In this blog post, we’ll break down what these artifacts really are, what causes them, and how you can prevent them from ruining your prints.
This picture illustrates the phenomenon, and you can tell from the picture if you are experiencing it as well.
What Do Snowflake-like Artifacts on DTF Film Look Like?
The term Snowflake-like artifacts on DTF film refers to the blotchy, white, crystalline-looking marks that appear on the film after printing and drying. These specks look like tiny snowflakes or cloudy spots and make the image look much uglier.
While they may seem harmless at first glance, they can greatly reduce the clarity, vibrancy, and overall visual appeal of the final transfer, especially on darker colored garments or detail prints. Secondly, they can also have an impact on the actual durability of the transfer.
Wondering if your prints are affected? Here are a few signs to watch for:
- Cloudy or patchy areas across the image, especially in white or light-colored zones
- Patterns that resemble frost, fog, or water stains
- Inconsistent powder adhesion after curing
However, there are times when this snowflake-like phenomenon occurs perhaps because you didn’t notice the excess powder sticking to the film before the transfer. See also: How To Deal With Partial Powder Adhesion In DTF Film?
Why Do Snowflake-like Artifacts on DTF Film Happen?
Understanding the root causes can help you fix the issue faster. In most cases, snowflake artifacts stem from ink formulation and curing conditions.
1. Excess Humectants in Ink
Some DTF inks contain added humectants (moisture-retaining agents) to keep the ink from drying out too quickly. However, when there’s too much of this additive, the ink doesn’t dry evenly. As a result, during the heating or powder curing process, these wet areas resist proper adhesion and create that distinctive “snowflake pattern”.
2. Insufficient Pre-heating of the Film
Before applying the hot melt powder, if the PET film isn’t preheated enough, any moisture left in the ink won’t evaporate. This trapped moisture reacts with the powder and heat, forming uneven patches — leading to Snowflake-like artifacts on DTF film.
How to Fix or Prevent Snowflake-like Artifacts on DTF Film
Here’s the good news: this issue is solvable. With a few changes to your process, you can reduce — or even eliminate — snowflake defects completely.
Increase Preheat Temperature Before Powder Application
Before applying hot melt powder, slightly increase the temperature of your preheating plate. This helps evaporate excess moisture from the ink and ensures better powder adhesion.
Until it is possible to determine what percentage of the ink is humectant, it is more advantageous to bake ahead of time to allow the ink on the DTF film to dry down.
Switch to a More Stable Ink Formula
If the ink you’re currently using often produces a snowy pattern when you print, it may be time for a change. Try a brand with a lower humectant content, or one that has been specifically tested for better drying stability.
One Last Point
Nobody wants to see their perfect DTF print ruined by white blotches. But now that you know what causes Snowflake-like artifacts on DTF film, you’re better equipped to stop them in their tracks.
From adjusting your preheating process to selecting the right ink, small tweaks can make a big difference. Always monitor the print after curing — if you spot snowflake patterns forming, you’ll know exactly what to do.
If you’re about to consider replacing your ink, then consider replacing our ink, which tends to level out in terms of humectant additions and doesn’t go overboard.
