r/DTFTransferTalk

I own a small business from home making sports and school spirit wear. I currently have a Procolored L1800, and lately I’ve spent more time fixing it than actually printing. I’ve dealt with clogs, dampers, capping-station issues, and have even had to take the whole machine apart.

I would use the printer often, especially during sports and school seasons, but possibly not every single day. I want to grow my business, but I don’t have time to constantly work on the printer itself. I completely understand that all DTF printers need some daily or weekly maintenance. I’m just looking for something with reliable auto-cleaning and white-ink circulation that won’t require constant repairs.

My budget is around $3,000-4,000, and I already have a curing oven and heat press, so I only need the printer, RIP software, and dependable customer service.

I’ve looked at the InkSonic U13 and H13 because they’re within budget, but I’m worried about the customer service. I also really like the Prestige R1, but it’s around $5,000.

Does anyone have real experience with these machines or another 13” printer you would recommend? How much maintenance do you actually do, especially if you don’t print every day? I’d love honest feedback from owners, not affiliate reviews.

Hi!

I've been researching DTF transfers and am hoping to hear feedback from experienced users on whether I'm making the right choice or not.

- Will a light blue PU Leather be an acceptable material and color to transfer onto?

- Does my image have to be formatted in a certain way before I upload as part of a gang sheet?

- I only want a few small prints done for an equally small art project.. any tips for the most cost effective route? I've looked at both online and local pricing for gang sheets.

Any help would be greatly appreciated:)

I’m quoting 24 black tees with a five-color logo on the back. The artwork is mostly solid shapes, no gradients or tiny detail. Customer says they may reorder, but I’ve heard that before lol. Would you use DTF and only buy what you need, or order screen print transfers and keep the extras for a possible second run? I can make either option work. just trying to figure out which one makes more sense once feel, cost and leftover transfers are all considered.

When curing film. Should I choose heat press to cure or oven? I need a fast workflow and hope high efficiency. If heat press has similar functions and efficiency, should i just choose this and save some money?

I bought some cheap heat press at a garage sale and I think the instructions said it only goes to 250degrees. I was looking for dtf transfers that were low heat that would adhere to UV shirts or even cotton. Mostly for UV shirts that are Lycra or polyester or a mix of both.

Which company offers this or do you have any recommendations?

This is just for me I’m not selling anything. Just like to make my own shirts.

My hubby and I are at odds on this. Anyone out there JUST doing DTF shirts? Can you or has anyone been able to make $200-$500 a month just selling DTF shirts, sweatshirts and hats? Or have you added in phone cases, cups and tumblers, I’d badges, lanyards?

My daughter does well with embroidery and has a following in social media.

Hubby thought “hey let’s do DTF shirts” Or rather me if we’re actually being honest. I was Looking for a small income right now while having dealt with cancer, surgeries, ongoing scans etc and finally getting back into a normal routine. I cannot just sit around everyday Netflix binging etc. Thats not me. I like creating and staying busy. Honest input please. Thanks everyone.

Hi all, does anybody know if once you have cured DTF powder you have to press immediately onto desired material OR can you store them for later use? If so, how do you store said images with cured powder.
Thankyou!

I have a few semi older but well taken care of graphic tees and as of last wash the paint flecked all over the place. Is there any sealant or process that could preserve them for future use?

I'm trying to print words/small decals on soft silicone items. They are NOT flat and i cant use any heavy heating as it will definitely warp. Would like to stay under $2500 on cost but am willing to invest more for the correct equipment the first time over many expensive mistakes.

Hi all I am fairly new to DTF I got the procolored k13 lite as an extra machine for my small business I already had a sublimation printer and cricut. I have had so many issues with designs not sticking properly or lifting after a few weeks which isn't great for a business, I have gone through all the steps with the powder being a orange peels consistency and using the recommended temperatures but nothing seems to fix it. Hoping someone has some insight before it becomes the biggest and most expensive paperweight.