How to Choose the Right DTF Printer for Beginners

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing has become one of the easiest and most popular ways for beginners to print full-color designs on T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and many other items. If you are just starting out and feel confused by all the options, this guide will walk you through everything step by step so you can pick the right machine without wasting money.

What is DTF Printing and Why Beginners Love It

DTF printing uses special ink printed on a clear film. You then put powder on the wet ink, melt the powder, and press the film onto fabric with a heat press. The result is bright, soft, and durable prints that work on cotton, polyester, nylon, and even dark garments.

Beginners like DTF because:

No need to pretreat the shirt (unlike DTG)
Works on almost any fabric and color
Prints last through many washes
Setup cost is lower than DTG or screen printing

Decide Your Monthly Printing Volume

Ask yourself how many shirts you plan to print each month.

Less than 200 pieces → hobby or very small side business
200–800 pieces → growing small business
More than 800 pieces → you need a bigger or faster machine

Most beginners start in the first group. A small printer is enough and keeps the price low.

Understand the Three Main DTF Printer Sizes

There are three common sizes on the market right now:

A3 size (13-inch printers) Maximum print width: about 11–12 inches Good for pocket prints, kids’ shirts, sleeves, hats Cheapest option, usually $2,000–$4,000 Slowest speed (around 30–50 sq ft per hour)
A2 size (17–18 inch printers) Maximum print width: about 16 inches Perfect for most adult T-shirts and hoodies Good balance of price and speed Usually $5,000–$9,000
A1 size (24-inch printers) Maximum print width: about 23 inches Best for oversized prints, jackets, banners Fastest speed (100+ sq ft per hour) Price starts around $10,000–$15,000

For 95% of beginners, an A3 or A2 printer is the smart choice. The DTF Pro 60 A1 is a solid 24-inch model if you already know you want to grow fast, but most people should start smaller.

Check Print Speed and Daily Output

Speed matters when you have orders waiting. A cheap A3 printer might take 3–5 minutes for one 12×16 inch print. A good A2 printer can finish the same print in 60–90 seconds.

If you only print 5–10 shirts a day, speed is not a big problem. If you plan to sell at markets on weekends and need 50–100 prints ready, go for at least an A2 model.

Look at Ink Cost and Powder Cost

White ink is the most expensive part of DTF printing. Some cheap printers use more white ink than necessary. Good brands use 30–40% less white ink for the same result.

Ask the seller:

How many grams of ink for a full A4 print?
How much powder do you need per square meter?

Lower ink use = more profit later.

Choose Between Epson-Based or New Print Heads

Most DTF printers are modified Epson desktop printers (L805, L1800, 1390, etc.). They are cheap and easy to fix, but print heads can clog if you don’t print every day.

Newer models use industrial print heads (i3200, i1600, XP600). They cost more at first but clog less and last longer. For beginners who want less headache, a printer with i3200 heads is worth the extra money.

Make Sure You Get Good Software (RIP Software)

RIP software controls colors and white ink layer. Many cheap printers come with free or cracked software that gives bad colors. Look for printers that include a real license for software like Cadlink, AcroRIP, or PrintFactory.

Check After-Sales Support and Warranty

DTF printers need maintenance. You will have questions. Buy from a company that answers messages fast and ships spare parts quickly. Some sellers disappear after you pay.

A reliable store like dtflinko.com offers 1-year warranty and free remote help through WhatsApp or TeamViewer.

Think About Total Startup Cost

A complete DTF setup includes:

Printer
Curing oven or heat press with hover
Film (PET film)
Powder (hot-melt adhesive)
Ink (CMYK + White)
Software
Computer

Many beginners forget the oven and powder shaker. Budget $4,000–$8,000 for a full starter kit if you pick an A3 or small A2 machine.

Best DTF Printer Recommendations for Beginners

Best budget option (under $4,000) Look for a converted Epson L1800 or 13-inch model in the budget dtf printer section.
Best all-round choice for most beginners ($5,000–$7,000) 17-inch (A2) printer with dual XP600 or i1600 heads. Fast enough for small orders and good color quality.
Best future-proof choice ($10,000+) 24-inch printer like the DTF Pro 60 A1 if you already have customers waiting.

Final Checklist Before You Buy

Will an A3 printer be big enough for 90% of my designs?
Do I have space and 220V power?
Does the seller provide training videos?
Is spare parts shipping fast and cheap?
Do I get real RIP software?
Is there at least 1 year warranty?

If you can say yes to most of these questions, you are ready to order.

Starting with the right DTF printer makes everything easier. Pick a size that matches your current orders, buy from a trusted seller, and you will be printing and selling shirts in less than a week. Good luck and happy printing!