How to Convert A Printer to DTF? A Beginner Guide

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing has revolutionized the custom apparel industry. It allows creators to print vibrant, durable designs on a special film and transfer them to almost any fabric—cotton, polyester, blends, and even leather—without the limitations of sublimation or the setup costs of screen printing.

In 2025, the barrier to entry is lower than ever. While professional machines like the Obziy DP1 DTF Printer offer a "plug-and-play" experience with high reliability, many DIY enthusiasts and beginners choose to start by converting a standard inkjet printer.

This guide will walk you through the technical process of converting a printer to DTF, specifically focusing on the most popular method: converting Epson-based photo printers.

Before You Begin

Converting a printer is a technical project. It voids the printer’s warranty and requires patience. Before you pick up a screwdriver, you need to prepare the right ecosystem.

1. Choose a Compatible Printer

Not all printers can be converted. DTF printing requires a Piezoelectric printhead (found in Epson printers) because it works well with the thicker consistency of textile inks. Thermal printheads (like those in HP or Canon) will boil and clog the ink.

Popular models for conversion in 2025 include:

• Epson L1800: The "gold standard" for A3 conversions due to its durability.

• Epson EcoTank ET-8550: A popular, modern choice for wide-format printing.

• Epson XP-15000: A budget-friendly option, though harder to find chipless firmware for.

Note: You specifically need a 6-color printer (CMYK + Light Cyan + Light Magenta). During conversion, the two "Light" channels are usually repurposed for White Ink, which is essential for DTF.

2. Gather Your Materials

You cannot use standard printer parts for DTF. You will need to acquire:

• DTF Inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, and White.

• DTF Film: Sheets or rolls (Cold peel or Hot peel).

• DTF Powder: The adhesive polymer.

• Maintenance Box / Waste Ink Tank: DTF creates a lot of waste ink; you need an external tank to catch it.

• Tools: Screwdriver set, needle-nose pliers, lint-free cloths, and cleaning solution.

3. Obtain RIP Software

Standard printer drivers cannot tell a printer to print white ink or how to handle color density for film. You need Raster Image Processor (RIP) software (like Acrorip or CADlink). This software controls the ink channels, allowing you to print a white under-base beneath your colors.

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

1. Prepare the Printer

Unbox your printer and remove all blue packing tape. Power it on to ensure the initial mechanics are working before you start taking it apart.

• The "Pizza Wheel" Removal: This is the most critical mechanical step. Most photo printers have small rollers (often called pizza wheels) that guide the paper. In DTF, the ink stays wet on the film. If you leave these rollers in, they will roll over the wet ink and ruin your print ("track marks"). You must carefully remove the central rollers from the output tray.

2. Install the Conversion Kit (CISS and Dampers)

If your printer uses cartridges, you should replace them with a Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) or refillable cartridges.

• Dampers: If you are modifying an older L1800, you may need to replace the stock ink dampers with ones compatible with DTF ink to prevent sediment buildup.

• Waste Tank: Install an external waste ink bottle. Locate the waste ink tube at the back of the printer, extend it, and feed it into a bottle. If you skip this, the waste pads inside the printer will saturate with heavy DTF ink and overflow, potentially ruining the electronics.

3. Install the RIP Software

Install the drivers for your specific printer model on your computer. Then, install your RIP software.

• Dongle: Most RIP software requires a USB security dongle to be plugged in to function.

• Configuration: Set up the ink channels in the software. For a 6-channel printer, the standard mapping is usually CMYK + WW (White/White).

Need help setting this up? Check out our video guide: How to Install DTF RIP Software.

4. Load DTF Inks

Pour your DTF inks into the CISS tanks.

• Shake the White Ink: White DTF ink settles quickly (like sediment at the bottom of a juice bottle). You must shake the white ink bottle vigorously before filling the tank.

• Priming: Use a syringe to pull ink through the lines and into the dampers/cartridges to remove air bubbles. Air in the lines will cause print heads to burn out or print blank streaks.

5. Adjust Settings

Open your RIP software settings.

• Resolution: Set to 1440x1440 dpi for the best balance of speed and quality.

• Ink Limits: DTF film can only hold so much ink. Set your Color Ink limit to roughly 40-60% and White Ink to 40-70% depending on your film brand. Too much ink will cause "bleeding" or puddling.

6. Test Print

Load a sheet of DTF film. Crucial: Identify the printable side. It is the matte/frosted side. The glossy side is the back.

• Run a Nozzle Check from the software first.

• If the nozzle check is good (all lines visible), import a simple design and print.

• Watch the printer. Ensure the film feeds correctly and the head doesn't strike the film.

7. Finish the Transfer

Once the print comes out, the ink will be wet.

1. Powder: Sprinkle DTF adhesive powder over the wet ink. Shake off the excess.

2. Cure: Melt the powder using a heat press (hovering, not pressing) or a dedicated curing oven. It should look like an "orange peel" texture when cured.

3. Transfer: Heat press the film onto your shirt (usually 300°F - 320°F for 15 seconds), let it cool, and peel the film.

Is Conversion Right for You?

Converting a printer is a great learning experience, but it comes with challenges. Converted printers lack the white ink circulation systems found in professional units. This means they clog frequently if not used daily.

Source: Obziy

FAQs: Common Questions About DTF Conversion

Q1: What printers can be converted to DTF?

The most common conversions are Epson L1800, L805, XP-15000, and the Epson EcoTank ET-8550. Generally, you need a 6-color Epson inkjet printer.

Q2: Can you do DTF on a regular printer?

No. Standard office printers (HP, Canon) typically use thermal printheads that are incompatible with DTF inks. Furthermore, a standard 4-color (CMYK) printer cannot print white ink, which is required for DTF transfers on dark garments.

Q3: How to turn an image into a DTF transfer?

You need a high-resolution PNG file with a transparent background. Import this into RIP software, which will generate a white layer for the background and process the colors for printing. Print it, powder it, cure it, and press it.

Q4: Can you make DTF transfers with an inkjet printer?

Yes, provided it is an Epson printer modified to handle DTF ink and film. You cannot use standard inkjet ink; it must be replaced with specialized textile pigment ink (DTF ink).

Q5: What do I need to create my own DTF transfers?

1. A converted printer (or dedicated DTF machine).

2. RIP Software.

3. DTF Ink (CMYK+W).

4. DTF Film.

5. DTF Adhesive Powder.

6. A heat source (Heat press or curing oven) to melt the powder.

Q6: Do you need a special heat press for DTF?

You do not need a "special" press, but you need a good quality standard heat press that maintains consistent temperature and pressure. A handheld iron is not recommended as it cannot provide uniform pressure.

Q7: Is DTF a good business to start?

Yes. It is one of the fastest-growing sectors in print. It allows for on-demand printing with low inventory costs compared to screen printing and higher durability than traditional heat transfer paper.

Q8: Can I convert a sublimation printer to DTF?

Technically, yes, if it is an Epson model. However, you must completely flush out all sublimation ink before adding DTF ink. Mixing the two chemistries will clog the printhead immediately. It is usually better to start with a new printer or one that hasn't been used for sublimation.

Q9: Do you have to run a DTF printer every day?

Yes. This is the golden rule. White DTF ink contains titanium dioxide, which settles and hardens like cement if left stagnant. You should run a nozzle check or a small print daily to keep the ink flowing.

Q10: What is the lifespan of DTF print?

A properly cured and pressed DTF print is very durable. It typically lasts 50+ washes without significant cracking or fading, making it comparable to screen printing.

Q11: Should I clean the nozzle after every print?

Not necessarily after every print, but you should clean the wiper blade and capping station at the end of every work day to prevent dried ink buildup.

Q12: Do you have to press DTF twice?

Yes, it is highly recommended.

1. First Press: Transfers the design to the shirt.

2. Peel: Remove the film.

3. Second Press: Cover with parchment paper or Teflon and press again for 5-10 seconds. This pushes the ink deeper into the fabric fibers for better washability and a softer feel.

Q13: How much does it cost to print DTF transfers?

It is very affordable. An A3 size transfer typically costs between $1.00 and $2.00 in consumables (ink + film + powder), depending on your supplier.

Q14: How to convert Epson 8550 to DTF?

The ET-8550 is popular because it doesn't require cartridges (it has tanks).

1. Fill tanks with DTF ink (Black, Photo Black, Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, and use the Grey tank for White).

2. Remove the output tray rollers to prevent track marks.

3. Install RIP software capable of mapping the ink channels correctly.

Q15: Can you use a Canon printer for DTF?

No. Canon printers use thermal bubble-jet technology. The heat generated by the printhead will cause the DTF ink to clog or dry inside the nozzle almost instantly.

Q16: What is the Cheapest printer to convert to DTF?

The Epson L805 (A4 size) is often the cheapest option, but for A3 (standard t-shirt size) printing, the Epson XP-15000 is usually the most budget-friendly entry point, though consumables can be pricier than EcoTank models.

Q17: What is the Best DTF conversion kit for home use?

There isn't one single "kit" that is best, but look for suppliers that offer Refillable Cartridges without chips (or auto-reset chips) and a high-quality external Waste Ink Tank. For the software side, CADlink Digital Factory is widely considered the industry leader for reliability, though AcroRip is a cheaper alternative for beginners.