Have you recently bought a DTF printer, or are you about to buy one? If so, you’ll also need some supplies to go along with it!
Now, if you’re unsure which supplies should go in your cart… take a moment to read this ‘’first-time buyer’s guide’’. On this page, we’ll cover the essentials, starting with why DTF printer supplies are important.
Then, we’ll discuss the specific supplies you should invest in (and direct you to the right places to get them.) Finally, we’ll share some buying tips to help you save some money in the process.
So, if this sounds like the one for you, keep on reading.
What Are DTF Supplies, and Why Are They Important?
Let’s start with the basics. What are DTF supplies, and why are they important?
Think about DTF supplies as the raw materials and components used in the DTF printing process. These include items like ink, powder, film, and various other dtf supplies that we’ll talk about shortly.
Each of these supplies are crucial in the entire printing process, and they contribute to the overall print quality of the final product.
Speaking of which… let’s look at key nuances and characteristics that define good DTF supplies.
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Reliability: Top of the list is reliability. To understand what we mean by this, consider the consistency and stability of DTF supplies, not only over a longer period of time but also throughout the entire printing process.
Suppose you've spotted a few items you're interested in; the question you should ask yourself is this: Can I rely on them to consistently deliver quality prints?
Onto the next one.
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Efficiency: You may or may not know this… but… to run a printing business, ideally, all of the supplies have been bought in bulk ahead of time.
This way, when it's time to work, you can focus on the task at hand instead of having to order materials. Now, this ties back to quality. Naturally, you wouldn’t want to take the risk and bulk-order from an unknown brand.
So, it’s recommended that you order certified or approved products from a reliable brand known for A-grade quality.
The direct benefit of that, as you may guess, is that you can order in bulk worry-free.
Having all of the supplies readily available streamlines the printing process and reduces downtime. This means you can focus on production without interruptions caused by running out of essential materials.
Durability in Your DTF Supplies
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Just like with anything else these days, if you go higher quality, you’re often investing in more reliable and consistent performance.
This not only improves your productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency, but also results in printed designs that are likely to be more durable than those produced with lower-quality materials.
Combine that with properly applied ink and pre-treatment solutions, and what you end up with are prints that can withstand endless rounds in the laundry and months of wear, all without showing signs of cracking, fading, or peeling!
Next, let’s get down to the ‘’numbers’’ and see how higher-quality supplies can save you money in the long run.
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Cost-effectiveness: The truth is that, yes, going for the quality stuff will hit your wallet harder. But think about it – what's the other option? Going the cheaper route. It might seem like you're saving some cash at first, but when those budget prints start looking worn out after just a couple of wears or washes, you're back to spending!
And so that just doesn’t work…
For commercial products, don't hold back on the supplies—go all out!
Having said that, however, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to buy them cheaper to keep the costs in check.
A Checklist of Equipment & Supplies Needed for DTF Printing
And now, folks, time for the main attraction and why you’re all here—what are the supplies you need… and… which ones should go in your cart?
Well, here’s a checklist for you to run through:
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DTF Film: You definitely want to get DTF transfer film. If you're new to this, think of it like a specialized clear plastic film, also known as PET film, or a see-through carrier sheet. Your design gets inkjet-printed on this film so that you can heat-press it onto your garment.
Looking ahead, your next buy should be DTF ink.
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DTF Ink: Naturally, your DTF printer will run out of ink. To make sure it doesn’t happen halfway through the production, make it a habit to replenish your supply regularly.
Now, don’t get confused, these are NOT your typical inks. These are pigment-based inks formulated specifically for DTF printing. What it means is that their unique composition is custom-tailored to your machine to deliver vibrant colors and excellent adhesion to the film and substrate.
Okay, with that in check, we’ve now come to adhesive powders.
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Adhesive Powder: Before you get adhesive powder, let us go ahead and explain what this is for those who might be a little confused right now. Basically, if you want to transfer your design onto something, you need your design to stick, right?
Well, that's where adhesive powder steps in. Right after the printing, a thin layer of this powder is applied to the entire DTF film. This special layer is what makes sure your design bonds with the fabric when you use the heat press.
So, make sure to pick it up if you haven’t already.
But now, let’s work our way down the list and talk about heat transfer machines.
- Heat Transfer Machine: A heat press is a machine that uses heat and pressure (for a set amount of time) to put a design on a t-shirt or other material. It's an essential piece of equipment for anyone doing custom decorating, including you.
- Rip Software: If you’re serious about printing, you'll want to connect your DTF printer to software that lets you control and manage your projects. Luckily, our printers come with Print Optimizer RIP software included, giving you full control over your operations.
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Shaker/Dryer: If you’re powdering your designs by hand, then an automatic DTF powder shaker and dryer machine is the perfect add-on for your printer! It evenly spreads and melts the right amount of adhesive powder directly onto your design.
Moving forward, our next add-on item is an extractor.
- Extractor (ventilation): While DTF printing is on the environmentally greener side, it does generate minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and releases air pollutants. Therefore, it's in your best interest to install proper ventilation to keep the workplace well-ventilated. Additionally, consider ordering a DTF fume extractor that can absorb and extract any smoke or fumes produced during the printing process.
- Cleaning Supplies: Cleaning solutions, wipes, and maintenance kits are crucial for keeping the printer heads and other components clean and well-maintained.
Budget-Friendly Tips for DTF Supply Shopping
Up to this point in the article, we’ve explained what DTF supplies are, their importance, and have provided you with a list of essential items for your arsenal.
Now, let us offer you a few tips on how you can save some money on your new items.
Bulk Purchasing: Buying DTF supplies in bulk quantities often comes with discounts or reduced prices per unit. So, calculate your estimated usage and buy in larger quantities to save money in the long run.
Comparison Shopping: Compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deals. Look for reputable suppliers who offer competitive prices without compromising quality.
Evaluate Supplier Deals: Some suppliers offer special promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs for repeat customers. Keep an eye out for these offers to maximize savings.
Consider Quality vs. Price: Instead of going for the cheapest supplies, focus on quality to avoid issues like bad prints or a machine malfunction. Find a balance between saving money and investing in the right supplies.
Assess Long-Term Costs: Consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, replacement parts, and ongoing supply needs, when evaluating DTF supplies. Cheaper initial supplies may end up costing more in the long run if you have to replace them often or if they don’t give good results.
Optimize Ink Usage: Minimize ink waste by adjusting printer settings, optimizing designs for efficient ink usage, and properly maintaining the printer heads. Wasteful printing practices can significantly increase supply
costs over time
Negotiate with Suppliers: If you’re a frequent or large-volume buyer, negotiate with suppliers for better pricing or customized packages that suit your needs.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, think of this ‘’first-time buyer’s guide’’ as your starter kit.
In the end, the choice of which supplies to grab rests in your hands. You can pair your printer with whatever supplies you want (or need) at a time.
You get to change things up based on what you’re doing. Whether it’s stickers today or something else tomorrow, you have the flexibility to pick the perfect combination of DTF film, ink, and extras for each job.
That said, with time (and enough practice) you’ll find what works best for your needs and workflow.
So go ahead and give yourself permission to stock up on some (or all) of the DTF printer supplies, tools, and accessories we’ve discussed today.
To learn more about ColDesi’s line of DTG and DTF printers visit our coldesi.com and Live Chat with a Pro below or call 877.793.3278.
