DTFuses a fine powder and special ink blends that can be hazardous if splashed in the face or eyes. It is always beneficial to wear any sort of eye protection when working with fine materials. We recommend wearing a face shield or goggles when working with your DTF powder. It would be difficult to see if the print is perfectly placed with debris in your eye.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

What is PPE? Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is clothing or equipment designed to reduce your exposure to chemical, biological, and physical hazards when in a shop or worksite. This can range from common usages of face masks, gloves, goggles, and a hardhat all the way to lab coats, flame-retardant clothes, and a fall harness. The definition is very broad for a reason, so we’ll pare it down to what we really need if for: Printing DTF things. Just so we’re clear: DTF POWDER AND INK IS SAFE TO HANDLE AND USE. These recommendations are aimed to aid in the prevention of workplace accidents and hazards. Most of the specific scenarios laid out here are extreme possibilities. The chance of having an issue is extremely low, BUT NEVER ZERO.

Proper Powder Handling and Storage

After completing your printing tasks, it's crucial to return any unused powder to its original packaging. This practice not only ensures the longevity of the powder, but also prevents accidental exposure or contamination.

Remember, DTF printing is often conducted in home or workplace settings, making it even more important to prioritize safety measures. By properly storing and handling the powder, you can minimize the risk of exposure to yourself and others in the vicinity.

To make sure that you don’t accidentally end up scratching your face and shoving some powder into your eyes, wear some latex gloves. Use some sort of hand covering to prevent you from picking up unnecessary particles and keeping your powder clean. The fewer contaminants in your powder, the longer you can use it without having to toss it. The oils and dirt from your hands can clump up your powder. Another option for the rest of your body is an apron or a smock. The powder is an adhesive, so if it mixes with moisture it will turn into a thicker consistency and possibly ruin your clothes. Protect your clothes with a smock and you will accidentally protect the rest of your body (win/win).

Maintaining Proper Ventilation

The DTF printing process involves the curing of powder, which can potentially release fumes or particles into the air of your workspace. To mitigate risks associated with these fumes, it's essential to have a proper ventilation system in place. Now, because the powder is so fine that particles can float on the air. Any sort of respirator or a standard face mask will work just fine to keep these particles out of your lungs. There’s a very specific reason we keep telling people to not use the DTF powder around their machines. It is an adhesive and will clog your ink lines if it gets into them. It’s the same concept with your lungs.

Many DTF printers can be used alongside accessories, such as the DTF Station Prestige A4 Curing Oven Bundle, L2 Purifier, or Miro 13, that come with air purification built-in. These accessories often make use of a combination of HEPA and Carbon filters that helps to filter out any harmful fumes involved in the curing process.

However, it’s essential to note that these filters need to be changed regularly, typically on a monthly basis. Neglecting filter replacements can compromise the effectiveness of the ventilation system, so make sure to change those filters often!

Steven De Hoff
Content Writer
Steven has 10+ years of experience in the E-commerce space with an emphasis in storefronts and product listings. A classical connoisseur of the internet, Steven spends his free time staying away from it. Instead choosing to be a dad and disc golfer.
 
You can meet Steven and more of the friendly All American Print Supply Co team by visiting the company live events calendar and our YouTube channel.