A Direct to Film (DTF) printing kit is a complete package that gives you everything you need to start printing custom designs on t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and more. A standard DTF kit usually includes:

A standard DTF printing kit includes a DTF printer, PET transfer films, specialized CMYK+White inks, hot melt adhesive powder, RIP software, and often a starter maintenance kit. You’ll still need a heat press for transfers.

That’s the quick snapshot, but there’s much more to explore. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what comes in these kits, why each piece matters, and how to choose the right setup for your printing business or side hustle.

Why DTF Kits Are Shaking Up Custom T-Shirt Printing

If you’ve been around custom apparel for a while, you know that screen printing and vinyl were once the go-to methods. But now, DTF printing is changing the game. It’s becoming one of the most popular choices for small businesses and hobbyists who want professional-quality prints without huge upfront costs.

Key benefits of DTF kits over vinyl & sublimation

Why are so many shop owners and home crafters switching to DTF? Here are some clear reasons:

• Print on almost any fabric: Unlike sublimation (which needs polyester), DTF can handle cotton, poly blends, denim, and even leather.

• Vibrant colors, even on dark garments: Thanks to the white ink layer, your designs pop on black tees or navy hoodies.

• No weeding or masking required: Say goodbye to peeling tiny vinyl letters. You print, powder, cure, and press.

• More durable than HTV: A properly made DTF print can outlast many vinyl designs in the wash.

• Faster for full-color designs: Great for multicolor logos or gradients that would take forever to weed in vinyl.
  

Typical cost range for starter vs pro kits

If you’re budgeting for your shop, here’s a ballpark:

• Starter DTF kits:
  • Usually around $1,200–$2,500

  • Often come with an A4 or A3 printer, basic supplies to get going.

• Pro kits with shakers/ovens:
  • Range from $5,000–$15,000+

  • Designed for bigger runs with automated powdering and curing.
    

Either way most kits pay themselves off quickly if you’re selling custom shirts, especially for teams, events, or local brands.

The Big Picture: What This Guide Covers

Over the next sections, we’ll break down:

• Exactly what’s inside a DTF printing kit, piece by piece.

• What you still need to buy separately, like a heat press.

• Tips for choosing the right kit for your business or hobby.

• Answers to common questions like “Can I print on dark shirts?” or “Do I need special software?”
  

Whether you’re just researching or getting ready to place your first order, this guide will make sure you know what you’re buying—and why each part matters.

Full Breakdown: Components Inside a DTF Printing Kit

Now let’s open up the box—literally—and look at all the parts you’ll find in a typical DTF film printing kit. Understanding these components will help you know what to expect and how each piece fits into your printing process.

The DTF printer (what specs matter)

At the heart of any kit is the DTF printer. This looks a lot like a modified inkjet printer, but it’s designed to handle specialized DTF inks and often comes with extra features like a built-in circulation system for white ink (which helps prevent clogging).

When comparing printers, watch for:

• Print size: Most starter kits use A4 or A3 printers. Pro shops might use 24-inch roll-fed models.

• Ink system: Look for bulk ink tanks (CISS) that make refills easy and save money.

• White ink circulation: Keeps white ink moving to avoid costly head clogs.

• Resolution & speed: Higher DPI gives sharper details—important for logos and fine text.
  

 Example: A popular entry-level model is an A3 DTF printer that prints up to 11.7×16.5 inches, perfect for adult shirts.

PET transfer film rolls or sheets

Next up is the PET transfer film—basically the special “paper” your design prints onto. Unlike sublimation paper, these films are coated to handle DTF inks and the adhesive powder.

• Comes in rolls or pre-cut sheets. Rolls are great for larger runs.
  
• Look for “double-matte” films which feed better and give cleaner edges.
  

 Pro tip: Store films flat and keep them away from humidity so prints don’t warp.

CMYK + white DTF inks

DTF uses CMYK inks plus white ink, unlike your normal office printer. This white ink layer is crucial for printing on dark fabrics or creating vibrant colors that don’t get lost on colored shirts.

• DTF inks are specially formulated to bond with adhesive powder and melt evenly into fabric.

• Always shake white ink bottles daily to keep pigments suspended.
  

Hot melt adhesive powder

After printing your design, you’ll sprinkle or coat it with hot melt powder (also called TPU powder). This is what bonds your design to the shirt when you press it.

• It melts under heat and embeds into the fabric fibers.

• Choose the right grain size (fine powder gives smoother feel).
  

 Tip: Always reclaim excess powder—most people shake it over a tray to reuse leftovers.

RIP software & ICC profiles

RIP software (Raster Image Processor) is a big deal in DTF. It controls ink layering, manages white underbase, and fine-tunes color output.

• Popular examples: Cadlink Digital Factory, Acrorip.

• Also includes ICC profiles, which are presets that tell your printer how to produce accurate colors on your specific film and ink combo.
  

Without this software, your prints could come out dull, wrong-sized, or missing key white layers.

Maintenance tools & cleaning solution

Most kits also include cleaning solutions, syringes, and wipers for keeping your print heads clean. DTF white ink is notorious for clogging if left idle too long.

• You’ll usually do a quick daily nozzle check and weekly deeper clean.

• A few drops of cleaning fluid in the capping station keeps ink from drying overnight.
  

In short, each part of the kit—from the printer and inks to the adhesive powder and RIP software—plays a vital role. If even one is missing or low quality, your prints can crack, peel, or fade. That’s why buying a complete kit from a reputable supplier is often better than piecing it together.

What’s Usually NOT Included (But You’ll Need)

While a DTF film printing kit gives you most of the specialized tools, there are still some key pieces of equipment and software you’ll typically need to buy separately. If you miss these, your setup won’t work properly — or you’ll run into expensive surprises down the road.

Heat press machine

A DTF kit lets you print your transfer design, but to actually fuse it onto a t-shirt (or hoodie, tote, etc.), you’ll need a heat press machine.

• This presses the powdered film into the fabric at around 300–325°F (150–160°C) for about 10–15 seconds, depending on your film and powder.

• Unlike a home iron, a heat press provides even, controlled pressure across the entire design.
  

Tip: If your business picks up, consider a swing-away or auto-open press to save time and avoid burns.

Shaker and curing oven (for scaling up)

Most starter DTF kits have you apply powder manually and then cure the film under the heat press or a simple curing unit. But if you’re planning larger production runs, look into a shaker and curing oven combo.

• A shaker machine automatically coats prints in hot melt powder and shakes off the excess.

• A curing oven then melts the powder evenly, speeding up workflow compared to pressing each film manually.
  

These aren’t cheap — usually starting around $2,500 for a small automated setup — but they’re game-changers if you’re doing volume printing.

Design software (Photoshop, Corel, Affinity)

Most RIP software does NOT let you create graphics from scratch. It just processes your finished files for DTF printing. So you’ll still want:

• Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, which are industry standards for multi-color and raster/vector artwork

• CorelDRAW, popular with t-shirt designers

• Affinity Designer, a budget-friendly, no-subscription option
  

Make sure to save your files in PNG with transparency or EPS/SVG for vector designs so the RIP software can properly generate the underbase.

Pro Tips: Choosing the Right DTF Kit for Your Needs

Now that you know what’s inside (and what’s not), let’s go over how to pick the best setup for your goals.

Questions to ask your supplier

Before you buy, it’s smart to ask:

• Does the kit include white ink circulation?
  This is critical for preventing clogs and wasted prints.

• Are ICC profiles and RIP included?
  If not, you could spend hundreds more buying compatible software.

• What support is offered?
  Do they have phone, chat, or video help if your prints band or colors are wrong?

• What warranty is included on the printer head?
  Print heads are expensive (often $300–$800), so some coverage is very important.
  

Starter vs professional kits

Here’s how to think about it:

• Starter kits (around $1,200–$2,500)
  Best for home-based businesses or low to moderate volume. Usually involves manual powdering and simpler curing. Slower, but excellent for testing your local market.

• Pro kits ($5,000 and up)
  Designed for small print shops ready to scale. Automated shaker and oven save a huge amount of time. Can handle dozens of shirts daily with consistent quality.
  

Quick test: If you’re mostly doing local team orders or Etsy sales (20–30 shirts a week), a starter kit is perfect. If you’re outfitting whole schools, concerts, or small brands, look at a professional kit.

Smooth transition

With these add-ons and practical tips in mind, you’re much better prepared to choose a DTF kit that fits both your budget and your business plans. Up next, we’ll tackle some of the most common questions people have about these kits, then give you a simple final checklist and a strong call to action to help you get started.

Common Questions About DTF Printing Kits

Even with all this info, it’s normal to still have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequent ones people ask before investing in a DTF kit.

Can I print on dark garments with this kit?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of the biggest reasons people choose DTF over sublimation. Because your printer lays down a white ink underbase, your colors stay vibrant on dark shirts, black hoodies, navy caps, and more. Just be sure to follow your RIP software settings so the white ink prints underneath your design.

How long do DTF prints last?

When applied correctly, DTF transfers are very durable. They often outlast standard vinyl or even some screen prints. Expect around 40–50 washes before you might see slight fading, depending on the shirt quality and wash conditions. Using quality powder, curing properly, and avoiding harsh detergents will maximize life.

Do I need a ventilation system?

For small home setups, most people simply keep windows open or use a fan, since the powder is only lightly heated. But if you scale up to a shaker and curing oven, or run your press all day, it’s smart to add a simple duct fan to move any fumes out. Always follow your local safety guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.

Final Thoughts: Is a DTF Kit Worth It for Your Business?

If you’re serious about custom apparel, a DTF printing kit is one of the most versatile tools you can invest in. Compared to traditional screen printing or vinyl, it lets you:

• Print full-color designs on a wide range of fabrics, from cotton to blends and more.

• Avoid tedious weeding or multi-layer screens.

• Handle one-offs or large orders with the same setup.

• Offer a truly professional look that helps you charge premium prices.
  

Whether you’re a local t-shirt startup or a growing print shop adding new services, DTF technology pays for itself quickly if you market well and maintain your equipment. And since you can apply transfers on demand, you won’t get stuck with leftover inventory.