What Kind of Printer Do I Need for DTF Transfer?

Written by Procolored - Published on Feb 6, 2025

9 minutes read

12 minutes read

Written by Procolored - Published on June 23, 2025

Table of Contents

1. Key Printer Requirements for DTF Printing

A. Compatibility Of Ink

B. Technology of Printhead

C. Media Handling

2. Types of Printers Used for DTF

A. Converted Desktop Inkjet Printers

B. Dedicated DTF Printers (Commercial-Grade)

C. Roll-to-Roll DTF Printers

3. What Else Do You Need? Essential DTF Equipment Beyond the Printer

A. RIP Software (Raster Image Processor)

B. Powder Shaker & Curing Oven

C. Heat Press Machine

4. Ink & Film Essentials: What Makes or Breaks Your DTF Print?

A. DTF Inks: The Color Power Behind Every Print

B. PET Films: Your Design’s Transfer Ticket

5. Love Your Printer: Essential DTF Maintenance Requirements

✔️ Daily Maintenance Routine

✔️ Ink Circulation System

✔️ Humidity and Dust Control

6. Common Pitfalls When Choosing a DTF Printer

❌ Buying A Non-Convertible Printer

❌ Underestimating Maintenance Needs

❌ Skimping on Software or Consumables

❌ Overlooking Speed and Scalability Needs

7. DTF Printer Recommendations Based on Use Case

✔️ Expert Hobbyists & Enthusiastic Beginners

✔️ Busy Creators & Growing Brands

✔️ Print Shops & High Volume Hustlers

8. Final Verdict: What to Prioritize in a DTF Printer?

9. Conclusion

Title

It’s a known fact that DTF transfer printers have one of the best, most versatile finishes that pops on everything from cotton tees to tricky blends. Truly, it stands out amongst all the other options out there because of how powerful of a process it is.

And unlike screen printing or sublimation, it doesn’t throw a fit when you try printing on dark fabrics or stretchy materials. Yep, it’s that versatile.

However, there is one catch. Despite being super fabric-friendly, they are still limited by one factor; YOUR PRINTER. The truth is not every printer is designed for DTF, and choosing the wrong one can leave you with wasted ink, clogged heads, and prints that fall apart.

So, whether you’re a hobbyist ready to level up or a small business looking to scale, knowing what type of printer you require for DTF is the key to unlocking flawless, professional results.

Now let's break this down.

Key Printer Requirements for DTF Printing

When it comes to DTF printing, not all printers can get the job done as required. If you want perfect transfers, bold colors and clean lines on the prints, you’ve got to make sure your DTF printer ticks a few important boxes.

Here are key pointers which one should always use as a measure.

A. Compatibility Of Ink

Every DTF printer runs with special pigment ink called DTF ink— designed to bond with adhesive powder and transfer smoothly onto fabric for the best results. This ink requires a specific type of printer that uses CMYK + White ink system. Without the white ink, prints will look dull or uneven, especially for anything other than white.

B. Technology of Printhead

Printheads are the most important part of the printers and for DTF printers, not any will work. For DTF, Micro Piezo print heads like the Epson DX5 or Procolored Printhead are the choices. This is because they offer precise droplet control and high resolution, delivering sharp images and supporting thicker, pigment-rich DTF inks. In short, a better printhead means better results.

C. Media Handling

For DTF printing, PET coated sheet film or rolls are utilized and your printer needs to be able to handle this DTF film smoothly—no jams, no skewing. Even for moderately sized print jobs, your DTF printer should ensure positive, uniform and steady feeds without excessive slack. If your media handling system is poorly designed, even the best artwork can be misaligned or wasted before reaching the press.

Types of Printers Used for DTF

Choosing the right printer for DTF printing isn’t just about specs—it’s about setting yourself up for success. Your choice of DTF transfer printer impacts the workflow, quality of prints, and the available effort for scaling.

Whether you’re just testing the waters or are diving into full scale production, there’s a printer out there that fits your needs. Most DTF printers can be divided into three categories based on their feature sets. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

A. Converted Desktop Inkjet Printers

For those on a limited budget wishing to start their DTF journey, converted inkjet printers are one of the popular entry options. They can be frequently used at DIY DTF printer shops and includes such models as Epson L1800, XP-15000, or Epson 1430.

✅ Pros: They are cost-effective, which is great for small businesses or hobbyists that are just trying out DTF. You can achieve great results while making a minimal investment.

⚠️ Cons: Although they’re now adaptable to DTF, DTF printers face numerous compromises like reduced print speed, increased possibility of clogging, and voided warranty after modification. This also lacks white ink circulation feature that means frequent overall maintenance.

B. Dedicated DTF Printers (Commercial-Grade)

Commercial DTF printers are suited to small growing businesses needing intense focus on productivity as they spend less time waiting and dealing with machine interference. Prestige, Procolored, Audley, and Hoson, all are specialized design machines for DTF.

✅ Pros: These printers possess enhanced performance features such as dual printheads, increased output speed, and white ink circulation systems. These printers are tailored for more mid-scale productions and consistently deliver top-notch outcomes.

⚠️ Cons: The primary downside is their price and technical complexity. For small budget setups, this might be overwhelming–not just with costs but also the maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.

C. Roll-to-Roll DTF Printers

These printers are ideal if you fully run a production shop or have plans to bulk print daily —super powerhouses for the job. Each machine comes standardized with automated powder shakers and curing ovens thus high-volume printing is achieved along with seamless workflows.

One prime example is our Procolored Powder Shaking and Drying All-In-One Machine that takes the manual hassle out of the equation and guarantees consistent results, minimum labor and faster turnaround times.

✅ Pro: Increases production efficiency while maintaining consistent quality.

⚠️ Cons: Higher upfront cost compared to manual setups.

What Else Do You Need? Essential DTF Equipment Beyond the Printer

A dependable printer is really just the start in DTF printing. Several backstage helpers step in next and make the real magic happen. Think of them as the crew no one sees but everyone depends on.

A. RIP Software (Raster Image Processor)

RIP-software acts as the printer's translator ; it actually tells the printer how to print and calls for precise white layers plus color stacking.

Popular options: AcroRip, Cadlink, and DigitRIP

✅ Why it matters? Without RIP software, your print might look dull and off, and the white layer might not show up at all.

B. Powder Shaker & Curing Oven

After you’re done transfering the print onto film, you need to sprinkle some glue-like powder and melt it so that it sticks in properly.

Your Options:

– Manual: You can sprinkle by hand and use a small oven or heat gun

– Automatic: Use machines that do the shaking and heating for you, especially for big jobs.

✅ Why It Matters: If done incorrectly, your designs chips away like dried paint after a couple of laundries.

C. Heat Press Machine

Heat-press machines steal a little spotlight by smashing film and fabric together with searing pressure.

What To Watch For:

– Adjustable temperature

– Even pressure and heating

✅ Why It Matters: A quality press means your transfer adheres evenly, holds up through the laundry, and doesn't flake or fade after the first few runs.

Ink & Film Essentials: What Makes or Breaks Your DTF Print?

Even a top-notch printer won't save the job if the ink and film are second-rate. These two ingredients decide whether the graphic looks lively or lifeless. Color depth, adhesion, and the durability of the prints all trace back to these essentials. Paying attention here is the shortcut to professional-looking transfers every time.

A. DTF Inks: The Color Power Behind Every Print

DTF inks are especially formulated; they're water-based pigments that include a white-opacity layer that kicks brightness into the fabric. It allows colors to stay bold and bright, especially on dark garments. However, these inks aren’t universal.

✅ Important Tip:

They’re designed to work only with certain types of printheads, such as Epson’s Micro Piezo heads. Using the wrong ink in an incompatible printer can lead to serious issues like clogging or permanent damage.

B. PET Films: Your Design’s Transfer Ticket

DTF printing works on PET Films (Polyethylene Terephthalate Films) and not with any transparency sheets. These come in different features and you need to look for Hot peel and Cold peel types.

● Hot peel films allow you to remove the film right after pressing, which speeds up your workflow—but requires precise timing.

● Cold peel films need to cool down before peeling, but they often provide a smoother finish, especially on detailed designs.

You’ll also want to look for Anti-static and high-adhesion films, especially if you’re working with intricate artwork.

● Anti Static keeps the powder layer even and trouble-free, especially under finicky designs.

● While High-adhesion coating ensures better ink transfer and strong bonding to the fabric.

✅ Pro Tip:

Always match your film type with your workflow—if you're in a rush, hot peel saves time. For high-detail or sensitive fabrics, cold peel may give you better results.

Love Your Printer: Essential DTF Maintenance Requirements

DTF printing provides great results, but only if your printer is well maintained. Since the process uses thick, pigment-rich inks, especially white ink, routine maintenance is a must. Otherwise, you can expect clogged print heads, degraded print quality, and unnecessary downtime. To avoid any issues, be sure to follow these steps:

✔️ Daily Maintenance Routine

White ink has a reputation for settling and drying very quickly; therefore, daily cleaning is a requirement. Even if you aren’t printing daily, a simple wipe down of the capping station, printhead, and wiper blade will prevent costly clogs and maintain color accuracy.

✔️ Ink Circulation System

Automatic ink circulation, particularly for white ink, is a common feature on newer commercial DTF printers. This constant movement minimizes the chance of white pigment settling inside the ink lines, reducing the chances of clogging and extending the life of your printheads. If the printer does not have the built-in feature, manual stirring, or third-party systems may be required.

✔️ Humidity and Dust Control

The environment has a significant impact on printing. Low levels of humidity can result in ink drying too fast, which results in clogs; while dust can rest on the film and cause problems in the final transfer. Keeping your workspace clean and ensuring humidity levels in the ideal range of 45 - 60% greatly enhances results in terms of smooth operations and achievable outcomes.

Common Pitfalls When Choosing a DTF Printer

Jumping into DTF printing is exciting, but the thrill is only short-lived if you do not pay attention to specific details while selecting the printer. Before you buy, watch out for these common mistakes that many beginners have made.

❌ Buying A Non-Convertible Printer

You cannot convert all inkjet printers to DTF compatible. Buying any random model can lead to either no results or you could end up stacking a non functioning printer. Or worse, if you resort to compulsive modifying, it will break the moment you touch it. So, always ensure DTF films and ink compatibility is available with your model before you make any purchase.

❌ Underestimating Maintenance Needs

DTF printing certainly isn’t a “set it and forget it” operation. White ink, in particular, needs regular cleaning and circulation to avoid clogs. Even the best DTF printer can become a nightmare if you don’t follow daily maintenance routines. Be honest with yourself regarding the time and effort you are able to put into upkeep.

❌ Skimping on Software or Consumables

Your printer is only one part of the equation. If you use low-quality PET film, ink, or adhesive powder, all the prints will be subpar–no matter how good your printer is. And do not forget RIP software that executes the printing order, as it sets the colors, prints them, and calibrates the paper. Cheap or free alternatives usually lack precision and fail to optimize prints.

❌ Overlooking Speed and Scalability Needs

A small converted desktop printer might be perfect now if you have small volume orders to fulfill, but what about when orders start rolling in at rates faster than you can print? A lot of users expand their starter setup too quickly. If you do plan to scale, think about going commercial-grade or roll-to-roll, and more importantly, choose a system that will be able to grow with you.

DTF Printer Recommendations Based on Use Case

As with anything in life, choosing the best DTF printer depends on your requirements. Whether you're a weekend creative, a growing side hustle or running a full-blown print shop for a living – here’s a tailored guide to help you pick your match.

✔️ Expert Hobbyists & Enthusiastic Beginners

Are you a beginner exploring DTF printers as your creative tool? A good recommendation, in this case, is the Epson L805 or L1800. These reliable models do not break the bank, and can help you test out numerous designs on shirts, hoodie, or even a tote bag without any huge investment upfront.

Recommended Tool: Epson L805 / L1800 (Converted)

❤Why you'll love it: Low-cost, easy to convert, ideal for light custom orders or passion projects.

✔️ Busy Creators & Growing Brands

If you're absolutely flooded with orders, and you now find that your evenings are filled with packing tape and heat presses, there's no denying that you're going to need an upgrade. The Procolored DTF printer offers higher reliability with smoother white ink flow, making it easier for you to scale your business.

Recommended Tool: Procolored F8 Panda

Why you'll love it: Commercial features without the intimidating size—perfect balance for scaling smart.

✔️ Print Shops & High Volume Hustlers

When you're printing non-stop and time sensitivity is super critical, a 60cm roll to roll DTF printer from Procolored is a perfect powerhouse– especially with the integrated powder shaker and curing oven. It’s designed for efficiency, reliability, and growth previously thought impossible.

Recommended Tool: Procolored F13 PRO

Why you'll love it: Hands-free workflow, industrial speed, and consistency that pays for itself fast.

Final Verdict: What to Prioritize in a DTF Printer?

Feature

Why It Matters

Best Options

Piezo Printhead

Handles pigment inks, lasts longer

Epson EcoTank, WorkForce

CMYK + White Ink

Essential for dark fabrics

Procolored DTF Printers

1200+ DPI

Sharp details, no pixelation

Epson ET-15000, DTF-600

Reliable Film Feed

Prevents misprints

Roll-fed industrial printers

Conclusion

Choosing the right DTF printer comes down to matching your budget and goals: Beginners just testing the market may start with an Epson EcoTank ET-2720, whereas more established operations can go for dedicated DTF machines or Procolored F13 Pro for high-volume production. The best DTF printer is not necessarily the most expensive—it’s the one that fits your current needs and offers growth potential.

Therefore, begin from where you are, learn the basics through DTF communities and ongoing learning, and then scale up as demand increases.

Are you ready to start on your DTF path? Get our printer comparison chart, join our community for real-world tips, schedule a consultation for custom business planning or explore our starter kits that include everything needed for your first successful prints.

Happy Printing!