Direct-to-Film printing, or DTF, is fast becoming the preferred print method for small businesses and individual creators in Canada. It is fast, versatile, and able to provide colourful, durable prints on many types of materials. But a perfect print happens only when it is coupled with the right type of down-to-earth equipment-an appropriate printer.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the types of printers best suited for DTF printing, what features to look for, and how services like Formulated Prints make the process easier for businesses navigating DTF transfers Canada.

Understanding DTF Transfers

You should understand what DTF printing means before you look for a printer. With DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, your design is transferred to a PET film using pigment-based inks. Later, a special adhesive powder is sprinkled onto the film which is then placed in an oven to solidify. The transfer for the design is done by pressing it onto the fabric with a heat press.

DTF can be used on cotton, polyester, blends, denim and other fabrics without any special treatment, unlike with traditional screen printing and DTG. Thus, these types of transfers are now widely used by custom t-shirt businesses, sportswear providers and even companies offering promotional products.

Types of Printers Used for DTF Printing

1. Converted Desktop Printers

It is common for starters or those with smaller demands to purchase converted inkjet printers, examples are the Epson L1800, Epson P600 or Epson XP-15000. Such printers are affordable and can be adjusted so they use DTF inks, including white ink.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
  

• Suitable for beginners and low-volume operations
  

Cons:

• Slower output
  

• Requires manual maintenance
  

2. Dedicated DTF Printers

For larger operations or those ready to scale, dedicated DTF printers offer high-volume, industrial-grade performance. These machines are designed explicitly for DTF printing and feature dual print heads, auto-cleaning functions, and integrated white ink circulation systems.

Pros:

• Fast, consistent output
  

• Better ink management
  

• Built-in roll feeding for continuous printing
  

Cons:

• Higher initial investment
  

• Requires training and space
  

Key Features to Look For

When choosing a printer, these are the most critical features to evaluate:

White Ink Support

Since DTF relies on a white underbase for darker fabrics, your printer must support printing with white ink. Without it, your designs may not stand out on coloured garments.

Print Resolution

A high print resolution (at least 1440 x 720 dpi) ensures that the fine details of your artwork are maintained. This is especially important when using gang sheets with multiple detailed logos or images.

Ink Flow and Circulation

White ink tends to settle and clog print heads if not appropriately circulated. Printers with automated ink agitation and circulation systems help reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

Roll-to-Roll Printing

For high-volume production, a roll-fed printer enables continuous printing, which is more efficient and complements tools like a DTF Gang Sheet Builder.

Why Gang Sheets Matter?

Gang sheets enable you to group multiple designs onto a single transfer film, saving material and reducing waste. Whether you're creating a series of logo prints, sleeve patches, or custom orders for multiple clients, this technique maximizes your print area.

Benefits of Using a DTF Gang Sheet Builder:

• Layout multiple designs on a single sheet
  

• Save time and film
  

• Streamline order fulfillment
  

• Ideal for bulk and mixed designs
  

Formulated Prints provides an easy-to-use tool on their platform, making it easier for Canadian creators to optimize their prints for production.

Working With Formulated Prints

Formulated Prints is a Canada-based provider offering high-quality DTF transfer solutions to businesses and creators nationwide. Whether you're a small Etsy seller or a large-scale apparel brand, their services are designed to simplify and enhance your DTF workflow.

What They Offer:

• Custom DTF transfers: Upload your artwork and get ready-to-press transfers delivered across Canada.
  

• Easy-to-use online platform: Our Gang Sheet Builder makes it simple to upload, lay out, and order your gang sheets.
  

• Fast turnaround: With a focus on efficiency, we strive to ship your orders promptly.
  

• Support for Canadian creators: Operating within Canada means faster shipping, fewer border delays, and CAD pricing.
  

With the growing demand for DTF transfers Canada, Formulated Prints serves as a reliable and accessible partner for both startups and scaling businesses.

Additional Equipment You’ll Need

Even with the right printer, DTF success requires several other components:

PET DTF Transfer Film

This film holds the printed design until it is transferred onto the garment.

Hot-Melt Adhesive Powder

Applied to the printed film while the ink is still wet, this powder activates during heat pressing and bonds the design to the fabric.

Curing Oven or Heat Gun

Used to melt the adhesive powder before pressing. Some setups use heat presses, but a curing oven ensures even results.

Heat Press Machine

For the final step, transfer the design to your garment. A quality heat press with accurate temperature and pressure control is essential.

FAQs

Q. Is it possible to use an everyday inkjet printer for DTF?

A: No. Certain inkjet printers (like those made by Epson) are suitable for DTF conversion. The printers should be able to use pigment inks and support white ink as well.

Q. What makes a gang sheet valuable for cutting down on expenses?

A: Fitting several designs on one sheet supports saving film, avoids wasting material and allows for pushing things out faster and more efficiently.

Q. Does DTF printing outperform screen printing?

A: It is up to you what you prefer. DTF is best for doing small batches, more detailed artworks and quick changes in fabric type. For many copies of simple designs, screen printing is the most cost-effective way.

Q. What makes white ink needed in DTF?

A: White ink serves the role of a base layer on dark clothes which allows the other colours to look solid and strong. If you don’t apply opacity, your artwork might seem faded or see-through.

Q. What makes Formulated Prints a good choice for DTF in Canada?

A: They offer quick turnaround times, CAD pricing, reliable customer service, and a user-friendly DTF Gang Sheet Builder—all tailored to the Canadian market.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right printer is the first and most crucial step in launching a successful DTF printing operation. Whether you start with a converted Epson model or invest in a dedicated DTF printer, be sure it meets the requirements for resolution, ink compatibility, and white ink circulation.

If you're ready to start or expand your DTF printing journey, Formulated Prints has the tools and support to help you succeed. From affordable transfer sheets to a seamless design builder, they’re your partner in print perfection.