What is the Best Printer for DTF Transfers? Top 5 Options for Small Businesses

If you own a small business that is planning to offer DTF transfers, choosing the best printer for DTF transfers is one of the most important tasks. In fact, not every printer can handle producing DTF transfers and the wrong pick might leave you with poor prints, or even worse – wasted supplies. 

However, you don’t need to worry since there are machines out there that can fit your DTF transfer needs. In this blog, CustomAny will show the features that make a printer suitable for making DTF transfers. You will have a closer look at 5 great options to consider — each with their own strengths to help you decide what’s best for your business setup. Keep reading to find out!

What Makes a Printer Suitable for DTF Transfers?

The best printer for DTF transfers is one that can handle DTF printing properly and give you clean, lasting results. Not only ensuring the result, it also helps you manage costs and keep up with customer orders without headaches. 

So, here are 7 features you will need to look for:

• DTF ink compatibility: DTF transfers are made using a special ink type – DTF ink. This ink type needs specific printheads to flow smoothly. Thus, your printer needs to be compatible with DTF ink and uses a suitable type of printhead.
• White ink support: White ink is used as the base for colored inks. It is a must to ensure bold, vibrant prints. Not every printer can handle white ink, so white ink support is an important feature for a full-color DTF transfers printer.
• PET film compatibility: DTF printing prints on PET films, so your printer has to handle this special film type without smudging or jamming.
• High print resolution: The best printer for DTF transfers should deliver at least 1440 DPI to produce sharp details and crisp text.
• Wide color gamut: When it comes to vibrant, true-to-design DTF transfers, a printer with wide color gamut can reproduce more shades and tones.
• RIP software support: Good RIP software helps manage white ink layers, ink limits, and color profiles. It’s essential for getting consistent, accurate colors.
• Print Size: DTF transfers can be any size, so make sure your printer can handle the sizes you plan to sell or use — from small logos to large designs.

These key points are the basic standard for you to choose the best printer for DTF transfers.

What is the Best Printer for DTF Transfers? 

To help you when picking the best printer for DTF transfers, we’ve rounded up a list of reliable printers that work well for small businesses.

1. Dedicated DTF Printers

Dedicated DTF printers are the first option that should come to mind when you are searching for the best printer for DTF transfers. These machines are specifically built for direct-to-film printing, fulfilling the unique requirements of DTF production.

Specifically, dedicated DTF printers can manage both regular and white ink effectively. Most dedicated models also come with built-in RIP software for color management and layout adjustments.

Common features of dedicated DTF printers are:

• White ink circulation and filtration systems
• Compatible with PET film rolls or sheets
• Reliable ink management and adjustable settings
• Built-in RIP software for professional control

Pros of dedicated DTF printers:

• Consistent, high-quality print results
• Reliable for frequent, large-volume printing
• Supports white ink without extra modifications

However, they also have some cons, like:

• Higher upfront investment compared to converted printers
• Requires a learning curve for RIP software and maintenance

If you’re looking for the best printer for DTF transfers to grow a serious printing business, dedicated DTF printers are built to handle the job without constant troubleshooting. These printers are best for small businesses and professional shops that prioritize top-quality results, those that need speed to produce large volume, those with steady DTF orders.

Some brands for DTF printers on the market that you should consider include Prestige A3+, KingJet DTF,…

2. Converted Inkjet Printers

If you’re working with a tighter budget, converted inkjet printers are an option worth considering for the best printer for DTF transfers.

Original inkjet printers cannot handle DTF inks, so by adding a DTF conversion kit, replacing the ink with DTF-compatible options, we have converted inkjet printers. Also using RIP software, these converted machines can produce quality DTF transfers just like a dedicated DTF printer.

Popular inkjet printer models for conversion include:

• Epson L1800
• Epson XP-15000
• Epson ET-15000

These printers are known for their reliable print quality and availability, which makes them a practical choice for small businesses testing the waters with DTF.

Benefits of using converted inkjet printers:

• More affordable than dedicated DTF printers
• Delivers good-quality prints for small-scale orders
• Easier to find and source parts

There are some hardships you should know:

• They require a conversion kit and RIP software setup
• There are no manufacturer warranty after modification
• They need more frequent maintenance

Converted inkjet printers are suitable for startups, hobbyists, or small businesses printing in low to medium volumes without a huge upfront investment.

If your small business is testing DTF services or handling occasional custom orders, this might be the best printer for DTF transfers to begin with. While it won’t match the speed or durability of a pro-grade machine, it’s a cost-friendly way to get solid, marketable results.

3. Some Incompatible Printers

As we’ve discussed earlier, not every printer can handle DTF printing, so it’s wise to know which ones to avoid when searching for the best printer for DTF transfers.

Printers you should skip include:

• Laser printers: These use toner instead of ink, making them completely incompatible with DTF powders and PET film.
• Most standard inkjet printers: While they use ink, they typically lack a white ink channel and aren’t built to handle DTF inks or PET film sheets. Even if you manage to load the film, print quality and durability won’t meet proper transfer standards.

If you’re finding the best printer for DTF transfers, it’s best to avoid these options. 

Pro Tips for First-Time DTF Printer Buyers

Knowing that choosing the best printer for DTF transfers for newbies in DTF printing can feel a little overwhelming, we’ve listed some tips that can help you in choosing and using one:

Test first

It’s best to run small test prints before buying a printer for DTF transfers, or before making a large batch. It’s a great way to know with your printer’s settings, ink behavior, and how your designs look on PET film.

Choose your inks wisely

DTF inks may affect the printing process and the longevity of your printer. You should buy from trusted DTF ink brands or reliable third-party options you’ve tested.

Weekly maintenance matters

Clean your print heads at least once a week to keep the colors of your DTF transfers sharp. This maintenance also prevents clogs that can ruin your transfers.

Plan for extra costs

Keep in mind that buying the best printer for DTF transfers isn’t your only expense. You’ll also need:

• DTF inks
• PET film sheets
• Cleaning supplies
• Occasional maintenance and replacement parts

Factor these into your budget so you can make a wise decision when looking for the best printer for DTF transfers.

Last words

Finding the best printer for DTF transfers is one of the most important choices you’ll make when starting or growing your custom DTF printing. By considering the pros, cons of different types of printers available, as well as discovering all setups work best for small businesses, we hope that you can pick up the most helpful printers to fulfill your DTF transfer production.

To explore more of the DTF printing field, be sure to check out the other blog posts on our blog page. You’ll find helpful guides and practical tips on designing, producing, and applying DTF transfers.