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How to Find the Best DTF Printer for Beginners

by Jason Scott

As the premier provider of advanced commercial printing solutions, we’re here to help you choose the best DTF printers for your business. 

Recognizing that each user has unique requirements and preferences, we strive to be a reliable source for in-depth information and expert technical support, as well as cutting-edge digital printers, DTF printer parts, digital printing supplies, and maintenance solutions.

Direct-to-film (DTF) printers provide a low-cost solution to printing on a wide range of fabrics, making it a fantastic option for small and medium-sized businesses. However, with so many different varieties, choosing the right one can be challenging. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how to select the right DTF printer for beginners. Let’s get started!

A Brief Look at Other Printer Options

Two people looking at material swatches for a product

Creating custom designs for t-shirts, bags, hoodies, and more has never been so easy. DTF printing machines can print on a variety of fabrics, including dark and light textiles. That said, there are many other options that you can consider, each with its pros and cons.

DTG (Direct to Garment) Printers

Unlike a Direct to Film printer, a Direct to Garment printer prints designs directly onto a wide range of flat products, including t-shirts, bags, and more. The key differences between the two are versatility, affordability, and quality—all important factors whether you’re considering the best DTF printer for beginners or keeping your options open with a DTG, UV, or UV DTF printer.

DTF printers allow users to transfer their designs to a film, which is then heat-pressed onto a fabric. This process ensures versatility, as there’s no height limit, enabling you to print anything onto shoes, caps, hoodies, and any other textile you can think of. 

On the other hand, DTG printers directly transfer the designs onto the fabric. Due to this, they have a height restriction that limits the types of textiles they are compatible with. 

While the cost per print is higher than that of DTF printers, DTG printing machines produce better-quality prints and more durable designs.

UV & UV DTF Printers

In addition to considering a DTG or DTF printer for beginners, you may also want to look into getting a UV printer. You can use them to print designs on a variety of products, including phone cases, pens, USB dongles, CDs, and more. 

However, UV printing machines have a height restriction, which is why a UV DTF printer may be a better choice for those seeking greater versatility.

Which One Should You Choose?

Now that you know the different types of printing machines available, which one should you choose? Should you stick with a DTF printer or risk versatility and go for the DTG option? 

If you’re looking to print on a wide range of clothing products, including hoodies, jeans, and shoes, the best DTF printer for beginners is probably the best option. Their versatility makes them far superior to DTG.

However, if you have a small printing business that prints designs directly onto t-shirts, you may find that a DTG printer is the better choice.

How to Find the Best DTF Printers for Your Business

A man and woman packing products for a clothing company

The perfect printer for one business may not be the ideal choice for yours. That said, if you’re looking for the best DTF printers for sale, there are a few things that you should consider:

White Ink Circulation

A DTF printer for beginners should be user-friendly and have advanced features, such as white ink circulation. 

Certain colors, like white or silver, can lead to pigment sedimentation, resulting in a clogged ink supply. DTF printers with white ink circulation can prevent this from happening by constantly circulating these types of inks through the tubes and sub-tank. This ensures the consistent and reliable transfer of your designs onto fabric or clothing.

Heating Function

Since DTF printers print onto a PET film, they must properly cure the ink. Otherwise, the design won’t stick to the fabric. 

The best DTF printer for beginners should have a heating function that helps cure the ink, making it easy to transfer patterns, pictures, or images onto a piece of clothing.

Temperature Controller

Temperature control plays a crucial role in how the fabric looks after it goes through the printing and heating process. Some printers do not have this feature, which can adversely impact the quality of the goods. 

If you’re looking for the best DTF printer for beginners, make sure you choose one with a temperature controller feature. This will ensure consistent and accurate heat settings, resulting in better ink curing, color vibrancy, and design durability.

Final Thoughts on the Best DTF Printer for Beginners

Two women from a clothing company planning designs

The best DTF printers for your business will cater to you and your company’s unique needs. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to stick with an affordable, user-friendly option like the A4 L805, A3 R1390, or A3+ L805. However, those looking for something more advanced should opt for the A3 L1800, A3+ XP600, or A3 XP600 Dual Head.

We hope this guide is helpful as you navigate the road ahead. If you need a personalized recommendation, or if you ever require a little assistance with getting set up, troubleshooting, or anything else under the sun, get in touch! Buy a high-quality DTF printer for beginners at a competitive price. Shop DTF ULTRA!

FAQs on DTF Printers for Beginners

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Can I use an inkjet printer for DTF printing?

DTF printing involves transferring your designs onto a PET film before curing the ink and pressing it onto the fabric. If you plan to use an inkjet printer during this process, you may end up in a sticky situation. 

For DTF printing, you need a printing machine that can print with white ink and transfer your designs onto PET film. 

Most standardized printers mix cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to create different colors. They cannot print with white ink, as it could lead to clogging.

Is a DTF printer for beginners better than a DTG printer for beginners?

Whether or not a DTF printer is better than a DTG printing machine depends on what you want from your equipment. Are you planning to print on just T-shirts, or do you intend to transfer your designs onto all types of fabrics? 

A DTF printer lets you print on a PET film, which means that its applications are endless. You can transfer your designs onto t-shirts, socks, caps, jeans, and hoodies, among many other types of clothing. 

On the other hand, a DTG printer can only print directly on flat products, and it has a height limit. However, its printing quality is superior to that of DTF printers.

What do I need to start DTF printing?

If you’re looking for the best DTF printer for beginners, you must invest in additional equipment to help transfer your designs to the clothing. Remember, this type of printing machine does not print directly onto the fabric. 

Here are the things that you need to start DTF printing: 

  • A DTF printer
  • PET films
  • Software for editing and printing designs
  • DTF ink
  • Hot-melt adhesive powder
  • Automatic powder shaker machine or curing oven
  • Heat-press machine

What is the process of DTF printing?

Here are the steps involved in the process of DTF printing: 

  • Invest in all of the equipment required for DTF printing—you’ll need a DTF printer for beginners and the accessories listed above.
  • Prepare your design on your computer using user-friendly software. 
  • Load the PET film into the DTF printer and print your design. 
  • Cover the printed film in hot-melt adhesive powder and shake to remove excess. 
  • Place the piece of clothing onto the heat-press machine and align the printed PET film accordingly.
  • Heat press the film and apply pressure for the recommended time. 
  • Remove the garment, peel off the film, and marvel at your creation!

As always, we’re happy to provide expert technical support if you run into any questions or issues along the way.

About the Author

Jason Scott is a seasoned expert in diverse printing technologies, including Direct-to-Film (DTF), Direct-to-Garment (DTG), UV, and UV DTF printing. His extensive knowledge spans each method’s unique applications and technical details, making him a trusted authority in the field. Jason’s guidance helps businesses and creatives navigate modern printing techniques, from selecting the right equipment to mastering precise application methods. Committed to sharing insights on high-quality, durable printing solutions, he empowers users to achieve professional-grade results across various printing projects with ease and expertise.