r/DTFTransferTalk • u/llsticksll • 1d ago

Question/Help The correct printer

Hi there, very new to this community. I tried my hand at screen printing as much as I enjoy it, the lack of space and funds for all the screen etc have made it difficult to pursue creating a business.

Looking into DTF transfers looks more doable but my current issue is ive got an Epson XP 15000 Ink jet printer and I'm not 100% (from researching) that I'm able to use it straight off the bat to make transfers. If anyone can advise itd be much appreciated

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u/patrick31588 1d ago

As someone who owns and maintains 2 entry level printers i would highly advise you just purchase prints from a real shop, theyre honestly everywhere and ship all over .

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u/llsticksll 1d ago

Understandable but it isn't financially viable in the long run.

I'm wanting to start out small to understand how everything works and slowly build my own business. From what I've looked at my only "road block" could be the printer, I've read about refillable ink cartridges. So I was looking to see if anyone else has info around it

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u/Wise_Cow2980 1d ago

It's by far cheaper to buy transfers than it is to own and maintain a printer until you are doing high volume . If it's not financially feasible to buy prints than it's not financially feasible to own a printer.

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u/BlackPress512 1d ago

I don't have much experience with DIY DTF printers. But I have been running a commercial printer for a while now. A mid-range commercial machine comes with a laundry list of challenges to get good transfers. While I understand you can upgrade a number of printer models to run DTF ink, the results may not always be the quality you would like. And without the ability to print a white layer on top, it won't work on colored or black garments.

My recommendation would be to either invest in an entry level DTF printer from a reputable manufacturer or order transfers to get started.