling decorated apparel, especially in the EU and retail channels.
• Superior Wash Fastness Prints made with CCI DTF Ink resist fading, cracking, and peeling through repeated wash cycles. The ink bonds with the DTF adhesive powder layer to create a flexible, durable transfer that moves with the fabric — not against it.
• Outstanding Stretchability Unlike inks that become brittle after curing, CCI DTF Ink maintains flexibility after heat press transfer. This makes it an excellent choice for athletic wear, spandex blends, and any garment that needs to stretch without the print cracking or delaminating.
• Quick Drying Faster dry times mean faster throughput. CCI DTF Ink cures efficiently under your curing unit, keeping your workflow moving and your powder application step clean and controllable.
• Broad Substrate Compatibility Works on cotton, polyester, nylon, leather, canvas, blends, and more. Unlike sublimation (polyester only) or DTG (best on 100% cotton), DTF with CCI ink gives you a universal solution for nearly any decorating job that comes through the door.

Why Print Shops Love This Ink

DTF printers who switch to CCI DTF Ink consistently report three things: colors that look exactly like what’s on screen, printheads that stay cleaner longer, and transfers that hold up in the wash the way customers expect. The combination of optimal viscosity, strong pigment load, and a flexible cured film makes this ink a workhorse in production environments. The OEKO-TEX® certification is a bonus for shops supplying brands or retailers who require compliance documentation. And because it’s sold in 1 kg bottles per color, it’s easy to stock what you actually use without over-investing in a channel you rarely run.

Compatible Printers

CCI DTF Ink is formulated for use with Epson printhead-based DTF printers — which covers the majority of the DTF market — as well as the M&R Quatro DTF Printer, one of the most powerful production-level DTF systems available.

Confirmed compatible with:

• M&R Quatro DTF Printer — industrial production DTF system
• Epson-head converted DTF printers (i3200, L1800, XP-15000 conversions)
• Epson-based OEM DTF printing systems
• Any DTF system designed for water-based pigment ink with Epson DX5, DX7, i3200, or compatible printhead technology

Running an M&R Quatro? CCI DTF Ink’s optimal viscosity formulation is built to handle the demands of high-throughput production printing — consistent flow, clean nozzle performance, and the kind of color density that makes every transfer count at production speed.

Always confirm your specific printer model’s ink requirements and use the manufacturer’s recommended RIP software with the appropriate ICC profiles for best output.

How to Use CCI DTF Ink

Step 1 — Shake Before Use Shake each bottle thoroughly before loading into your printer. Pigment particles can settle over time; proper agitation ensures consistent color density and smooth flow.

Step 2 — Load Into Your DTF System Fill your printer’s ink tanks or cartridges according to your printer manufacturer’s instructions. Use CMYK channels for color and the white channel for the base/underbase layer.

Step 3 — Set Print Parameters Configure your RIP software with the correct ICC color profile for CCI ink or your printer’s recommended settings. Print color layers first, then the white layer (reverse print order, white on top of the design).

Step 4 — Apply DTF Adhesive Powder While the ink is still wet, apply DTF hot-melt adhesive powder (fine or coarse depending on your application). Shake off excess powder for an even, clean coat.

Step 5 — Cure the Film Pass the printed and powdered film through a curing oven or use a heat gun/flash dryer to melt the adhesive. Powder should be fully melted and glossy — no dry patches.

Step 6 — Heat Press Transfer Place the cured film face-down on your garment. Press at approximately 320–330°F (160–165°C) for 10–15 seconds with firm pressure. Peel hot or cold per your film manufacturer’s recommendation.

Step 7 — Final Press (Optional) A second press through parchment or Teflon sheet after peeling can improve adhesion and give the transfer a smooth, finished look.

Complete Your DTF System

CCI DTF Ink is only one piece of the puzzle. To get the most out of every print — sharp edges, maximum color pop, and transfers that hold up wash after wash — you need a film and a powder that are engineered to work with it. We stock both.

🎞️ Film: STS Inks 24″ DTF Film – Instant Hot or Cold Peel, Double-Sided Matte

The STS 24″ DTF Film is a production-grade, double-sided matte transfer film that pairs cleanly with CCI DTF Ink. The double-sided matte coating improves ink adhesion and controls static during feeding, so your colors land flat and true on the film before the powder step. Hot or cold peel flexibility means you can dial in your workflow for speed or finish — and the smooth, consistent release delivers sharp image edges every time.

Key specs: 100 μm thick · 24″ × 325 ft. roll · Made in the USA · Hot or cold peel

🧪 Powder: CCI DTF Powder – Custom Blend Hot-Melt Adhesive

From the same manufacturer as the ink, CCI DTF Powder is custom-blended to bond specifically with CCI’s water-based pigment ink system. The result is a transfer that stretches with the garment, resists cracking and peeling, and feels soft to the touch — not stiff or plasticky. A wide curing temperature range of 260°F–330°F gives you flexibility across fabric types, and the fine particle size ensures even coverage without clumping.

Available in: 2 lb bag · 5 lb container · 44 lb container

Pro tip: Using the same-brand ink and powder is the easiest way to eliminate variables in your DTF workflow. When the chemistry is designed together, adhesion is more predictable, curing is cleaner, and you spend less time troubleshooting and more time printing.