what is the best dtf printer for small business

What Is the Best DTF Printer for Small Business？

Start printing better, faster, and smarter with our latest small business DTF printer

Written by Procolored - Published on Feb 18, 2025

7 minutes read

Written by Procolored - Published on Apr, 10, 2025

If you’re launching a home-based apparel business or looking to upgrade your current printing setup, choosing the right DTF printer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Procolored, we understand the unique challenges small businesses face—tight space, limited budgets, and the need for reliable performance from day one.

That’s exactly why we created the Procolored P13, a compact, high-performance direct to film transfer printer designed specifically for entrepreneurs looking to scale their business. No matter if you’re printing your first T-shirt or fulfilling weekly bulk orders, our P13 delivers vibrant, long-lasting prints with minimal maintenance and maximum profit potential.

Now, let’s take a closer look at why DTF printing is a smart choice for small businesses, what to look for in 2025, and how the right printer can help you print better and smarter—right from your home workspace.

Why DTF Printing Works for Small Businesses?

Direct to Film (DTF) printing has become one of the most accessible and versatile print methods for small businesses. Compared to traditional screen printing or DTG, DTF requires less space, skips pretreatment, and works with a wide variety of fabrics—from cotton to polyester and blends.

DTF vs DTG Printing: Cost & Space Comparison

Method

DTF(P13)

DTG

Startup Cost

$3499+

$10,000+

Space Needed

2 m²

5 m²

Best For

Home businesses

Large studios

With a direct to film heat transfer printer, you simply print your design onto transfer film, apply powder adhesive, and press it onto the garment using a heat press. The result? Crisp, high-quality prints that are durable and flexible—ideal for T-shirts, hoodies, bags, and more.

Meet the P13—Built for Small Business Success

Smart Design for Home Setups

At Procolored, P13 was developed with small spaces in mind. Its compact build, quiet operation, and modern wood-grain finish make it perfect for a home studio. Plus, it connects easily to both Windows and Mac systems, giving you flexibility from the start.

High-Quality Prints, Less Hassle

With a print resolution of 720×1440 DPI and a 6-channel printhead, the P13 produces vibrant, detailed prints while using both CMYK and white ink efficiently. A 4.5pL ink drop size helps boost color density and reduces the chance of clogging—so you spend more time printing and less time troubleshooting.

Title

Efficient, Cost-Saving Operation

P13 offers a range of efficient and hassle-free features for low-maintenance use. It comes with an ink-saving nozzle cleaning system, adjustable 12/24/36-hour automatic cleaning timers, and a smart waste ink alarm for easy operation.

Less Noise

Worried about the noise at home? Don't worry, Procolored P13 not whisper-silent, it sounds softer. We line cable chains with sound-absorbing foam. 50% quieter than industrial DTF printers.

3 Cleaning Modes

Dedicate to reduce the risk of printhead clogging, we new upgrade the new features of three modes (12/24/36h) automatic cleaning system, reduce ink waste by 58%, it balances efficiency and cost savings.

Smart Waste Ink Alarm

Gentle alert was built-in before the waste ink spills threaten your floors. No more midnight cleanup surprises and keep your work table mess-free.

Ink-saving nozzle cleaning, an automatic cleaning system (with 12/24/36-hour timers), and a smart waste ink alarm make the P13 low-maintenance and mess-free. Each A4 print takes just around 7 minutes, and you can produce up to 200+ prints per week (work for 5-hours per day)—ideal for small-batch production.

P13 - The Real Business Potential

The numbers speak for themselves!

This makes the P13 printer a serious business tool for those looking to scale and keep costs low.

Why We Recommend the P13 for Small Business Owners

Between the ease of setup to consistent daily output, the Procolored P13 checks all the boxes for small apparel brands or solo entrepreneurs. It’s reliable, affordable, and thoughtfully designed to support your business as it scales—from a few weekly orders to steady production. With professional print quality, low maintenance requirements, and a compact, home-friendly design, P13 gives you the freedom to focus less on troubleshooting and more on growing your brand.

Impressed with the Reliability and Quality of Procolored's Printer

I've had this printer for 42 days, and I'm impressed! Despite hearing of DTF issues, this printer works flawlessly, with no clogs even without daily use. The print quality is amazing, and it's reliable. Though not the fastest, it's worth it. Procolored, thank you for an excellent printer. My small business appreciates it! Can't wait for more products from you. So far, so good.

Procolored's Excellent Support: Back to Printing with Great Results

Procolored got me back up and running with great prints and colors after repairs. The tech team, especially P-Yu and Gary, are dedicated and patient, even if it takes all day. I recommend Procolored for beginners in DTF. Go Procolored, keep up the great work!

Exceptional Support and Impressive Results with the DTF Procolored Machine

I discovered the DTF Procolored machine a few months ago and I'm delighted with the results. After a minor issue with the film not advancing, the exceptional customer service team resolved it remotely and reconfigured everything for optimal print quality. Now, everything is fully operational. Highly satisfied! 😍❤

Ready to Take the Next Step?

What sets the P13 apart is its ease of use and intuitive interface. You don’t need to be a tech expert to get started. If you’re ready to turn your creativity into a thriving business, At Procolored, P13 is the DTF printer made for you. Take that first step today and watch your creative vision come to life!

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