If you’re wondering how to start a DTF printing business, the first step is to make a list of essential DTF printer supplies. This will give you a decent idea of your initial investment costs as well as the cost per shirt. While this list doesn’t include every accessory that can be used in DTF printing, here’s a list of the basic DTF printing supplies you’ll need:

● DTF Printer

● RIP Software

● DTF Ink

● DTF Film

● Adhesive Powder

● Curing Oven

● Heat Press

● Maintenance Tools

● Textiles

● Air Filter

Let’s start with the most important thing on the list: a reliable, high-quality DTF printer. You can purchase an Epson inkjet printer and convert it to DTF yourself, but this requires a few extra steps and may not come with the same quality guarantees as a specialized DTF printer. So, what qualities should you look for in a DTF printer? Top priorities should be high print quality, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and print durability. A good DTF printer will be easy to set up, offer quick and responsive troubleshooting, and balance affordability and efficiency to make starting your business as easy as possible.

Raster Image Processor (RIP) software is another important thing you’ll need, as it will help you control colors and printing settings throughout the printing process. It can also help manage factors such as transparency, ink density, and underbase printing to give you greater creative control. Software options include CADlink, DigiRIP, and Acrorip as reputable tools. While most DTF printers and printer bundles will come with this software already included, you may need to pay for an additional license fee to access it.

Now let’s move on to inks, film, and powder. DTF inks come in CMYK and white to create bright colors of every hue and shade. The white ink is especially important with DTF printing, as it allows you to print designs on darker fabrics. However, white ink is more prone to clogging than regular ink, so you’ll need to ensure your DTF printer has auto white ink circulation to minimize clogs. DTF film comes in either sheets or rolls between 11.8” and 15.7” wide. It will act as the printing base that holds your designs, so you’ll need to make sure the width matches your DTF printer (usually A3 for beginner DTF printers and A2/A1 for commercial DTF printers). Adhesive powder is what you will use to bind the film to your garment. You’ll need a fine powder that will minimize the feel of the print on the fabric and avoid giving it a textured look or feel. Make sure to choose a high-quality powder to ensure durability and preserve the vibrant colors of your design.

Now we’re in the part of the process where you apply the design directly to the garment. Before you can transfer the design onto your fabric, you will need to cure the film with heat. The best way to do this is with a DTF curing oven, which will ensure the film is heated evenly and quickly. Many DTF printer bundles include a curing oven at an extra price, making it an easy accessory to obtain. However, if you are on a budget and want an alternative curing process, you can use a heat press to cure the fabric by hovering it over the film at 320-350°F for one to two minutes. Whether you cure the film with a curing oven or a heat press, however, you will need a heat press to transfer the design onto your fabric. Once the print is cured, you will press the design onto fabric for about 15-20 seconds.

You can’t forget about the maintenance aspect, either. Even the best DTF printer needs regular maintenance to stay running smoothly. These are some helpful tools to deal with common issues and clogs:

● Cleaning solution

● Nozzle wipes

● A waste ink tank

● A powder shaker

● Extra print heads and cleaning cartridges

Of course, no DTF printing business would be complete without the t-shirts, hats, tote bags, and other garments you’ll be printing your designs onto. Thanks to the versatility of DTF printing, your fabric options are endless. You can transfer designs onto fabrics like denim, nylon, leather, cotton, or polyester without worrying about ruining the fabric. Then the last item on the list is an air filter to ventilate the fumes from the curing process. While not strictly required, it will make your workplace safer, especially if you’re using a DTF printer for a home business.

If you’ve ever searched for DTF printing supplies near me, don’t worry–you can usually find them at your local print supply store or online. They are also often available as part of a DTF printer bundle when you purchase your printer. Reputable brands like Procolored include the perfect DTF printer bundles for small businesses, with accessories such as:

● DTF film

● DTF ink

● RIP software

● Adhesive powder

● Nozzle protection fluid

● Printhead moisturizing device

For an extra price, many Procolored DTF printer bundles even include an optional curing oven, heat press, shaker, and stand. DTF printing bundles make it easier than ever to get started with all the DTF printing supplies you need in one order.

Now that you’ve got a hang of the supplies you need for DTF printing, there’s nothing stopping you. Visit your local print supply store, do some online shopping, or check out Procolored’s website to gather the supplies you need and start your DTF printing business today.