Are you new to DTF printing and unsure what you need to kickstart your own textile printing business? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need in your DTF printing supplies checklist, including our top recommendations for beginners.
DTF Printing Supplies Checklist:
- DTF Printer
- DTF Inks
- DTF Film
- DTF Hot Melt Adhesive Powder
- RIP Software
DTF Printer: The Heart of Your DTF Setup
The most common startup DTF printing machine is a converted six-colour Epson inkjet printer. We recommend Epson EcoTank printers because their six-colour ink tanks can hold white ink. For example, you can syringe CMYK DTF inks into the standard CMYK tanks while filling the Light Cyan and Light Magenta tanks with White DTF inks. While OEM printers are available, they can be costly compared to converted printers. At Ink Express, we offer both A4 and A3 DTF printer options for your convenience.
For a startup DTF business, we highly recommend the Epson EcoTank L1800 A3+ DTF printer for its reliability and cost-effectiveness. Learn more about Epson printers here.
DTF Inks: Achieving Vibrant Prints
DTF inks are specially formulated pigment inks available in Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, and White. The White ink is crucial because it lays the foundation for your prints. You can purchase inks in various quantities, and buying in bulk helps keep your costs low. Shop the Ink Express DTF inks here.
DTF Film: Essential for Quality Transfers
DTF PET film is made from Polyethylene Terephthalate, offering superior transfer characteristics compared to screen printing films. With a thickness of about 0.75mm, this film is available in sheets for small-scale use and rolls for commercial setups. Depending on the peeling temperature, the films are classified as hot peel or cold peel.
For beginners, we recommend using DTF PET film sheets for small-scale operations. Explore our range of A4 and A3 DTF film sheets here.
DTF Hot Melt Adhesive Powder: Secure Your Transfers
DTF hot melt adhesive powder is a polymer powder that you apply to the printed PET film. This powder acts as an adhesive that binds the pigment ink to the fabric fibers when heated. You can melt the powder using a heat gun, heat press, or convection oven.
At Ink Express, we offer DTF powder suitable for both light and dark fabrics. Our white DTF polymer powder works for all garment colours except black, while our black DTF polymer powder is specifically designed for dark-coloured garments. Shop the Ink Express DTF powder range here.
RIP Software: Optimising Your DTF Printing
RIP software plays a crucial role in the Direct to Film printing process. The colour performance and final transfer quality depend significantly on the software. It manages the CMYK and white pigment ink, enabling the printer to produce full-colour prints with a white ink background. We recommend Acrorip software for its ease of setup and user-friendly interface. Discover more about RIP software here.
Ready to Launch Your DTF Printing Business?
Now that you have a comprehensive DTF printing supplies checklist, you’re well on your way to launching your own textile printing business. For more information about the DTF printing process, check out our DTF printing process guide here. If you have any questions about DTF or other printing processes, visit our support page or contact us directly at info@inkexpress.co.uk.
