What Kind of Printer Do I Need for DTF Transfers?

by Winnie Li Updated on February 25, 2025

DTF printing is essentially a digital printing method whereby a digital design is printed onto a specialized film. So, like many, you might assume that any printer could handle the job, after all, printing is printing, isn’t it?

Well, that’s not the case since the nature of DTF inks and the film we’re printing on is different. Ideally, you need a dedicated DTF printing option. However, some already available printing options may be converted to work with DTF inks, with a few limitations, of course.

This blog explains what kind of printer works best for DTF transfers. We’ll be answering the queries whether any regular, inkjet, or sublimation printer may work for the job.

Do You Need a Special Printer for DTF?

Yes, you absolutely need a special DTF printer that would give you the true flavor of what DTF has to offer – full-color vibrancy across all types of fabric. Still, there’s more you get with a dedicated printer:

Higher Quality Prints: The printing system and nozzles are designed to handle DTF inks, spraying just the right amount of ink without leaving marks. So, any detailed, high-resolution image can be printed with ease.
DTF Sheet Rolls Support: DTF printers are compatible with continuous DTF film rolls, a feature you won’t find in any regular converted printer.
No Clogging: DTF printers have a specific system in place that keeps the ink moving to avoid clogging, even if the system isn’t used daily.
No Safety Issues: Adhesive powder dust and ink fumes can be dangerous when inhaled directly, but a DTF system comes with proper ink management and a filtration system to deter risks.

xTool Apparel Printer – Special Printer for DTF Transfers

If you’re in search of a true DTF printer, you can explore the xTool Apparel Printer. It’s a dedicated option for making DTF transfers.

With dual Epson I1600 print heads, it prints at high resolution quickly; one of its heads sprinkles the colored layer while the other focuses on the white layer. Together, they can print up to 440 pieces (3 x 3″) in an hour.

The xTool Apparel Printer is G7 certified, which speaks to its color consistency and accuracy. There’s a smart maintenance system in place that auto-circulates the white ink and keeps nozzles in check to prevent clogging issues.

The printer can be paired with a shaker oven unit to combine printing, adhesive application, and curing with just one click. As you initiate the print command, you get an adhesive-applied film that’s ready for heat transfer.

Can You Use a Regular Printer for DTF?

Regular printers, the ones we use regularly for printing photos or documents, are not suitable for DTF printing. They either have laser or inkjet technology, which usually doesn’t handle DTF inks well.

For toner-based (laser) systems, that’s impractical since they use a completely different printing technology. In the case of inkjet printers, there’s a possibility. Some can handle pigment-based inks, and some can be converted via kits to manage DTF inks.

Can You Use an Inkjet Printer for DTF?

Yes, some inkjet printers that support pigment-based inks can handle DTF inks, letting you print on sizeable DTF sheets. However, there’s a limitation; white ink may not be supported, which reduces the vibrancy and prominence of designs on darker fabrics. Also, they’d be prone to clogging when not used regularly.

In most cases, you have to modify inkjet printers to handle DTF inks. One way is to install an external Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) that can take in DTF inks and keep them in circulation. Installing such a system isn’t easy for beginners, and you void the warranty doing so. Again, you’re limited to using small paper sheets, which may not be cost-effective for businesses.

Can You Use a Sublimation Printer for DTF?

There are two possibilities to answer here. First, can you use a sublimation printer to print on DTF transfers with DTF inks? That’s not possible because those inks aren’t compatible with sublimation.

However, there’s another hack called sublimation DTF (technically not true DTF). Whereby, people use sublimation dyes on DTF film, add adhesive, and heat press it. That’s basically a workaround for sublimating on light-colored fabrics like cotton. However, since white ink is missing, such transfers won’t work on dark fabrics.

Conclusion

To put it short, DTF transfers are best made when a dedicated DTF printer is used. Alternate routes, for instance, converting an inkjet to handle DTF may work for small experiments, but for longer runs – especially for a shirt printing business – a dedicated option like the xTool Apparel Printer is the best investment.