Supplies Needed for DTF Printing

by HuJulia Updated on February 10, 2025

Digital printing methods have gone viral recently, among which Direct-To-Film printing, or DTF, stands out. Emerging as a new technology that allows for directly printing designs on a PET transfer film and then heat-transferring patterns onto the fabric, it is highly effective and works well across all types of colored fabrics.

Since this technique still remains new, what to prepare before printing can be essential know-how for many people and businesses craving to have a try. Don't worry, this article comes to help. All the supplies needed for DTF printing will be listed here for reference.

DTF Printer

DTF printer is definitely the integral part of the printing process. It helps users print designs on PET transfer film.

You may wonder, how DTF printers are different from other printers like sublimation printers, DTG printers or screen printers, and what kind of printer do I need for DTF printing. Put it simply, DTF printer excels in being compatible with more fabric types and color options, and it needs no pre-treatment steps.

There are various DTF printers available in the market. Based on parameters like the printing resolution, the size of compatible film, the nozzle size, DTF printer types vary. If you are looking for an effective, customizable, and smart DTF printer well-suited for all varieties of multi-colored fabrics, xTool Apparel Printer will be your best solution. It can print stunning designs with high precision on fabrics of different kinds in one-click. The AI-powered system facilitates flawless and smooth prints with ease.

RIP Software

RIP Software (Raster Image Processor Software) is needed for DTF printers to create your design. Many RIP Software solutions offer a host of extra functions and features to increase productivity and quality in digital printing applications. You can choose from popular brands including ACRORIP, CADLINK, PRORIP, FLEXI, and more.

If you are interested in xTool Apparel Printer, then xTool Creative Space is the top choice. The software includes AI-Powered Design Generator, RIP, Auto Nesting, Printing Layout, Machine Control, and more, thus saving a lot of time.

DTF Film

The created design will be printed on the DTF film for later heat transferring. DTF films are divided into four main types: cold peel, hot peel, matte, and glossy. Picking the right film type depends on important factors, like what material you're printing on, where it will be used, and how long it needs to last.

The best DTF films are made from polyethylene with special coatings that help ink stick well. They are also called as PET films. These films make transfers that last long, show bright colors, and bond strongly to fabrics. They also print clear, detailed designs and work well on many types of clothing.

If you are to print designs via xTool Apparel Printer, specialized PET Apparel Printer Film will not let you down.

DTF Ink

What kind of ink is used for DTF? The best is the one that suits your DTF printer for sure. DTF ink is specially dedicated to DTF printing, and the most welcomed one is CMYK+W ink, which uses white ink as the basic color that constitutes the background of the film. Such inks come in both water-based and solvent-based options.

xTool Apparel Printer supports xTool Selected Apparel Printer Ink (CMYKW) , a kind of pigment-based ink containing pigments, solvents and other chemicals. Remember to avoid direct contact with ink, as longer contact holds a slight possibility of leading to mild allergic or irritation reactions. Besides, frequent changing of ink type is not recommended, as the mixture of different ink may damage the printing effect or create clogs blocking normal operation.

DTF Adhesive Powder

When transferring your design, you definitely want your design to stick to the film seemlessly. That's why we need adhesive powder. After DTF printing, adhesive hot melt powder will be applied to the entire DTF film by hand or powder shaker. This creates a vibrant and durable print with excellent adhesion.

There are three types of DTF powders, covering TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), PES (Polyester) and PA (Polyamide). TPU powder is the most common one for apparel printing due to its elasticity and flexibility, and is also highly recommended for xTool Apparel Printer.

Powder Shaker/Dryer

Powder shaker is ideal for dispersing DTF adhesive powder onto the film evenly without too much waste, and we also need curing oven to melt the powder on the film. Currently, most advanced DTF printers are equipped with all-in-one powder shaker, which can realize powder shaking and drying in a one-stop solution.

If you want to have such handy experience, try xTool OS1 Shaker Oven Machine. This multi-functional powder shaker oven machine is definitely a worthwhile choice of high productivity.

Air Purifier

The curing process may generate minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and releases air pollutants. Therefore, you're advised to install proper air filtering system to keep the workplace well-ventilated.

Since it is highly recommended that you use a air purifier in conjunction with the DTF powder curing ovens, xTool SafetyPro AP2 Air Purifier is the perfect addition to your Desktop DTF oven, xTool OS1 Shaker Oven Machine.

If you go for other air purifying options, remember to adjust the ventilation speed for curing temperature control.

Heat Press Machine

After DTF printing, you need a heat press machine to bond the transfer to the apparel.

For better compatibility and smoothier operation, xTool Heat Press Machine, versatile for HTV, sublimation and DTF transfers, comes as the best choice. It can produce even heating under adjusted pressure while reducing waste. As a super handy tool for portable use, xTool Heat Press Machine serves as an ideal assistant for perfect heat transfers.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning solutions, wipes, and maintenance kits are crucial for keeping all the components clean and well-maintained.

xTool Apparel Printer Cleaning Kit and xTool Apparel Printer Maintanence Kit contain everything you need for a comprehensive cleaning and maintanence of the whole. Opt for the kits, and you'll be less bothered to find each suitable supply one by one.

Conclusion

Based on this checklist, you can get all the required supplies and begin your DTF printing journey now. Compatibility and suitability are the most crucial factors that need to be taken into consideration before you do the purchase. For anyone who feels unwilling to waste time on information seeking and product caomparison, xTool Store has presented the best DTF printing solution bundle. Why not take a look?