What is DTF Printing? Equipment, Supplies, and Safety Tips

[@InspiredCreationsVivi]

I have my heat press in front of a window with a strong exhaust fan. And i keep the exhaust fan on long after i finish my project. Thank you for mentioning how toxic the fumes are. Alot of other videos do not. You're the best

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for sharing! It is definitely something we should all be talking about!

[@mjidkidspeeps8908]

Definitely interested in this subject. More info on DTF and DTV printers differences for beginners and where to purchase.

[@CreationsbyDESign]

I'm so excited you're going to be speaking/educating on DTF. I am so curious. I'd like to know about the printers, cost and ink and paper.. what is needed to get started? I am all about sublimation right now, I've got the printers and presses and appreciate the different items you can do with that. You just taught me DTF is only for fabric, didn't know that. Anyway, for a sublimation user, mostly just wondering if it's worth getting into DTF and what the printers cost. I'm not the kind of person who likes to convert machines, I'd prefer to buy one that is made for that purpose. I'm excited to hear more in this series. As I said before, I appreciate you and your videos. And like you said, doesn't seem like others are talking about safety. So Thank you!!

[@AngieHolden]

Yep there will be a full printer video that covers all of that. I am also going to do a video experimenting with different surfaces and DTF just to test the fabric only suggestion!

[@judeyyudkin3183]

I just was wondering the same recently. I saw two separate videos from both individuals who have there own businesses. They do all type of printing and have many commercial machines and small business type machines. Both said that many people don’t realize that the DTF equipment has to be serviced and this can be expensive. Both said it makes more sense to order your designs printed by companies that offer DTF. They said you would save more time and frustration doing it that way. Unless you plan on doing a commercial type business.

[@AngieHolden]

I actually do agree with that after getting more experience with this printer. I will be ordering prints in the future and NOT having this printer in my studio but I went through all the things to find that out for you!

[@tiffanyjohnson5899]

@@AngieHolden This is where I landed-not buying a printer, but outsourcing prints as needed. I’m about to try this now for the first time with a company, but the ordering process is so confusing, I’m going to have to find a video on how to do it. If you had one, I’d definitely watch it! You’re very thorough. I appreciate how your brain works! 😊

[@bradgiejayshorts2572]

Thank you for this video! I was very curious about what DTF. Cannot wait for future videos about DTF

[@AngieHolden]

More to come!

[@monabryant9984]

This was a great video. The best explanation I have heard. I look forward to your other videos on DTF.

[@AngieHolden]

Awesome, thank you!

[@monabryant9984]

@@AngieHolden Even though I do not think it will be possible for me to venture out into DTF printing because I live in an apartment -But I think it is very good for me to understand it. If my customers ask me then I will be able to explain it to them. And if I move into a house - who knows I might be able to do DTF.

[@AngieHolden]

You can start just by buying DTF prints and see if you like it then consider future plans. It definitely takes up ALOT of space!

[@laurasandy4479]

Thank you for a great tutorial, especially all of the safety info!! I'm looking forward to your series 😊

[@AngieHolden]

More to come!

[@evelynvandunk]

Mee too!😊

[@darlenevenus4398]

Thank you for the information. I didn’t know about any of the safety issues of the dtf hack. You got me thinking about it. My craft room is in a small corner of my attic. The attic does not have any windows. I do have a small fan in the room and I do leave the attic door open. I will start wearing gloves and a mask when I use the dtf hack.

[@AngieHolden]

Glad I could help!

[@robinmoreno1066]

Thanks again for the great content and attention to safety!!! 😊

[@AngieHolden]

Any time!

[@maubcustomdesigns]

Review of affordable, home business DTF machines, as you mentioned. That content would be great.

[@melsmedia]

Hi Angie! Thanks for sharing.

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@hillarydemello488]

I would love to learn more about the maintenance needed for a DTF printer. I am intrigued by the ability to print in white but from what I am hearing the printers require a lot of maintenance. Also, what are the differences between white toner printers and DTF, and is one better than the other?

[@AngieHolden]

All of that is coming in this series!

[@maryjanewill3056]

I have done this hack, my powder doesn't have a smell or fumes, and it works good on cottons, Godora is the name of the powder.

[@AngieHolden]

I do understand that you can't smell it but it IS releasing fumes into the air. You just need to be aware of the fact that you are using a very small plastic powder then melting it and releasing that into the air.

[@HeatTransferWarehouse]

Great information, thank you for sharing this overview!!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ivettetorres7047]

Thank you for a very informative video particularly about the hazards of using DTF as other commenters have stated you see a lot of KZbinrs using this and taking no precautions whatsoever. I think I’ll skip on the DTF.

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it helped!

[@leeannecarr8414]

Great video - made me realize DTF is not for me at this point in my crafting journey - ty Angie :-)

[@AngieHolden]

Yep! Definitely not for everyone!

[@catherinewhite1820]

I would like to see compassion between the different brands. The pro and cons of the different ink types.

[@AngieHolden]

Due to the cost of these printers I will only be reviewing one brand that is a great beginner model.

[@tielwelch8132]

Your videos are sooooo helpful. I thought you could do DTF cup wraps? How is that different?? Do you need a different printer setup? Ink? Whole different thing?

[@AngieHolden]

Generally that is a different printer that uses UV DTF ink and that can't be used on shirts. I will be trying the prints from this printer on a variety of surfaces just to see though!

[@punkym1242]

A future video could be DTV vs. HTV when using sublimination on cotton.

[@AngieHolden]

Good idea!

[@markanthonypanao1120]

WHAT? hahaah

[@MaryBeth1972]

I would love to hear how the DTF equipment initial investment is VS what someone starting sublimation with the printer conversion (ex: Epson ET-2803, like I did) and how it prices out in the long run. Longevity, wear and tear, start up costs, maintenence needed and cost, etc.

[@AngieHolden]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZbSanyNqNp8a6c

[@mlhiggs44]

Love your videos❤

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks!

[@JORGINHODONASCIMENTO]

As always, a great video. I don't like DTF because it feels like a huge sticker. But there must be a good market for this kind of printing.

[@AngieHolden]

I will do more with this printer but the feel on the shirt felt SO GOOD. It was actually one of my favorite methods for dark colors.

[@LanceMcGrew]

Sure am glad you emphasize the hazards of DIY DTF. Do we really want to be doing crafting that requires extra personal protection equipment and all the other precautions? Working with DTF materials is far beyond the health & safety threshold for typical DIY person.

[@lynnwilkeybishop912]

Print on black shirts would be great

[@mlhiggs44]

Well I know what DTF used to mean 😆

[@AngieHolden]

YES! Notice I put DTF PRINTING! HA HA HA!

[@medic082008]

😂 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ChristaRnNV]

If I outsource my DTF transfers, what precautions should I be doing when I'm heat pressing? Is it like sublimation, window open, fan on, mask on, etc...?? BTW, THANK YOU for being very informative in all your videos, I'm a fan!!

[@AngieHolden]

The powdering process is the most toxic and when you purchase they are doing all of that for you. It still is a good idea to use ventilation when you are pressing ANYTHING as heat can cause fumes. However, I don't think a mask would be required.

[@brunapartiti]

Am I able to use an Easy Press from Cricut To apply the DTF to a shirt? Or only with an heat press?

[@AngieHolden]

I actually haven't tested that yet. It is on my list!

[@carengilbert9044]

Hello Angie, I have a general question about the DTF powders, In this video you stated that the DTF powders can be dangerous if inhaled. You said if someone plans to use DTF power, to be sure to buy one that is OEKO-TEK certified. Please advise which one is OEKO-TEK certified. TIA.

[@AngieHolden]

You can google that and read more about it. It is an outside certification stating it is safe for human use.

[@carengilbert9044]

@@AngieHolden Thank you for your response!

[@monabryant9984]

Would you consider doing a video on different type of laser engravers?

[@AngieHolden]

Definitely considering it! I am trying to wait until I feel confident with one laser before moving on to others.

[@machellafisher5801]

Info on creating files for printing dtf. Have tried ordering custom dtf but rejected

[@AngieHolden]

I am adding to my list!

[@rosecowan1556]

How does the maintenance work?

[@AngieHolden]

I will cover the daily maintenance in the setup video that is coming soon. There are weekly and occasional maintenance that is on their website as well.

[@tammyallen1125]

I'm thinking of buying and converting an ET-8550. Can I use DTF white ink and sublimation ink for the other colors? Is that possible for the same printer?

[@AngieHolden]

Mixing inks like that is not something you should do first of all. Second, you have to have a way to translate the image to print white. I am looking into an option for that printer but it is NOT going to be mixing sublimation/DTF this way.

[@tammyallen1125]

Thank you so much. I'll wait for your solution video. Happy Holidays! 😊

[@LilVegas1921]

Where do you guys purchase prints!!!!

[@AngieHolden]

I purchase mine from Heat Transfer Warehouse.

[@chrystals.3232]

I'm extremely overwhelmed with this process. There are some videos that don't use powder but I've noticed they are pre purchasing these prints so is the company they are pre purchasing the prints from already cured?

[@AngieHolden]

Correct. If you purchase the prints, the powder and curing process is complete and all you have to do is press.

[@juaquinawilliams3]

Do you have to have a sublimation printer to use A-Sub DTF ?

[@AngieHolden]

As mentioned in the video, I will not be showing the hack for using DTF powder with a sublimation printer as I have concerns on safety as well as longevity.

[@edwardkeaton4972]

Do you sell equipment for a startup

[@AngieHolden]

I don't sell any equipment personally.

[@vincebaker3384]

In your future videos about DTF printing I would like to see is it financially feasible for a home Crafter. Is it a hot peel or cold peel. How do you determine heat press temperature and heat press pressure. Are there any companies that sell DTF , just the graphics that you send them and they send you back the film with your graphic on it. Companies that you would recommend. I have tried a company called transfers express and I have used their ultra color Max dtfs but in my opinion in all of their KZbin videos they have not been totally upfront and honest they promote this as a good solution for small runs for a t-shirt business even one or two shirts. But what they fail to mention is there flat shipping rate of $15, in my opinion this makes it impossible to have small runs less than six shirts and sell them at a profit.

[@AngieHolden]

Great questions! I will consider all of that for future videos! Thanks!

[@LolaGinaTenorio]

Hiii🩵🌼Angie. I truly appreciate your videos! I a not an illustrator but I have an illustrator. I have no idea what to do with the files I receive. Could you help me to understand what to do with the dtf and sublimation files? Please🌺 I have a Cricut Explorer 2, silhouette portrait 4 a Procolored dtf machine, a dtf heat press machine and a hat heat press machine. I have not used any of these machines.

[@AngieHolden]

With the printers, you can print your files directly. If you have a Cricut, you may have to upload those and convert them to something that can be cut if you are not provided with SVG files.

[@angiesparrow777]

I want to know the options of DTF printers that are affordable but allow you to print bigger prints than the normal sizes.

[@joycebarker2288]

What is the circumstances to use DTF ?

[@AngieHolden]

It is a great method for applying designs to shirts.

[@michellesurillo]

What is the film that they use for tumblers ? It looks like clear film but it’s printed on designs ? Anyone know what I’m talking about ?

[@AngieHolden]

It is probably UV DTF which is a different printer/supplies/everything. Confusing? Definitely! HA!

[@ronaldstewart803]

If you don't have a DTF printer what's the next best ink to use sublimation ink or regular ink

[@AngieHolden]

I don't recommend using the powder with any other inks but rather just ordering DTF prints if you don't have a printer.

[@4scottfamilyadventures]

Uv DTF printing for cups not just heat press

[@Grumpsinktattoos]

Can I print on 100% cotton with DTF

[@AngieHolden]

Yes. Any cotton/poly will work.

[@denisecrout6440]

If DTF is not like an ink and doesn't infuse into the fabric, what's the big difference between that and vinyl? I'm not sure the cost and risks are worth it.

[@AngieHolden]

This is a printing process so it would open up way more designs then regular vinyl. It does seem to be better adhesion and wear wise than any type of printable vinyl I have used or regular vinyl either.

[@saif_gaming115]

Miss how much price for dtf printing machine and other things

[@AngieHolden]

This package is about $4000.

[@rosacampos9977]

Am new in DTF printer it doesn’t print white like yours . Need help

[@AngieHolden]

I would contact the company where you purchased your printer to get help with that specific printer. Did you purchase an actual DTF printer or are you trying to powder from a different type of printer?

[@cyndramoore6028]

Tutorial on settings in rip program plz

[@AngieHolden]

I may do a RIP software overview as this basic software is used by many printers.

[@cyndramoore6028]

@@AngieHolden please

[@delciethompson8920]

DTF confuses me. Can it be put on a dark or black shirt? I love your videos by the way, they are so helpful!! 💕

[@AngieHolden]

Literally ANY color or fabric works with it.

[@delciethompson8920]

@@AngieHolden awesome!! Thanks for the info! 🩷

[@denisewitek9788]

I wouldn't use dtf because of the health risks and all precautions necessary to use it. I don't feel it's worth it. Thank you so much for all the information 😊

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks for watching!

[@kbsokolan]

Thanks, Angie. Sublimation alone is toxic enough for me! So, I would not be at all inclined to go the DTF route. Silk screen printing, however.... Just sayin'! 😉

[@AngieHolden]

I have a video on screen printing - a few of them actually! I feel like that takes so much practice and I am just not an expert!

[@christineconley7903]

I want to order DTF prints I create from DTF companies. I'd like to know the process for formatting your files to send and which companies are good and which companies aren't so good. I don't want to invest in a DTF printer.

[@AngieHolden]

I have chatted with Heat Transfer Warehouse and you can send them your files. They will do any formatting and even ask questions if they have them. It is on my list to do a test order now that I know a bit more about it.

[@christineconley7903]

thanks@@AngieHolden

[@susaneggen1113]

⁠I see ICraftVinyl is selling DTV by the printed sheets. Do you think this might be a bad product? I have not ordered any. Thks Susan

[@mmmorris4]

Be aware that the powder itself may be just as or even more caustic than the fumes. Think about what happens when that powder gets airborne and you inhale it into your body. If you're doing any amount of volume out of your home, it could be causing health issues for your entire family.

[@AngieHolden]

I talked about that in the video at 1:38

[@Cons2911]

I checked and wow dtf printers are expensive

[@AngieHolden]

They are!

[@southerncraftpatch]

I am a small business owner and not for sure the cost to start DYF will be worth it

[@AngieHolden]

I will definitely cover that!

[@xviewmytubex]

So, in summary, no one can start a garment design business at home unless they spend thousands of dollars on required equipement? =).

[@AngieHolden]

Definitely not! You could start with less expensive options or ordering the transfers and not printing them at home.

[@markanthonypanao1120]

DO NOT EVER USE THE DTF HACK. IT WILL RUIN YOUR BUSINESS. IT SUCKS

[@supernova8962]

i like to see a DTF HAck...lol

[@AngieHolden]

I do NOT do the hack for safety reasons.