DTF printers can print on almost any fabric, which is one of their biggest advantages. Common materials include:
• Cotton, polyester, and cotton-poly blends
• T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and jerseys
• Tote bags, caps, and other fabric accessories
• Nylon, denim, canvas, and spandex

Unlike some other methods, DTF transfers require no pretreatment, and the same workflow works on both light and dark fabrics. For the best adhesion and wash durability, match your heat press time and temperature to each fabric type.

The main difference is that DTG prints ink directly onto the garment, while DTF prints onto a film that is then transferred using adhesive powder and a heat press.

This creates a few practical differences:

• Materials: DTG works best on 100% cotton; DTF works on cotton, polyester, blends, and more
• Pretreatment: DTG requires pretreating each garment; DTF does not
• Workflow: DTF transfers can be printed in advance and pressed later
• Durability: both hold up well, with DTF often performing better on blended fabrics

In short, DTG suits cotton-focused shops, while DTF offers broader material versatility.

DTF printer prices vary by print size, production speed, printhead configuration and included equipment. Printer-only models generally have a lower upfront cost, while packages with a curing oven or complete bundle provide more of the equipment needed to start production. Check the product listings above for current prices and included accessories.

DTF printing uses three main consumables, plus a curing and pressing setup:

• DTF transfer film — PET film that the design is printed onto
• Adhesive (hot-melt) powder — bonds the printed design to the fabric
• DTF inks — CMYK plus white ink, matched to your printer model

You'll also need a heat press, and ideally a curing oven for higher volumes. For consistent results, always use film, powder, and inks that are compatible with your specific DTF printer model.

The right DTF printer depends mainly on your production volume and business stage. Procolored's DTF lineup is designed as a step-by-step upgrade path:

• K13 / K13 Lite — best for beginners and home studios. Our most affordable entry point. Compact enough for small workspaces and easy to operate, it's ideal for testing the custom apparel market with low-volume, low-risk production.
• P13 — best for growing online stores. Procolored's best-selling model, balancing price and performance. A reliable choice once your orders are steady and you need consistent medium-volume output.
• For high-volume production — Procolored's commercial-grade DTF printers use dual printheads (separate white and color heads) for significantly faster output, and pair with an automatic shaker oven to form a compact production line, made for established shops handling peak-season demand.

You can also compare full specs side by side on our Compare Page.

Yes — DTF printing is one of the most beginner-friendly custom printing methods. It needs no garment pretreatment and works across many fabrics, which keeps the learning curve manageable.

To get good results from the start, beginners should focus on:

• Learning the basics of RIP software
• Getting heat press time and temperature right
• Applying adhesive powder evenly

With follow-along tutorials and a little practice, most beginners produce sellable prints within their first few sessions.

Good maintenance keeps a DTF printer running reliably and prevents its most common issue — clogged printheads caused by white ink settling. A simple routine covers most needs:

• Run daily nozzle checks before printing
• Clean printheads and capping stations regularly
• Agitate white ink and keep it fresh to prevent sedimentation
• Purge ink lines as recommended in your printer's manual

White ink needs the most attention because it settles faster than other inks. Procolored DTF printers feature a patented anti-clog Siphon Circulation system that keeps white ink moving, reducing clog risk and routine downtime.