Starting a DTF printing business from home or a small shop is one of the easiest ways to make money with custom T-shirts right now. This full guide walks you through every step so you don’t waste time or cash.
What DTF Printing Actually Is (Simple Explanation)
DTF stands for Direct-to-Film. You print your design with special ink onto clear film, shake hot-melt powder on the wet ink, melt the powder, then heat-press the film onto any shirt. It works on cotton, polyester, nylon, black shirts, white shirts, everything. No pretreatment needed. That’s why beginners love it.
Total Startup Cost in 2025 (Real Numbers)
A complete, ready-to-print setup typically costs $3,500–$9,000, depending on printer size and brand.
Cost Breakdown:
- Printer + inks + powder shaker + oven: $3,000–$8,000
- Heat press (16×20 or bigger): $300–$600
- PET film 1000 sheets: $150–$250
- 5 litres of DTF ink: $350–$450
- 20 kg powder: $180–$250
- Computer + RIP software (if not included): $0–$800
Most people start around $5,000–$6,000 total and make that money back in the first month if they sell 100–150 shirts.
Step 1: Choose the Right Printer Size for Your Goals
There are three common sizes. Pick based on your expected order volume:
- A3 (13-inch) printers Print area: up to 12×17 inches Good for pocket prints, kids’ shirts, and hats Speed: 20–40 shirts per day max Price: $3,000–$4,500
- A2 (17–18 inch) printers Print area: up to 16×24 inches. Perfect for normal adult T-shirts and hoodies. Speed: 80–150 shirts per day. Price: $5,000–$7,500.
- A1 (24-inch) printers Print area: up to 23×40 inches or more Best for big designs, jackets, and all-over prints Speed: 200–500 shirts per day Price: $9,000–$15,000
If you are just starting, get an A3 or A2. The best affordable dtf printer list has solid options in every size with real customer reviews.
Step 2: Must-Have Equipment List
Never buy just the printer. You need all of the following equipment to start printing tomorrow:
- A DTF printer with white ink circulation
- Automatic powder shaker (or manual box if budget is tight)
- Curing oven or hover heat press
- Regular heat press (16×20 minimum)
- Good RIP software (Cadlink, AcroRIP, or PrintFactory)
- PET film (100–130 micron, cold peel works best for beginners)
- DTF ink set (CMYK + White) from a trusted brand
- Hot-melt powder (fine-grain is easier to work with)
- Cutting machines or scissors for trimming film
- A laptop or desktop computer
Step 3: Set Up the Right Workspace
Your printing space should have:
- A clean room (dust kills print heads)
- Table space is at least 6×3 feet.
- 110V or 220V power (check your printer)
- Good Wi-Fi for software updates
- Temperature 68–78°F (20–26°C) all year
- Humidity 40–60% (too dry = static problems)
A spare bedroom, office, or garage works well for most beginners.
Step 4: Learn the Daily Workflow (5 Minutes Per Shirt)
- Create or purchase a design, then open it in RIP software.
- Print on film (30–90 seconds)
- Apply powder (automatic shaker or by hand)
- Melt powder in oven (90–120 seconds)
- Heat press onto shirt (350°F, 15 seconds, medium pressure)
- Peel cold (wait 10 seconds)
That’s it. The first shirt takes 20 minutes while you learn. After one week, you print one shirt every 4–6 minutes.
Step 5: Where to Buy Supplies Cheap and Reliable
General usage estimates:
- Ink and film: Buy in bulk once you know the printer works
- Powder: 20 kg bag lasts 1000–1500 adult shirts
- Film: A3 size, 1000 sheets = about 800–1000 prints
Always test new film or ink on 2–3 prints first.
Step 6: Pricing Your Shirts to Make a Profit Fast
Average cost per adult shirt:
- Film + ink + powder: $1.20–$1.80
- Blank shirt: $3–$6
- Electricity & wear: $0.30
Total cost: $4.50–$8.00
Sell price: $20–$35
Profit per shirt: $15–$25
Print 10 shirts a day = $150–$250 profit. This profit will cover the printer’s cost in 30 to 40 days.
Step 7: Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Buying the cheapest printer on Facebook → no support, dies in 2 months
- Using the wrong film (too thick or hot-peel) → wash problems
- Skipping white ink circulation → clogs in 2 weeks
- Printing in a dusty room → spots on every print
- Not shaking enough powder → print falls off after 5 washes
Spend a little more upfront on a known brand, and you save thousands later.
Step 8: First Month Action Plan
- Week 1: Order equipment, set up your workspace, and watch basic tutorials.
- Week 2: Print 50 test shirts to learn settings and curing times.
- Week 3: Create social pages, post examples, and start taking local orders.
- Week 4: Print real customer orders, collect payment, reinvest profits.
Most beginners receive their first paid order within 10–14 days.
Final Thoughts
DTF printing is still one of the lowest-risk ways to start a T-shirt business in 2025. Start small, learn fast, keep the room clean, and buy from sellers who answer questions the same day. Follow the steps above, and you can be printing and selling shirts in less than 30 days with almost no experience.
Expand your knowledge by exploring our Business category for additional tips and information.