If you are new to UV DTF printing — often called crystal label or UV DTF transfer — the first question is almost always about the film. Specifically, the two films.
UV DTF printing uses two consumable films that work as a pair: A film (print film) and B film (transfer film). They are always sold together, but they do different jobs. And within A film, there are two base types and two format families to choose from.
This guide walks through every option so that whether you are a distributor stocking for resale or a print shop setting up production, you know exactly which SKU to order.
What is A film in UV DTF printing?
A film is the film you print onto. It has two layers:
- A base layer (PET or paper-based carrier) that gives the film its structure
- A print-receptive coating that holds UV ink after printing and curing
After your UV printer lays down the design on the A film, you cover it with B film and run it through a laminator or cold laminating roller. The ink layer transfers from the A film to the B film's adhesive. When you peel the sandwich apart, the design stays on the B film, ready to be applied to your product.
White thick base (paper based) A film
White thick base A film has an opaque white backing that gives printed colors a solid, bright base. It works best on:
- Dark or transparent surfaces (tumblers, dark acrylic, glass bottles)
- Products where you want the label to be opaque and stand out
- Application by hand (stiffer material is easier to handle)
ChromaBind stocks white thick base A film in:
- A3 sheets: 200 sheets/ctn (7 kg GW) and 500 sheets/ctn (16.8 kg GW)
- Rolls: 31cm × 100m (2 rolls/ctn, 16.6 kg GW), 43cm × 100m (1 roll/ctn), 61cm × 100m (1 roll/ctn, 16.2 kg GW)
Double clear base (transparent) A film
Double clear base A film is transparent. The printed label retains the look of the product surface underneath. It works best on:
- Light-colored or metallic surfaces where transparency is a design feature
- Products where you want the label to blend in rather than stand out
- Roll-to-roll UV DTF printers that run continuous production
ChromaBind stocks double clear base A film in:
- A3 sheets: 500 sheets/ctn (11 kg GW) and 1000 sheets/ctn (22 kg GW)
- Rolls: 31cm × 100m (2 rolls/ctn, 11.2 kg GW), 61cm × 100m (1 roll/ctn, 11.2 kg GW)
| Base type | Appearance | Best for | Sheet options | Roll options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White thick base (paper) | Opaque white backing | Dark/transparent surfaces, hand application | A3: 200 or 500 pcs/ctn | 31cm, 43cm, 61cm × 100m |
| Double clear base | Transparent | Light/metallic surfaces, roll-to-roll printers | A3: 500 or 1000 pcs/ctn | 31cm, 61cm × 100m |
What is B film in UV DTF printing?
B film is the transfer carrier. Its job is simple: after laminating, the ink layer sticks to the B film's adhesive, and you peel the sandwich open. The B film now holds the design, and you apply it to your product just like a sticker — peel, place, press, and remove the B film.
B film does not need to be printed on. It has no ink-receptive coating. It is a clear PET film with a precisely formulated adhesive layer that grabs the cured UV ink from the A film and releases cleanly onto your target surface.
B film length options
ChromaBind stocks B film in two roll lengths:
- 50m rolls (31cm wide): 2 rolls/ctn (3.6 kg GW) or 5 rolls/ctn (9 kg GW) — good for testing, sampling, and low-volume work
- 100m rolls: 31cm (2 rolls/ctn, 8.2 kg GW), 44cm (1 roll/ctn), 61cm (1 roll/ctn, 8 kg GW) — more economical per meter for consistent production
Tip: If you are a distributor, stocking both 50m and 100m B film covers the full range of customers — from small decoration studios to volume transfer shops.
A3 sheets vs rolls: which format should you buy?
The choice between sheet and roll depends on your printer type and production volume.
A3 sheets
A3 sheets (31 × 42 cm) are the most accessible format. They work with:
- A3 flatbed UV printers — most common entry-level UV DTF setup
- Manual laminating — no roll laminator required
- Small batch production — print only what you need per sheet
Sheet packing is convenient for sampling and low inventory commitment. ChromaBind's sheet cartons range from 200 to 1000 pieces, with gross weight between 7 kg and 22 kg.
Rolls (31cm, 43cm, 61cm)
Rolls are the production format. They work with:
- Roll-to-roll UV DTF printers — continuous print-and-laminate workflow
- Automated laminators — consistent lamination speed and pressure
- Higher volume — less material waste and fewer roll changes
Each ChromaBind roll is 100 meters. The 31cm width is the most versatile for standard label sizes; 43cm and 61cm widths handle larger decals or multi-up layouts.
| Feature | A3 sheets | Rolls |
|---|---|---|
| Printer compatibility | Flatbed UV printers | Roll-to-roll UV DTF printers |
| Lamination | Manual (sheet laminator) | Automated (roll laminator) |
| Best for | Sampling, low volume, new shops | Production, repeat orders |
| Width | 31 × 42 cm | 31cm, 43cm, 61cm × 100m |
| A film base options | White thick + Double clear | White paper base + Clear base |
A+B kits: the easiest way to start
If you are setting up a UV DTF line for the first time, an A+B kit removes the guesswork. One carton contains matched A film and B film in the right ratio for that format.
ChromaBind offers three kit configurations:
- A3 white paper base A film (100 sheets) + 50m B film roll — 6 kg GW, 45.5×33.5×14 cm carton
- A3 clear base A film (100 sheets) + 50m B film roll — 5 kg GW, same carton size
- 31cm × 100m A film (paper) + 100m B film roll — 1+1 rolls/ctn, 12 kg GW
Kits are a practical choice for the first order. After you establish your preferred A film base and consumption rate, you can switch to bulk rolls and separate B film orders.
Putting it together: how to choose your first AB film order
| If you are... | Start with... |
|---|---|
| A new print shop with an A3 flatbed printer | A3 A+B kit (white thick base) + additional B film 50m rolls |
| An established DTF shop adding UV DTF | 31cm roll A film (white thick or clear) + 100m B film roll |
| A distributor stocking for resale | Mix of A3 sheets (both base types), 31cm rolls, and 50m B film rolls |
| A volume transfer producer | 61cm roll A film + 100m B film in matching width |
Packing and shipping reference for AB film
Each ChromaBind AB film SKU ships with complete carton data — dimensions, gross weight, and CBM — so you can estimate freight before ordering. For details on reading a quote with these fields, see our How to read a DTF consumables quote guide.
The HS code reference for UV DTF AB film is 3920620000. Your customs broker should verify the final classification for your destination country.
Sample support
ChromaBind supports free samples for qualified buyers. To arrange a sample of a specific A film base type or B film length, contact us through our RFQ page with your target application, printer model, and estimated monthly volume.
Summary
- A film is the print layer; B film is the transfer carrier. You need both.
- White thick base A film for dark surfaces and hand application; double clear base for light surfaces and transparent effects.
- A3 sheets for flatbed printers and small batches; rolls for production-scale output.
- A+B kits simplify first-time ordering.
- All ChromaBind AB film SKUs carry complete packing specs for freight calculation.