What’s Included In A Typical DTF Printer Starter Kit?

What’s Included In A Typical DTF Printer Starter Kit?

Written by Procolored - Published on Feb 6, 2025

9 minutes read

12 minutes read

Written by Procolored - Published on July 9, 2025

Table of Contents

1. The Brains of the Operation: Your DTF Printer

2. RIP Software: Where the Magic Begins

3. Ink That Stretches With You

4. DTF Transfer Film: Your Canvas

5. Hot Melt Powder: The Secret Sauce

6. Curing Oven:The Quiet Hero Behind the Scenes

7. Heat Press (Sometimes Included, Always Needed)

8. Tools of the Trade: What Else Is in the Box?

9. User Guides and Technical Support

10. Premium Starter Kits May Include

11. Watch Out—Some Things Aren’t Included

12. Wrapping It All Up: What Makes a Kit Worth It

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Alright, we all can agree that DTF printing is quite fascinating. The idea of tuning your own designs into wearable art is enough to get everyone hyped. But then comes the big question, “If I buy a DTF starter kit……..what am I actually getting?”

Is it just a cool-looking DTF printer and some mystery ink bottles? Or does the kit actually have everything needed to start t-shirt printing straight out of the box?

Truth is, every beginner goes through this exact moment. Whether you’re curious creators and aspiring garage entrepreneurs or even Etsy champs, this kit is truly your ticket to the realm of customized printing.

A well-built starter kit serves as more than equipment; it is a creative launchpad you need to transform mundane blank apparel into bold and eye-catching pieces.. From the DTF printer itself to tools and software and even supplies required to bring prints to life, each plays an immensely promising role.

So go ahead, picture yourself unboxing your future.. Let’s explore together and see what’s waiting to fuel your creativity for the next big project.

The Brains of the Operation: Your DTF Printer

This is not an ordinary, off-the-shelf inkjet printer modified using some YOUTUBE hack. Your DTF printer is a powerhouse behind every crisp line, vibrant color, and buttery-smooth transfer. It has been custom built to fulfill the requirements of Direct-to-Film printing–right down to the ink and paper handling.

Most beginner friendly kits come with a printer that uses dual XP600 printheads. That just means it can print both color and white ink at the same time – making your design pop on dark fabrics. Compared to single-head printers, this is way more efficient.

You’ll typically have the choice of printing A4 or A3 film, depending on how large you wish your prints to be. Small labels? A4’s perfect. Full-size shirt graphics? A3’s your go-to.

And while it’s close to plug-and-play, there is a small learning curve (nothing intimidating though). Once you’re set up, the DTF printing machine allows you to transform your digital files into print-ready transfers that are full of color, stretch with fabric, and hold up after multiple washes.

Thus, the DTF printer is the centerpiece of your setup and trust us–it's built to keep up with your creativity.

RIP Software: Where the Magic Begins

This is the tool that directs your DTF machine what to do—and it’s a key part of the whole process. RIP Software, short for Raster Image Processor, scans your digital image and prepares it for printing. It determines where the white ink needs to go, how the colors should be stacked on top of each other, plus how much ink the printer will appropriately require.

Most starter kits have this software included (look for names like Acrorip), so you won’t be stuck trying to figure everything out all on your own.

For instance, let’s say, you designed a bright yellow logo to be placed on a black t-shirt. Without RIP software, your DTF printer would likely place yellow ink directly onto black film, making the print look dull and washed out.

But, If RIP software was used, then it understands how to put down a layer of white under the yellow, allowing for it to remain bold and vibrant when transferred.

In short, RIP software acts as a silent assistant— ensuring every project turns out crisp, colorful and well done just how you’ve envisioned it.

Ink That Stretches With You

Direct to Transfer Film Ink —— Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black + White Ink)

Let’s dive into the real magic of color—DTF ink! When you crack open the starter kit, you’ll find bottles of CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) plus White ink, all specially formulated for fabric printing.

These inks stay bright, soft, and flexible even after being stretched, washed, and worn day in and day out.

So what makes DTF ink different? It won't crack or peel like some other regular ink. Instead, it settles into the transfer film and grabs fabric with a tenacity you can count on.

Quick tip: white ink sits thicker than the rest and is key to making colors pop on dark cloth. That is why serious DTF machines include built-in circulation loops-keep it moving and clogs stay away.

Starter kits usually ship with a mix of sizes, from 100ml trial flasks for newcomers to 1-liter bottles for folks ready to dive in headfirst.

In short, this ink is made to flex with the fabric and keep pace with your hustle.

DTF Transfer Film: Your Canvas

Before your design ever touches fabric, it needs a place to land—and that’s where DTF transfer film plays its part. The DTF film serves as a temporary canvas where the designs are printed before they are finally transferred onto fabrics.

Your starter kit usually contains cold peel PET films which come in rolls or stacks. Cold peel means you just need to wait for the transfer to cool down before peeling off—enabling sharp and sturdy adherence between the two surfaces.

Each sheet comes pre-coated to hold and grab the ink in all the right ways, giving out clean and crisp designs—no smudge, no blur. Usually, these sheets are given in A4 and A3 sizes, or even full-sized rolls if you prefer larger sizes or mass production.

Whether you’re designing small logos or full shirt graphics, this DTF film is where your creativity first comes to life—before making its final move to fabric.

Hot Melt Powder: The Secret Sauce

After you print a design on DTF film, you need something to get it to stick to the fabric and that’s where hot melt powder proves its usefulness. While the powder seems like fine white dust, it plays a huge role in making your print last.

Hot melt powder works in a unique way. After ink printing, just sprinkle the hot melt powder on top of the wet ink. The design will capture some of the powder and then once heated, it turns into soft melted adhesive film. This thin layer glues your art onto textile during final pressing, definitely makes the print durable for multiple washes.

DTF Starter packs usually contain between 500g and 1kg in a resealable pouch which is enough to experiment several ideas and achieve functional wearable output. It’s clean, easy to use, and absolutely essential for making DTF printing work the way it should.

So while it might not be the flashiest item in the kit, hot melt powder is the powerful ingredient of the process—quietly making sure your t-shirt prints stay put and look amazing.

Curing Oven: The Quiet Hero Behind the Scenes

Now that your design is printed and the powder’s been sprinkled, there's one quiet but critical step before any heat press comes into play—curing.

This is where a curing oven (sometimes called a DTF powder dryer) steps in. While not always included in basic starter kits, this piece of gear plays a vital role in solidifying your print’s foundation. After applying the hot melt powder, the film needs to be gently heated to melt the adhesive powder into a smooth, tacky layer that can later bond perfectly with fabric.

Why not just skip it? Because without this pre-curing step, your powder stays loose or uneven, causing blotchy transfers, edge lift, or worse—full peel-off after the first wash. A curing oven ensures the powder melts evenly, forming a glue layer that is smooth, consistent, and durable. Most DTF ovens come with a heated drawer or tray that warms the film at around 110–150°C for a few minutes. Some kits use compact infrared heaters or even rely on the top heat of a heat press for a “floating cure,” but a dedicated oven offers the best control—especially if you’re making batch after batch.

It’s the kind of tool that works behind the scenes. It doesn’t make noise, and it doesn’t take the spotlight. But it ensures your art holds fast, wears well, and lives long. That’s why many pros consider the curing oven a must-have, not a maybe.

Heat Press (Sometimes Included, Always Needed)

This is the last part—and the most critical—of your DTF printing journey. The heat press is what integrates and attaches your design to the fabric. It ensures that both ink and adhesive stick well enough for the print to not peel, crack, or fade over time.

Some starter kits come with a basic heat press. Many others do not—so check before you buy. If it’s missing from the kit, you’ll need to buy one separately. Without a heat press, your DTF prints will be trapped in film forever.

When shopping for a press, go for the one that is likely to have an even heat across the plate, firm, consistent pressure across the entire surface area, as well as a dependable timer. Without these three features, it would be impossible to achieve a clean transfer that is durable enough not to peel off or fade away.

To summarize? The heat press does all of this together, so don't skip it. It's essential for transforming printed film into a finished product.

Tools of the Trade: What Else Is in the Box?

Your DTF starter kits include the printer, film, and ink. However, some little add-ons can make the DTF printing quite a lot easier. These small items do not seem like a big deal at first, but obviously, they actually cut down on mess, time and money.

● The Powdering Tray Or Shaker Tool - After printing on film, applying hot melt powder is a must. If you choose to apply it by hand, it can get extremely messy. These tools make specific applications possible while saving both time and mess.

● Cleaning Solution And Swabs -Thick white ink can often lead to clogged printheads, causing frustrating blank streaks in your prints. With some quick TLC using these tools, you can keep your machine running smoothly and give it its necessary care for optimal performance.

● Funnels, Syringes And Gloves – Pouring ink isn’t like pouring water, it can stain and spill if handled improperly.. Accessories like gloves, funnels, and syringes ensure clean and precise ink dispensing, help with cartridge refills, and act as a protective barrier from turning into a colorful mess.

● Extra Parts (Sometimes Included) - Some kits throw in some dampers, tubing or caps which are extra pieces that aren’t typically included but when something needs a quick fix or some maintenance down the road, you'll be glad you had them.

They may not be the most exciting tools in the kit, but like your backstage crew, these quiet tools ensure everything runs on schedule for your DTF setup.

User Guides and Technical Support

Starting a new project can feel a bit like being tossed into the deep end, but a solid DTF starter kit pulls you back to the surface fast. The best bundles don-t dump a random pile of gear on your desk; they guide you step-by- step with the kind of support you deserve.

● Video Walkthroughs (hello QR codes!)- Ditch those heavy instruction books. Most kits now pack scannable codes that take you straight to short videos, turning a messy setup into a quick, friendly chore.

● Step-by-Step Print Guides- Do Not sure where to start? From prepping artwork to peeling the first transfer, one clear page walks you through each move, so nothing gets missed.

● Access to Support Communities or Brand Chat- Still stuck? Nearly every bundle gives you a seat in an active forum or a line to live chat. From fixing a printer error to fine-tuning temps, real people are waiting to lend a hand.

In short, your starter kit doesn-t just bundle parts; it bundles confidence, turning a tough learning curve into a steady climb.

Premium Starter Kits May Include

When you treat yourself with a commercial DTF printer starter kit, you’ll quickly realise it gives far more than the minimum needed to get going. High-quality packages arrive loaded with useful extras that let you begin DTF printing right away, instead of wasting time searching for odds and ends.

● Blank T-shirts or Sample Fabrics – You will not spend half the day looking for test material. Most premium kits include fresh shirts or small fabric panels so you can roll out your designs the moment your t-shirt printer is set up.

● Test Prints and ICC Colour Profiles – Eliminate the usual colour guesswork. Supplied test sheets and ready-made ICC profiles guide you through fine-tuning, helping what shows on-screen match exactly what ends up on cloth.

● Preloaded Designs – Still building confidence with art software? Many bundles throw in a preloaded design of graphics you can try, learn from or even sell, letting you fulfil your first order without delay.

With these smart additions, you're not just starting—you're starting well-and that gives you the confidence to print beautifully from day one.

Watch Out—Some Things Aren’t Included

A brand-new DTF starter kit always feels like the beginning of something fun, but the truth is the box usually leaves a few essentials out. Before you dive into your first DTF print, check for these extras so nothing stops you once the kit arrives:

● Your Laptop or PC. The RIP software that drives the printer doesn’t run on its own. You need a PC or computer to install and operate it—so make sure you’ve got one.

● Ventilation Setup. Melting that powder, whether in an oven or under a press, gives off fumes you don’t want lingering. A fan, ducting, or open window will keep the air clean while you work.

● Heat Press. Some kits throw a small press into the package, while others assume you already have one. Either way, a good-quality press is the only way to cure the powder and lock the design onto fabric.

Knowing what’s missing prep you ahead of time, keeps frustration to a minimum and lets you build a smooth printing routine from the moment the box is unsealed.

Wrapping It All Up: What Makes a Kit Worth It

At the end of the day, a DTF starter kit is more than a list of gadgets sitting in a box; it is the base for everything you’re about to build on. So don;t get fooled by bundles that shout everything included and look deeper.

A truly useful kit arrives with real tech support, not some random WhatsApp contact that keeps you waiting three days for a reply. It includes solid, upgrade-able parts, so when your side hustle turns into an honest small business you do not find yourself starting all over.

And, of course, it should pack a printer built for DTF work, not a converted inkjet that clogs and clashes every other session.

So how can Procolored help you master the DTF-printing game?

With top-tier printers, easy-to-use kits, fast support, and upgrade-ready parts, Procolored DTF printer lets you move from eager weekend creator to rock-solid pro in record time. Whether you are just launching or already dreaming big, Procolored is designed to grow with you-one vivid print at a time.

Ready to turn that spark of creativity into an honest little business? Let Procolored be your printing partner.

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