If you print on tumblers, glass, acrylic, metal, or any other hard, non-porous surface, you've probably run into the term "UV DTF A+B Film" more than once this year. It's quickly become one of the most talked-about print-on-demand technologies in the custom products industry — and for good reason. No heat press, no weeding, no powder, and it works on almost anything with a flat or curved surface.

In this guide, we'll break down exactly what UV DTF A+B film is, how the two-layer transfer process works, where it's used in the real world (from home-based Etsy shops to industrial production floors), and how to put together a complete printing system — film, ink, and printer — that fits your business. We'll also walk through the third-party lab testing behind our film, including RoHS 2.0, California Proposition 65, and REACH compliance reports, and explain our no-questions-asked quality guarantee.

What Is UV DTF A+B Film?

UV DTF (Direct-to-Film) A+B film is a two-layer transfer system built specifically for printing on rigid, hard surfaces — think glass, metal, acrylic, ceramic, wood, and PET plastic. Unlike traditional garment DTF, which uses hot-melt adhesive powder and a heat press to bond a design to fabric, UV DTF A+B film uses UV-curable ink and a cold lamination process. That means no heat is applied during the transfer stage, which makes it safe for temperature-sensitive materials like painted tumblers, phone cases, and coated metal signs.

The system is made up of two rolls that work together:

Film A (the printing film) is the ink-receptive layer. Your UV printer lays down white ink, then CMYK color, then a gloss or matte varnish directly onto Film A, building up a full-color, glossy design.

Film B (the adhesive/carrier film) is laminated on top of the printed Film A under pressure. It captures the cured ink layer and acts as the application tape, allowing you to peel, position, and burnish the finished decal onto your product — no heat, no adhesive spray, no fuss.

The result looks and feels like a premium printed decal or "crystal label" with a glossy, dimensional finish, and it holds up far better outdoors and in wet conditions than a standard sticker.

UV DTF vs. Other Transfer Methods

Method	Surface Type	Heat Required?	Weeding Needed?	Typical Durability	Best For
UV DTF A+B Film	Glass, metal, acrylic, ceramic, wood, plastic	No (cold press/lamination only)	No	2–5 years indoor/outdoor	Tumblers, signage, packaging, hard goods
Textile DTF	Fabric, apparel	Yes (heat press)	No	50+ washes	T-shirts, hoodies, bags
Sublimation	Polyester fabric, coated hard goods	Yes (high heat)	No	Long-lasting on coated items only	Polyester apparel, coated mugs/tiles
Vinyl (HTV/Adhesive)	Fabric, flat hard surfaces	Sometimes	Yes	Good, but can peel/crack over time	Simple text/logo designs

How UV DTF A+B Film Works: Step-by-Step

One of the biggest advantages of UV DTF printing is how few steps stand between a digital design and a finished, ready-to-sell product. Here's the full process from start to finish.

What You'll Need

A UV DTF printer (such as our A3 UV DTF printer for small studios or a larger industrial roll-to-roll printer), a roll of UV DTF A+B film, compatible UV DTF ink, a cold laminator (or a machine with lamination built in), and a cutting tool or plotter.

The 5-Step Transfer Process

1. Print your design onto Film A. Load your artwork into your RIP software and print in the correct ink order — typically white base, then CMYK color, then a gloss or matte UV varnish on top to seal and protect the design.
2. Laminate Film A with Film B. Run the printed Film A through a cold laminator together with Film B. Pressure bonds the two layers together, with Film B capturing the cured ink.
3. Cut to size. Trim the laminated sheet around your design, either by hand, with a plotter, or using a contour-cut function on your printer/cutter.
4. Apply to the substrate. Peel the release liner, position the transfer on your glass, tumbler, acrylic sign, or other hard surface, and firmly press or burnish it into place — no heat needed.
5. Peel and finish. Slowly peel back the top carrier film to reveal the finished, glossy design bonded to your product. Give it a final burnish and it's ready to ship.

Because the entire process skips the heat press, it's dramatically faster to set up than garment DTF or sublimation, and it's safe for products that can't handle high temperatures.

Where Is UV DTF A+B Film Used?

Because it bonds to almost any smooth, hard surface, UV DTF A+B film has found its way into a huge range of products — from weekend side-hustle items to full production runs for wholesale accounts.

For Small Businesses, Etsy Sellers & Makers (B2C)

If you're running a home-based shop or a small storefront, UV DTF film is popular for tumbler and water bottle wraps, glass ornaments and holiday décor, phone case designs, laptop and car decals, wine and cosmetic bottle labels, and personalized gifts like photo coasters or keychains. It's an especially good fit if you're already running (or considering) a compact setup like our A3 multi-function UV printer, which prints flatbed, roll-to-roll DTF, and cylindrical items like tumblers from a single desktop-friendly machine.

For Production Shops, Sign Companies & Wholesale Accounts (B2B)

On the industrial side, UV DTF A+B film is used for branded drinkware production runs, acrylic and metal signage, point-of-sale displays, cosmetic and beverage packaging labels, appliance and electronics nameplates, and promotional product manufacturing at scale. Businesses producing in volume typically move to a higher-throughput setup like our 24" three-head industrial UV DTF printer, which prints and laminates in a single integrated pass.

Why Choose SHL Supply's UV DTF A+B Film Roll

Our UV DTF A+B Film Roll is a PET-based dual-layer film engineered for consistent, professional results straight out of the box.

Spec	24" Roll	12" Roll
Material	PET (Film A + Film B)	PET (Film A + Film B)
Width	24" (60cm)	12" (30cm)
Roll Length	328 ft	328 ft
Package Weight	Film A: 25 lb / Film B: 18 lb	Film A: 13 lb / Film B: 10 lb
Finish	Vibrant, glossy, varnish-compatible	Vibrant, glossy, varnish-compatible
Heat Required?	No — cold transfer	No — cold transfer
Compatible Ink	Hard UV ink or neutral UV ink	Hard UV ink or neutral UV ink
Rated Lifespan	2–5 years, indoor/outdoor	2–5 years, indoor/outdoor

One thing worth calling out: this film performs best with hard UV ink or neutral UV ink — soft UV inks can cause stringing during lamination and a less durable finish. Our UV DTF ink for i3200 printheads is formulated and lab-tested to work reliably with this film so you get clean lamination and vivid, consistent color from the first print to the last.

Level Up Your Margins with UV Foil (Hot Stamping) Effects

If you want to stand out from every other tumbler seller or sign shop using flat, matte transfers, adding a UV foil / hot stamping effect is one of the highest-margin upgrades you can offer. Using the dedicated varnish channel on our 24" three-head UV DTF printer with foil attachment, you can lay down raised, 3D-embossed varnish that mimics true gold or silver foil stamping — without the cost of a separate foiling press.

This finish is especially popular (and especially profitable) on wedding invitations and event signage, luxury cosmetic and skincare packaging labels, holiday ornaments and gift tags, premium product nameplates and awards, and high-end tumbler or drinkware collections. Customers routinely pay a significant premium for a metallic, embossed look, which makes this one of the easiest ways to increase your average order value with the same film and ink you're already running.

Build a Complete UV DTF Printing System

One advantage of working with SHL Supply is that we don't just sell film — we supply the full printing ecosystem, so every component is tested to work together.

Just Getting Started: A3 UV Printer for Small Business

Our A3 Multi-Function UV Printer is a 3-in-1 machine — flatbed UV printing, roll-to-roll UV DTF, and cylindrical/tumbler printing — built around a single Epson DX7 printhead with CMYK+White+Varnish capability. It's compact enough for a home studio or small storefront and is the easiest entry point into UV DTF A+B film printing.

Scaling Up: 24" Three-Head Industrial Printer

For sign shops, promotional product companies, and wholesale manufacturers, our 24" UV DTF Printer with Foil Attachment runs three Epson i3200-U1 printheads for up to 3x the throughput, with lamination and varnish/foil effects built into the same pass — eliminating the need for a separate laminator.

The Ink That Ties It Together

Our UV DTF Ink (CMYKW, 1000ml) is engineered for the i3200-U1 printhead family and is lab-certified to ISO9001, ISO14001, CE, RoHS, and REACH standards, backed by a 24-month warranty and 1:1 replacement policy.

	A3 Multi-Function UV Printer	24" Three-Head UV DTF Printer
Printhead(s)	1x Epson DX7	3x Epson i3200-U1
Print Width	13" roll / 16.5" x 12" flatbed	24" (600mm)
Speed	~13 sq ft/hour	6–9 m²/hour
Built-In Lamination	No	Yes, integrated
Foil/Varnish Effects	Basic varnish	3D embossed foil channel
Ideal For	Home studios, small businesses, side hustles	Sign shops, wholesalers, industrial production
Price	$5,999.00	$16,999.00

How to Choose the Right UV DTF Film & Equipment for Your Business

Start by being honest about your order volume and where you're printing from. If you're testing the waters with a handful of tumblers or gifts a week from a home studio, the 12" film roll paired with an A3 multi-function printer keeps startup costs low while still giving you flatbed, DTF, and tumbler capability in one machine. If you're already fulfilling wholesale orders, running a storefront, or supplying other businesses, the 24" film roll and three-head industrial printer will pay for itself quickly through faster throughput and built-in lamination.

Next, think about your ink. Because this film is engineered for hard or neutral UV ink, pairing it with our matched UV DTF ink avoids the stringing and lamination issues that come from mismatched consumables — this is one of the most common reasons new UV DTF printers run into quality problems in their first few months.

Finally, consider whether foil or varnish effects fit your product line. If you sell or plan to sell premium, gift, or event-related products, the ability to add a gold or silver foil look is one of the fastest ways to justify a higher price point without adding a new material to your workflow.

Certified for Safety & Compliance

Because UV DTF transfers end up on drinkware, packaging, and products that customers handle every day, material safety isn't optional. Every roll of our UV DTF A+B film is backed by independent, third-party lab testing from a CMA-certified testing laboratory (Shenzhen United Testing Technology Co., Ltd.).

Certification	Report No.	Scope	Result
RoHS 2.0	UNIB25033133HR-01	Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr(VI), PBBs, PBDEs, DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP — per EU Directive 2011/65/EU & Amendment (EU) 2015/863	Pass
California Proposition 65	UNIB25082018HR-01	Pb, Cd, DBP, BBP, DEHP, DIDP, DnHP	Pass
REACH (SVHC)	UNIB25082018HR-02	250 Substances of Very High Concern per ECHA candidate list, Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006	Pass

These reports cover both our standard UV printing film and our hot-stamping/foil film components, so whether you're producing everyday labels or premium foiled products, you can confidently tell your own customers the materials have been independently verified against RoHS 2.0, California Prop 65, and REACH regulations — an increasingly important selling point for wholesale and retail buyers in the U.S. market.

Our Quality Guarantee

We stand behind every roll of film we ship. If you receive a defective roll or run into a genuine quality issue with our UV DTF A+B film, we offer a no-questions-asked refund — no long claims process, no back-and-forth. Our goal is for you to spend your time running your business, not chasing down a warranty claim.

SHL Supply has been supplying the print industry since 2017, starting as a small screen-printing supply warehouse and growing into a full manufacturer of DTG, DTF, and UV DTF equipment and consumables, now headquartered in Southern California.

SHL Supply
12155 Mora Dr, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Phone: 562-203-5165
Email: info@shl-supply.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm PT

Meet Us at These 2026 Trade Shows

We'll be showing our full lineup of UV DTF printers, A+B film, and ink in person at two major industry events this year:

ISS Dallas 2026 — Booth #759. See our UV DTF printers and foil-effect transfers live in action. Register for ISS Dallas.

PRINTING United Expo 2026 — Booth #C2991. Come see our industrial 24" three-head UV DTF printer running full production speed. Learn more about PRINTING United.

Stop by either booth to test the film yourself, ask about dealer and wholesale pricing, and see the foil/hot-stamping effect up close.

Frequently Asked Questions

What surfaces can UV DTF A+B film be applied to?

UV DTF A+B film bonds well to glass, metal, acrylic, ceramic, coated wood, leather, paper/paperboard, and most rigid plastics. It's commonly used on tumblers, mugs, phone cases, signage, and packaging.

Do I need a heat press to apply these transfers?

No. UV DTF A+B film is a cold-transfer system — you apply it with firm pressure (burnishing) rather than heat. You will need a cold laminator during the printing/lamination stage, but no heat press is required for application.

What's the difference between UV DTF and regular (textile) DTF?

Textile DTF uses hot-melt adhesive powder and a heat press to bond designs to fabric. UV DTF A+B film uses UV-curable ink and cold lamination, and is designed for hard, non-porous surfaces rather than fabric.

How long do UV DTF transfers last?

Properly applied, our film is rated for roughly 2–5 years of indoor or outdoor use, with strong waterproof, scratch, and wear resistance. For drinkware, we recommend hand-washing rather than dishwashing to maximize longevity.

Can I use any UV ink with this film?

The film performs best with hard UV ink or neutral UV ink. Soft UV inks can cause stringing during lamination and reduce transfer durability, which is why we recommend our matched UV DTF ink for i3200-U1 printheads.

Is this film safe for products that will be sold to consumers?

Yes. Our UV DTF A+B film is independently lab-tested and passes RoHS 2.0, California Proposition 65, and REACH (SVHC 250) testing — the reports and standards used are detailed in the certification section above.

Do you offer wholesale or dealer pricing for print shops?

Yes, we work with sign shops, promotional product companies, and wholesale accounts. Contact us at info@shl-supply.com or 562-203-5165 to discuss volume pricing and dealer programs.

What happens if I get a bad roll or a printing defect?

We offer a no-questions-asked refund on genuine quality issues. Reach out to our support team and we'll take care of it — no complicated claims process.

Do you provide equipment recommendations for beginners?

Absolutely. If you're new to UV DTF, our team can help you decide between an entry-level setup like the A3 multi-function UV printer and a higher-volume system like the 24" three-head industrial printer, based on your product line and order volume.

Ready to Start Printing?

Whether you're printing your first batch of tumbler wraps at home or scaling up a wholesale production line, UV DTF A+B film gives you a fast, durable, no-heat way to print on almost any hard surface. Shop our UV DTF A+B Film Roll, pair it with our matched UV DTF ink, and choose the printer that fits your business — from our A3 all-in-one to our 24" industrial three-head system. And if you have questions, come find us at ISS Dallas (Booth 759) or PRINTING United (Booth C2991) in 2026 — we'd love to show you the film in person.