Table of Contents
A. What Is Sublimation Printing?
B.What Is DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing?
❌ Why It’s a Bad Idea
A. Ink Chemistry Clash
B. Print Head Pressure Problems
C. No White Ink = No Game-Changer Prints
D. Media Mismatch Madness
E. Goodbye Warranty, Hello Repair Bills
✅ Why Procolored DTF Printers Make Sense for B2C Users
⭐ Featured Picks: Procolored L805 & L1800 DTF Printers
1. What is DTG and What is DTF
1. What is DTG and What is DTF
You’re mastering your sublimation printer—-producing sharp images on mugs, keychains, and polyester t-shirts. Your business is picking up, your customer just loves the result…. but then it hits you.
“What If I could print on a cotton t-shirt? Or those trendy black hoodies? Or even on that denim tote that everyone is so obsessed with?"
Like many creators looking to expand their product line, you might stumble across a tempting shortcut: “Can I use DTF ink in my sublimation printer”?
While these techniques for printing might appear like a clever hack without putting on money on separate gear, here's the truth– using DTF ink in a sublimation printer is strongly discouraged.
Why? because the application of ink, the way it is processed, and the materials it is designed for are entirely different in essence.
If the wrong printer is used, you could end up with clogged nozzles, substandard prints, or total malfunction. Not exactly the kind of “Upgrade” any brand would want when building and reinforcing their image.
But, here’s the positive side? You do not have to put your equipment at risk in order to improve your printing techniques.
✅ Procolored DTF printers are tailored to the needs of users who wish to print onto cotton, dark materials, denim, canvas and so many more fabric types — always ensuring high quality and durability.
In this guide, we'll explain why you shouldn’t use DTF ink in sublimation printers, and why going with the right tools from the start — like Procolored’s DTF line — will save you time, money, and frustration.
Understanding the Basics of Sublimation vs. DTF Printing
Before you dive into the printing territory, it’s essential to know what you’re really working with. Sublimation and DTF printing both appear to use a similar technique involving ink, heat, and a transfer method. However, they are far apart in practice.
Let’s simplify it for better understanding ��
A. What Is Sublimation Printing?
Think of sublimation like a tattoo for polyester. Special sublimation ink is used, which turns into gas when heated, thus integrating itself deep into the fabric fibers.
Here’s How It Works:
● Make a design digitally and print it using sublimation ink.
● Print on sublimation paper and transfer it onto polyester-based material.
● Heat press it to ensure permanent bonding.
Best For:
✔ Light color polyester shirts.
✔ Mugs and tumblers designed for sublimation.
✔ Aluminum photo panels.
✔ Coated blank puzzle boards.
Where It Does Not Succeed:
❌ 100% cotton fabrics? Not at all.
❌ Dark-colored fabrics? Nope.
Options are limited because with sublimation ink, you can only bond it on polyester—dark surfaces are not suitable as they do not show up well.
B. What Is DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing?
DTF printing is more like the rebellious cousin of sublimation. Unlike sublimation which uses white or polyester garments, DTF machine allows printing on a broader range of materials such as white or colored cotton, blends, dark fabrics, denim and more.
This Is How Dtf Works:
● Creating your design and printing it on a PET film sheet using DTF pigment ink including white ink.
● Sprinkling hot-melt adhesive powder over the wet DTF ink.
● Heating it so it becomes a ready-to-press transfer.
● Finally super-heating it pressed onto your fabric, revealing a bold, durable design.
To achieve that, you’ll need:
✅ DTF ink (CMYK + White)
✅ PET film.
✅ Adhesive powder.
✅ Heat press.
Perfect for:
✔ Cotton shirts
✔ Black hoodies
✔ Canvas tote bags
✔ Polyester, tri-blends, and even leather.
Why people love it:
● Works on light and dark fabrics.
● No pretreatment is needed.
● Soft finish with a strong durability.
● A huge variety of products to sell.
Can You Use DTF Ink in a Sublimation Printer?
❌ Why It’s a Bad Idea
At first glance, changing sublimation ink for DTF ink seems like a quick fix to increase what you print. In reality, the two processes are very different technologies, and interchanging them will do more harm than good.
Let’s consider the differences why this shortcut can backfire— from ink chemistry to equipment integration and much more:
A. Ink Chemistry Clash
Sublimation ink and DTF ink are completely different formulas.
● Sublimation ink is dye-based — it turns into gas when heated and bonds with polyester.
● DTF ink is pigment-based — it’s thicker, does not vaporize and requires adhesive powder to stick to fabric.
If you put DTF ink into a printer designed for sublimation ink, you are trying to make it process a DTF ink which it wasn’t designed for. Hence, the outcome would be:
Color fading, clogged nozzles, and poor transfer quality
B. Print Head Pressure Problems
DTF ink isn't just thicker, it requires constant circulation and pressurized systems to stay flowing. Therefore, DTF printers are equipped with white ink stirring systems and auto-flush cleaning systems to meet these demands.
Sublimation printers, especially the well-known Epson EcoTank models, do not accommodate such an infrastructure.
➡ What happens? Ink collects in certain areas and nozzles can become blocked. Printer internal parts become damaged and your device becomes a disaster.
C. No White Ink = No Game-Changer Prints
DTF printing has its fans because of one thing: it can print onto black and dark garments using white ink as a base.
But there’s a catch:
White ink is unsupported by sublimation printers.
Since sublimation printers only operate on a CMYK configuration, you can't print white underbase even if pigment ink were to be loaded onto the machine.
Hence:
❌ No bright designs on dark fabrics
❌ No full color prints on cotton
❌ No transfers of professional quality
D. Media Mismatch Madness
Sublimation printers use special sublimation paper designed to hold ink only for a short time until a heat converts it to a gas.
DTF printing uses PET film. PET film is a non-absorbent, slick, smooth surface requiring precise ink handling.
Put sublimation printers to the test with PET film and expect:
● Smudged designs
● Ink sliding off the film
● Feed rollers getting jammed or damaged
Everything loses efficiency and becomes expensive.
E. Goodbye Warranty, Hello Repair Bills
Let’s be blunt:
Loading DTF ink into a sublimation printer voids the warranty right off the bat. Damage from incompatible or third-party inks is not covered by manufacturers.
And what if something breaks (which there is a good chance of happening)?
You’d be responsible for the repair costs, and often repairs are pricier than the printer.
If You Want to Do DTF Printing — Go with the Right Tools
If you’re focused on expanding your product offering beyond polyester and lightweight textiles, then it’s high time you stopped forcing your sublimation printer into performing work it was never intended for — and shift to using proper tools designed for specific tasks.
This is where Procolored DTF Printers step in.
These machines were created specifically for DTF printing, which means they are more than compatible; they are optimized. Every detail from ink delivery systems to curing processes is streamlined to provide effortless operation, rich colors, and durability on a variety of materials.
✅ Why Procolored DTF Printers Make Sense for B2C Users
Procolored DTF printers serve a great purpose for creators running an Etsy shop, event merchandise stores, or even those starting their clothing lines. These gears are the best example of power and efficiency for the reasons below.
DTF-Ready Ink System
Designed specifically to process DTF pigment ink (including white ink) without clogs and mess, at the right pressure, flow, and agitation.
Built-In White Ink Circulation & Cleaning
Keep white inks in constant motion to eliminate stagnant areas where clumping could occur, ensuring pristine coverage and clean nozzles over time.
PET Film Compatibility + Powder Workflow Support
This feature completes the DTF process where it allows printing on film, applying hot-melt powder, curing, and pressing to a done state.
Included RIP Software for Professionals
Come packed with RIP Software to control the management of white underbase, color layering, and layout. This provides complete creative freedom and professional results.
Compact Models That Save Space
Ideal for small spaces such as bedrooms, home offices, or studios. There is no need for large and cumbersome setups as printers do not occupy much space.
Affordable and Easier to Scale
Offer professional output without the industrial price tags. These are ideal for creators that are looking to enhance their branding and take it to the next level.
⭐ Featured Picks: Procolored L805 & L1800 DTF Printers
If you're searching for a reliable, beginner-friendly machine, look no further as these do not compromise on quality.
Procolored F8 PANDA L800 DTF Printer
● 6-color ink system (CMYK + White x2)
● A4 printing size which is ideal for shirts, kids wear, and small merch
● Compact design with easy setups
Procolored F13 L1800 DTF Printer
● Supports A3 size
● Great for full size adult tees, tote bags, and pillow covers
● Bundled with Procolored ink, PET film, and adhesive powder
● Features built-in auto-cleaning and white ink stirring systems for durability
Comparing Costs & Results
Feature
Sublimation Printer
Sublimation Printer with DTF Ink (Unsafe)
Procolored DTF Printer
Supported Materials
Polyester only
Cotton support fails
Cotton, Polyester, Leather, etc.
Ink Compatibility
Dye-based ink
Pigment ink may clog
Designed for DTF pigment ink
White Ink Support
❌
❌
✅ Yes
PET Film Support
❌
❌
✅ Yes
Output Quality
Vivid on light poly
Poor, low durability
High-resolution, vivid on all fabrics
Long-Term Use
High
High risk
Optimized for DTF use
Price (Starter Setup)
$200–$400
Short-lived use
$600–$1000 (worth it long-term)
What Happens If You Try DTF Ink In Sublimation Printer?
Using DTF on sublimation printers may seem to work at first. The print output might look acceptable and it might feel like you've discovered a creative solution.
Regardless of initial success, the consequences over time can be quite alarming. Here’s a brief overview of what usually happens:
DTF inks are thicker, heavier, and more viscous than dye sublimation inks. Over time, they start to clog the fine nozzle of your printer—- ultimately resulting in ink flow issues and painthead failure.
You’ll likely see color banding, faded prints, and poor detail. That’s because the ink fails to bond with the material properly without the needed adhesive and curing process.
DTF printing is only done on PET, a material that sublimation printers are not designed to handle. This can lead to smudges, misalignment, and contamination of rollers and the feeding mechanism of the printer.
As ink buildup or internal damage increases, your printer may begin throwing error messages, failing prints, or even refusing to start — all signs that it’s being pushed beyond its limits.
Who Benefits Most from Switching to a Real DTF Setup?
Let’s be honest: sublimation has its restrictions. If you are looking to go past your current limits, a DTF printing machine is definitely your next step, accompanying both small and large printing requirements.
A commercial DTF printer like Procolored will benefit the following most:
Clothing & Apparel Creators
Want to print onto cotton tees, black hoodies, or even canvas jackets? For visionaries, DTF printer gives you the liberty across fabric types and colors.
Gift & Craft Sellers
DTF allows you to personalize more tote bags, pillowcases, baby clothes, or custom gifts without changing your process.
Small E-commerce Businesses
Having a shop on Etsy, Shopify, or Instagram? DTF Procolored printers place product offerings far beyond what other sellers have.
Freelance Designers & Print Artists
With DTF printing, turning digitally designed art into wearable statements is now possible—from soft cotton to textured canvas prints.
Startup Print Brands & Local Vendors
Selling at pop-up shops or taking local orders? Impress buyers with crisp, vibrant prints on hot products like hoodies, hats, and other accessories.
Conclusion: Don’t Risk It — Choose the Right Tool
Let’s be honest: the drive to create more, offer more and grow fast is real. And If you’re a DIYer, it feels tempting to find hacks that scratch your tools a bit further.
But, for the most part, some shortcuts are riskier than others.
Using DTF ink in a sublimation printer may seem like a savvy move, it will only lead to frustration and a broken piece of equipment.
Each printer is designed with specific uses in mind. Forcing a printer to traverse terrains it's not meant for will only hurt you in the end. Not only is it a bad idea—it’s expensive to fix.
What you need is Procolored DTF printers–not just as DTF printing machines but as a springboard for your new and improved ideas for
Satisfied Themed COTTON Products
Full color printing on dark fabrics
AND DENIM, CANVAS, OR BLENDED MATERIALS.
Unique products tailored for the customer's tastes.
With no hacks and no headaches. Just a printer with limitless possibilities for your future
So, don’t gamble with your gear.
Go Pro–and print like you mean it.
About the Author - Joyce
Joyce has worked with Procolored since the first day she joined inkjet printing career. Through continual training courses and years of working experiences, Joyce has formed a comprehensive understanding over Procolored products and a thorough knowledge of printing technologies.
About the Author - Joyce
Joyce has worked with Procolored since the first day she joined inkjet printing career. Through continual training courses and years of working experiences, Joyce has formed a comprehensive understanding over Procolored products and a thorough knowledge of printing technologies.
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