Special Effects in DTF: How Neon Inks Are Making Apparel Pop

Neon fluorescent inks are the latest innovation in DTF printing, offering vibrant, eye-catching effects under both daylight and UV light, giving apparel decorators a competitive edge. Testing shows good wash durability, though market perception of added value is still developing. With increasing adoption and ongoing technological advancements, neon represents a significant upgrade for creative customisation.

The direct-to-film (DTF) revolution has delivered speed, flexibility, and affordability to apparel decorators worldwide—but now it’s entering a new era! Special effects, particularly through neon fluorescent inks, are helping printers stand out in a saturated market. These vibrant hues do more than just add color—they elevate designs with bold visual impact, both under daylight and UV light.

While metallics and glitters are gaining traction (and we’ve tested many of those, too), neon ink is a standout innovation—literally. Its electric effect under black light, coupled with enhanced vibrancy in regular light, gives brands a creative edge and opens new revenue streams.

Beyond CMYK: The Rise of Neon Inks

Traditional DTF setups usually rely on CMYKW ink sets. But newer systems are emerging with three or more printheads—unlocking space for additional channels and new ink configurations. That’s where neon comes in.

Neon inks are technically fluorescent. When exposed to UV or black light, they emit visible light instantly—ideal for nightlife apparel or event wear. But their brilliance isn’t limited to clubs: Neon pinks, yellows, greens, and oranges also pop under natural light, delivering bold, vibrant prints that attract attention on shelves and social media alike.

Expanding the Gamut

Keypoint Intelligence has tested several DTF devices configured for neon printing. Some devices limit Neon ink inclusion to spot colour use only which is fine for vector graphics. However, some others have incorporated Neon inks into the actual ICC colour profile allowing it to be used in halftone printing as well.  One model we tested incorporated Neon Magenta and Yellow inks, delivering a 27% increase in color gamut compared to CMYK-only output—a significant leap for apparel designers seeking richer tones and better memory color reproduction.

Not only did the neon devices boost vibrancy, they also improved color matching. For example, a notoriously tricky spot color like Home Depot Orange dropped from a DeltaE of 7.24 (in CMYKW) to 2.56 when neon inks were used. That kind of precision can make the difference in branded apparel or customer satisfaction.

Desktop Innovation for Small Shops

While some machines are targeted at large-format roll-fed workflows, neon inks aren’t just for the big players. There is a compact desktop we evaluated that used neon yellow and magenta as replacements for their standard counterparts. The visual impact was impressive—particularly for fashion-forward designs and youth apparel. The RIP uses the Neon inks in place of the standard magenta and yellow in the ICC profile, allowing the user to simply submit their designs for processing with no complex graphic setups or manual spot-color prep. That said, there are trade-offs: skin tones and photorealistic prints were not suitable to be printed in this ink setup, making them less suitable for certain client work. These plug-and-play devices cater to micro-businesses, Etsy shops, and local merch printers who want to offer unique options without the overhead.

The Durability Question

One challenge with fluorescent inks is their chemical composition, which can make longevity a concern—especially when garments are subjected to frequent washing and drying. However, our tests showed that after 20 wash-and-dry cycles, neon-printed apparel still retained strong color, good stretch resistance, and minimal fine-detail loss. Luminescence under UV light did fade slightly, but the overall effect remained noticeable and compelling.

This suggests that, with the right ink and transfer process, neon prints can hold up in real-world conditions—something that’s often overlooked when flashy visuals are the main selling point.

Market Readiness and Perceptions

So, are buyers ready for neon?

Our recent poll on LinkedIn showed that 25% of respondents were either using or planning to adopt neon inks in the next year. However, only 18% believed they could charge a higher price for neon work compared to standard CMYK. That gap in perception may limit short-term ROI—but it also reveals an opportunity: educating customers on what makes neon special and showcasing use cases can help position it as a value-added feature.

One designer we spoke with mentioned that understanding the fluorescent nature of neon inks sparked “an entirely new marketing approach” for her clients. In competitive fields like fashion, concert merch, or sportswear, that kind of visual differentiation is priceless.

What’s Next?

The DTF space is evolving rapidly, and neon isn’t the only option on the rise. From glitter films to specialty metallic finishes, we’re seeing manufacturers build out full ecosystems of effects-driven customization. Still, neon inks represent one of the most accessible—and visually impactful—upgrades available today.

Keypoint Intelligence will continue testing devices with neon capabilities (including one upcoming model with a massive 13-color channel configuration). We’re also tracking adoption trends across small and large businesses to understand how these special effects are reshaping the garment decoration landscape.

If you’re developing or using a neon-ready printer and want it evaluated in the field, get in touch. Our lab team is always exploring what’s next—and neon is still lighting the way.

Behind the Testing: Meet David Sweetnam
Keypoint’s work in this space wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of David Sweetnam, Director of EMEA/APAC Research & Lab Services. With decades of testing expertise and a hands-on approach, David leads much of our evaluation behind today’s most advanced print systems—including the neon-capable devices highlighted here. His insights and benchmarks have helped shape the industry’s understanding of what’s possible in the evolving world of DTF.