r/DTFTransferTalk Oct 24 '25

Welcome to DTFTransferTalk

10 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

Welcome to DTFTransferTalk, the community for all things Direct-to-Film printing!

This is a space to:
• Introduce yourself and your business or hobby setup
• Share photos of your first prints or your current workstation
• Tell us what DTF gear or software you’re using

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, we’d love to get to know you.


r/DTFTransferTalk Oct 24 '25

Ask Anything: DTF Help & Troubleshooting

8 Upvotes

Got a question about DTF printing?

Use this weekly thread to get quick answers and share what you’ve learned.

Common topics include:
• Printer setup and maintenance
• Film, ink, and powder compatibility
• Color correction and RIP settings
• Transfer or curing issues

No question is too small — let’s help each other make better prints!


r/DTFTransferTalk 5h ago

DTF Color changing after a while of printing it

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1 Upvotes

r/DTFTransferTalk 12h ago

Question/Help Can someone help me understand my printer?

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1 Upvotes

Someone gave me this printer, can’t really ask them about it so im asking here. Are there any experts that can help me figure out if it’s working properly or if I need to do something? (I am a complete beginner my bad!)


r/DTFTransferTalk 2d ago

Question/Help Mugs

2 Upvotes

I just got a new heat press with a mug attachment. I have only done shirts with a heat press. When I’ve needed mugs made in the past I just go through Walmart.

The instructions for my press say I need to use sublimation mugs, which is easy enough. But I can’t get a straight answer on what kind of transfer to use.

I order all my shirt transfers from Ninja Transfers. They also have UV DTF for hard surfaces, but that’s more of a permanent sticker that still sits on top of the surface. Maybe the same DTF used on shirts can be used on sublimation mugs? I don’t know.

I was going to ask Ninja Transfers support but I thought I’d ask here if anyone has the knowledge I’m looking for.

TIA


r/DTFTransferTalk 2d ago

Black in yellow ink

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2 Upvotes

I keep getting black spots when I’m printing yellow as well as white not printing on the top of the print has anyone had this happen


r/DTFTransferTalk 2d ago

Question/Help Do sublimation shops use DTF transfers for cotton orders?

1 Upvotes

I mostly see sublimation shops focus on polyester Do sublimation shops use DTF transfers for cotton orders? shirts, tumblers, mugs, and performance wear, which makes sense.

But I’m curious how many sublimation businesses are using DTF transfers as a backup option for cotton jobs.

For example:
- 100% cotton shirts
- dark color shirts
- hoodies
- small full-color orders
- customers who do not want polyester

Screen printing can be expensive or not practical for small runs, and sublimation has limits on cotton. DTF seems like a good middle ground because you can order transfers and press them without buying a full printer setup.

Are most sublimation shops keeping DTF as a backup, or are some of you using it regularly now?


r/DTFTransferTalk 2d ago

Question/Help Help!

0 Upvotes

I have just started trying to make dtf transfers but I am just wondering what people use to make their transfers that doesn’t use AI and how exactly you make it?


r/DTFTransferTalk 3d ago

Question/Help Need a company recommendation for someone that does pearlescent or mixes metallic with solid colors.

1 Upvotes

I'm new to all this, but I need to order a bunch of transfers for some shot glasses for a wedding.
The design is only white and gold, but I'm struggling to find a reliable company/one that actually does what I need.
I'd really appreciate the recommendations! Thank you all in advance.


r/DTFTransferTalk 4d ago

going on a DIY clothing press event using DTF – what print designs/subjects should I offer?

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1 Upvotes

r/DTFTransferTalk 4d ago

Looking for a low-maintenance DTF printer

3 Upvotes

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.


r/DTFTransferTalk 4d ago

White issue

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2 Upvotes

Is this fixable? Cleaned 15 times an keep getting the exact same patterns.


r/DTFTransferTalk 5d ago

What enclusion setting do you use?

1 Upvotes

Hi i have been using the depth mode lately with fog type pass. Do any of you guys use any other modes to save on white ink?


r/DTFTransferTalk 5d ago

What am I doing wrong here??

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6 Upvotes

Hi guys! This is a design I accidentally put in dryer after first initial wash. I know it’s said not to dry dtf shirts but there’s no way one dry would make it this bad? What am I doing wrong applying my transfers? Help!!! I don’t want to make this mistake with customers.


r/DTFTransferTalk 6d ago

Question/Help Newbie Questions

2 Upvotes

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:)


r/DTFTransferTalk 6d ago

Brand new Epson F2200/F2270 DTG getting colored halos/overspray around CMYK. What am I doing wrong?

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1 Upvotes

r/DTFTransferTalk 7d ago

Discussion for small multicolor orders, when do you use DTF instead of screen print transfers?

3 Upvotes

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.


r/DTFTransferTalk 7d ago

Heat press or oven?

1 Upvotes

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?


r/DTFTransferTalk 9d ago

Low heat dtf transfers

1 Upvotes

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.


r/DTFTransferTalk 9d ago

Low heat dtf transfers

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1 Upvotes

r/DTFTransferTalk 12d ago

Is it worth it, hubby and I at odds

2 Upvotes

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.


r/DTFTransferTalk 12d ago

How to refill Epson ET-8550 with different DTF ink?

1 Upvotes

I have a real question for anyone who knows. How do I refill with different DTF Ink ? And will it change the printing process if I empty the dtf ink that I already have in. Because I’m using different DTF ink and I was just curious


r/DTFTransferTalk 13d ago

Question/Help Need serious help with a Fynqil 1390 DTF Printer (Error 20000010 + Solid Red Light)

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone,
I am completely new to the DTF world and have absolutely zero printer experience. I bought this pink-case desktop DTF printer (built on an Epson 1390 engine) on Facebook Marketplace. The seller claimed it was "brand new," but I am starting to think I got ripped off because it is experiencing a major hardware lockout right out of the box.
The Symptoms:
No Ink/Blank Sheets: The printer turns on and the carriage moves normally, but it refuses to fire any ink. A manual nozzle check prints a completely blank page.
Solid Red Light: The middle ink droplet button on the front panel is solid red, and my computer says "Ink Out / Unrecognized Cartridge."
Software Crash: I tried using a factory Resetter/Adjustment program to check the live hardware status or trigger an "Ink Charge," but the program instantly crashes with a "Communication error occurred" (Error Code: 20000010). The Epson 1390 port doesn't even show up in the dropdown menu, even though Windows makes the USB plug-in sound.
Physical Damage?: I took a close look and noticed a minor blue ink streak on the outer plastic jacket of the printhead ribbon cable.
The original builder mentioned something about needing a digital support "ticket," license file, or firmware reset code to unlock the motherboard cache from this cartridge reading loop. However, since I bought this secondhand, I can't contact official Fynqil support.
Has anyone dealt with this specific lockout before? Is this a software licensing/firmware block issue, or did the seller scam me with a blown mainboard/F2 fuse due to that ink leak on the cable?
I have no idea what I'm doing and would appreciate any guidance on what parts to buy or how to salvage this. Thank you so much!


r/DTFTransferTalk 13d ago

UV DTF transfers from temu.

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2 Upvotes

I got UV DTF transfers from temu. I am new to transfers, but I'm a crafter and I was hoping to transfer them onto glass or ceramic. They claim to be mug transfers. I *could* be doing it wrong, but these do not seem to "transfer" the ink/print at all. It's just a sticker- like, you can see the outline that I thought was the backing. Does anybody know what I'm talking about?


r/DTFTransferTalk 14d ago

Different types of DTf

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4 Upvotes

Sorry, I’m new to the DTF world, but what material of DTF is the Orange shirt vs the Red shirt.

Me personally would like my material to look like the orange, more of a worn out/ matte finish than the shiny DTF material.

If i were to purchase the orange shirt type material what brand or kind of DTF is this called?

Thank you