In the world of custom apparel and textile printing, Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is proving to be a revolutionary alternative to traditional screen printing. DTF printers allow users to produce full-color, high-detail transfers on virtually any fabric, without the need for burning screens, color separation, or heavy-duty equipment. Whether you’re a side hustler, startup, or seasoned garment decorator, the right DTF starter kit can dramatically boost your output and eliminate outdated bottlenecks.
This guide explores the top 5 DTF printer kits tailored to various needs—from budget-conscious beginners to high-volume commercial producers—so you can confidently step away from screen printing for good.
1. Epson L1800 DTF Printer Kit
Best for Beginners on a Budget
The Epson L1800 DTF Kit is the most accessible entry point into DTF printing. Built on the proven Epson L1800 photo printer, this kit is modified to handle white ink and film transfer processes, allowing complete novices to start printing vibrant designs on T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and more—within a matter of hours.
What’s Included:
- Epson L1800 printer modified for DTF use
- DTF RIP software (often AcroRIP or similar)
- Full CMYK+W ink set
- DTF PET film sheets or rolls
- TPU (hot melt) adhesive powder
- Basic user guide or installation videos
Key Features:
- 6-color printing (CMYK + 2 White channels)
- Resolution up to 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Compatible with standard heat press machines
- Plug-and-play system for hobbyists and small batches
Pros:
- Affordable price point (often under \$900)
- Ideal for low-volume or test-market production
- Simple to maintain with basic care
- Produces surprisingly good quality prints for its size
Cons:
- Slower printing speed (~6–8 minutes per sheet)
- Not suitable for high-volume commercial use
- Manual powdering and curing required
Why Skip Screen Printing:
With no need for mesh screens, emulsion coating, or multi-step curing, beginners can print multi-color designs in one step. The Epson L1800 makes screen printing obsolete for DIY entrepreneurs and those testing product ideas before scaling.
Bold Pick:
Affordable, reliable, and beginner-friendly. It’s the easiest way to test the DTF waters without breaking the bank or dealing with industrial setups.
2. Procolored A3 DTF Printer Kit
Best for Home Businesses
The Procolored A3 DTF Kit bridges the gap between entry-level setups and professional machines. Designed for users working out of small studios or home offices, this compact and sleek printer boasts white ink circulation, a heated print bed, and a minimal learning curve—perfect for Etsy sellers, boutique brands, or side hustlers ready to scale.
What’s Included:
- Procolored A3 or A3+ DTF printer
- DTF oven or heat plate for curing
- Auto white ink circulation system
- High-quality DTF film sheets
- CMYK + White pigment inks
- RIP software and ICC color profiles
- Maintenance tools and cleaning kit
Key Features:
- Smart ink system to reduce clogging and downtime
- Anti-static printing tray for clean film handling
- 1440 dpi native print resolution
- User-friendly interface and touchscreen controls
Pros:
- Consistently vibrant and durable prints
- Small footprint—fits on most desktops
- Lower maintenance than converted printers
- Affordable enough for side businesses
Cons:
- Requires occasional manual cleaning
- Film feed may need alignment checks with large batches
- Software may be complex for non-tech-savvy users
Why Skip Screen Printing:
This kit allows for complete multi-color customization on-demand. No color separation, no emulsions, no screen burning or cleanup—it’s literally as easy as print, powder, and press.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Small-scale T-shirt brands
- Print-on-demand shops
- Custom gift or merchandise creation
Bold Pick:
Perfect for small spaces and creative setups. It’s a serious upgrade for those wanting consistent print quality without the overhead of a full shop.
3. Prestige A3+ DTF Printer Bundle
Best for Quality and Speed
Stepping into semi-professional territory, the Prestige A3+ Bundle offers a robust printing platform for users who value speed, quality, and reliability. With precision mechanics, fast output, and deep color fidelity, this bundle is ideal for those who are ready to handle regular sales, local events, or multiple client orders.
What’s Included:
- Prestige A3+ DTF printer
- Curing oven with digital controls
- Professional-grade CMYK+W ink set
- A3+ transfer film (roll or sheets)
- Hot melt powder
- RIP software with layered color control
- Waste ink tank and auto-cleaning function
Key Features:
- Dual printhead system for faster output
- Anti-band system for smoother color gradients
- Built-in humidity and heat sensors for optimal ink flow
- UV-resistant and wash-durable prints
Pros:
- Professional-level performance in a desktop package
- Sharp image reproduction with bold whites
- Fast print-to-press cycle (under 3 minutes per sheet)
- Clean curing system prevents film warping
Cons:
- Higher price tag (typically \$2,000–\$3,000)
- Requires calibration for best results
- Learning curve on RIP software
Why Skip Screen Printing:
Speed, clarity, and color quality with none of the traditional prep work. Whether you’re printing 1 shirt or 100, the Prestige kit ensures repeatable quality without layering inks or screens.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Full-time T-shirt businesses
- Merchandise production for events
- Clients needing photo-quality transfers
Bold Pick:
Quick, colorful, and high-end quality. This system handles serious business with grace and gives you the output to grow confidently.
4. PUNEHOD L1800 DTF Kit
Best for Reliable Everyday Use
The PUNEHOD L1800 Kit is built with longevity and daily performance in mind. It’s ideal for small to medium businesses that rely on DTF printing as a daily income stream. This kit prioritizes reliability, offering a streamlined experience for users who need consistent results without excessive maintenance.
What’s Included:
- PUNEHOD L1800 printer
- Compact or conveyor-style curing oven
- DTF inks (CMYK+W) with ICC profiles
- PET film in rolls or cut sheets
- RIP software (AcroRIP or equivalent)
- Cleaning solution and tools
Key Features:
- Continuous ink system (CISS) for bulk printing
- Stable white ink circulation system
- Durable frame design for long life
- Built-in heat stabilization system
Pros:
- Handles batch orders efficiently
- Durable design suited for 8+ hours daily use
- Smooth print gradients and saturated colors
- Lower ink waste compared to cheaper kits
Cons:
- Slightly slower than Prestige or STS units
- Manual maintenance required every few days
- Lacks some automation features
Why Skip Screen Printing:
Screen printing can take up to 10x longer from design to finished product. With the PUNEHOD setup, you can deliver daily print jobs without the headaches of traditional multi-screen workflows.
Ideal Use Cases:
- On-demand local orders
- Shopify or WooCommerce fulfillment
- Small apparel shops or storefronts
Bold Pick:
Daily workhorse with smooth output. If uptime and consistent delivery matter most, this system gets the job done again and again.
5. STS Mutoh VJ-628D DTF System
Best for High-Volume Shops
For high-throughput operations, the STS Mutoh VJ-628D DTF Printer stands in a league of its own. This 24-inch commercial-grade setup is engineered for full-scale production—complete with auto-powdering, drying, and roll-to-roll automation. It’s the pinnacle of industrial DTF technology for serious businesses.
What’s Included:
- 24-inch Mutoh VJ-628D DTF printer
- STS-branded auto powder shaker & drying unit
- Bulk CMYK + White inks in 1L or 500ml packs
- DTF film rolls (100m+)
- Commercial RIP software with print queue tools
- Installation support and warranty options
Key Features:
- Up to 720×1440 dpi with high-speed mode
- Dual-head compatibility for extended output
- Automatic alignment, powdering, and drying
- Print hundreds of transfers per day with minimal human interaction
Pros:
- Maximum scalability and speed
- Industrial color precision and durability
- High ROI for shops with steady demand
- Fully automated process from print to film output
Cons:
- Expensive (usually \$8,000+)
- Requires ventilation and workspace for 24” hardware
- May be overkill for low-volume creators
Why Skip Screen Printing:
Screen printing is costly and impractical for complex, full-color jobs at scale. With this system, you can process hundreds of transfers daily—without a single screen, blade, or ink mess in sight.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Print fulfillment centers
- B2B contract printing
- Global-scale merchandise production
Bold Pick:
Big results for big orders—no screens required. Scale confidently and automate your output without sacrificing image quality.
Why DTF Is Taking Over Screen Printing
1. Color Control Without Separation
DTF lets you print photo-realistic, multi-color designs with ease. No more separating colors or layering inks—just design and print.
2. No Minimum Orders
With DTF, you can produce as few or as many garments as needed—perfect for one-off orders, limited drops, or personalized gifts.
3. Faster Turnaround
The entire DTF process (design to press) takes under 10 minutes, compared to hours (or days) for traditional screen setups.
4. Works on All Fabrics
Print on cotton, polyester, fleece, denim, leather—even wood and nylon—with no pre-treatment needed.
5. Low Waste, High Output
No screens, emulsion, water, or plastisol ink to dispose of. DTF is cleaner, greener, and more efficient for the modern print economy.
Final Thoughts: DTF Is the Future
The DTF kits featured above cater to all skill levels and business sizes:
- Budget creators: Epson L1800
- Home hustlers: Procolored A3
- Speed freaks: Prestige A3+
- Daily drivers: PUNEHOD L1800
- High-volume pros: STS Mutoh VJ-628D
If you’re tired of screens, emulsions, messy inks, and slow processes, DTF is the upgrade you need. Choose your kit, heat up your press, and unlock a whole new level of creative freedom and profit potential.