Getting setup for DTF?

Getting set up for this amazing transfer process is easier than you think.

All you will need is:

• a modified Epson printer with an Epson piezo head and 6 or more colours.

• DTF ink in the 6 cartridges inside the printer.

• DTF PET film

• DTF adhesive powder

• a heat press

• a heater (or use the heat press as a heater)

First, the printer.

- We've found these desktop printers models suitable for DTF printing:

Epson SureColor SC P406, Epson SureColor SC p600, Epson XP15000, Epson ecotank 8550, Epson Stylus Pro 4880, Epson stylus Pro 7900, Epson stylus 4900, Epson stylus Pro7890, Epson stylus Pro7880,Epson stylus Pro 7800 and Epson SureColor P5070. These printers can have cartridges or ecotanks. We do not recommend Epson SureColor P400 for DTF printing.

- DTF commercial printers and large format are ideal for DTF printing.

Then,

The ink. You should buy a quality DTF ink.

If you have 6 cartridges, fill one each with cyan, yellow, magenta, black ink and put white ink into two cartridges.

Then,

A good quality of DTF film ( single side frosted, double side frosted, cold peel , hot peel)

Then,

A good quality hot melt adhesive powder

There are lots of videos online which will show you the process and give you troubleshooting tips. DTF can be a bit experimental in that there are a lot of variables which can affect your results. Some of the most important variables are the humidity and static electricity around your setup; the temperatures and times of your powder curing and heat pressing; the print head's cleaning and maintenance; and quality of your consumables (ink, powder, film), especially your white ink. There are cheap consumables on the market but you'll soon learn it is worth investing in quality ones. Ensure your ink is also not too old. White ink has a shelf life of only around 6-8 months and coloured ink around 12 months.