What Is DTF Hot Melt Powder?
Hot melt powder (also called DTF powder or TPU powder) is the adhesive layer that bonds your printed design to fabric. After the DTF printer lays down CMYK + white ink, the wet film is coated with powder, cured, and pressed. The powder you choose directly affects wash durability, hand feel, and resistance to cracking.
Choosing the Right Gauge
- Low gauge (0–80 mesh, fine): Soft hand feel, ideal for lightweight garments and detailed designs. Slightly less coverage on rough textiles.
- Medium gauge (80–200 mesh): The all-rounder for most cotton/poly blends. Balanced softness and bonding strength.
- High gauge (200+ mesh, coarse): Maximum adhesion for jackets, hats, and high-stretch fabrics. Firmer hand feel.
Application Tips for Crack-Free Results
- Apply powder immediately while ink is still wet, and shake off excess evenly.
- Cure at 150–160°C (302–320°F) until the powder turns glossy and fully melts — under-curing is the #1 cause of cracking.
- Let transfers cool and store flat; humidity above 70% clumps the powder.
Need bulk pricing or a custom quote? Tell us your film, ink, powder, or printer requirements and we'll reply within one business day.
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Explore our hot melt powder for wholesale factory-direct pricing. Most orders ship DDP with MOQ from 50 pcs / 20 rolls — contact us to request a quote.