Choosing the right DTF printer is one of the most important decisions when starting or scaling an apparel decoration business.
Many new businesses struggle to determine:
- which printer size they actually need,
- how much production capacity is required,
- whether they should print in-house,
- or if outsourcing DTF transfers makes more sense initially.
At KOLORMATRIX, we help businesses choose DTF systems based on:
- production goals,
- business model,
- workspace limitations,
- budget,
- and long-term growth plans.
This guide breaks down the most common DTF printer categories and explains which setups are best for different types of businesses.
Desktop A4 DTF Printers
Best For:
- hobby businesses
- startup testing
- Etsy sellers
- apartment businesses
- learning DTF basics
Desktop A4 DTF printers are often the lowest-cost entry point into DTF printing. These compact systems are designed for:
- smaller transfers,
- light production,
- and limited workspace environments.
They can work well for:
- testing designs,
- learning workflows,
- and small-batch apparel decoration.
Advantages
- lower startup cost
- compact footprint
- apartment-friendly
- beginner entry point
Limitations
- slower production
- smaller print area
- limited scalability
- increased maintenance sensitivity
For many businesses, desktop systems are best viewed as learning or entry-level production platforms.
13” DTF Printer Systems
Best For:
- startup apparel brands
- in-house transfer printing
- small print shops
- home-based businesses
13” roll-fed DTF printers are one of the most popular starting points for businesses wanting to print their own transfers professionally.
These systems provide:
- improved production consistency,
- roll-fed workflow,
- larger gang sheets,
- and better scalability than desktop A4 systems.
A 13” setup is often ideal for:
- smaller apparel brands,
- startup print shops,
- and businesses producing lower daily order volume.
Advantages
- affordable commercial entry point
- better workflow efficiency
- roll-fed production
- suitable for home businesses
Considerations
- moderate production speed
- limited oversized transfer capability
- may eventually outgrow production capacity
17” DTF Printer Systems
Best For:
- growing apparel businesses
- mid-volume production
- print-for-hire services
- scaling operations
For many businesses, 17” DTF printers represent the ideal balance between:
- production speed,
- affordability,
- workspace requirements,
- and scalability.
These systems are commonly used by:
- growing apparel decorators,
- established custom apparel shops,
- and businesses beginning to offer transfer printing services to other customers.
17” systems allow:
- larger gang sheets,
- higher daily output,
- improved workflow efficiency,
- and expanded production flexibility.
Advantages
- strong production capability
- scalable workflow
- ideal balance of size and output
- supports moderate commercial production
Considerations
- requires more production space
- higher startup investment
- increased maintenance responsibility
For many small-to-mid-sized businesses, 17” systems become the long-term “sweet spot” for production.
24” DTF Printer Systems
Best For:
- commercial production
- high-volume apparel shops
- transfer printing businesses
- contract printing operations
24” DTF printers are where serious commercial production begins.
These systems are designed for:
- large gang sheets,
- higher transfer output,
- production efficiency,
- and continuous workflow environments.
24” systems are ideal for businesses:
- producing transfers daily,
- servicing multiple customers,
- fulfilling larger apparel runs,
- or building a dedicated transfer printing business.
Advantages
- higher production volume
- improved efficiency
- larger gang sheets
- stronger commercial scalability
- ideal for transfer sales
Considerations
- larger workspace requirements
- increased production management
- higher equipment investment
For growing production shops, 24” systems often provide the best balance between commercial output and operational flexibility.
36” DTF Printer Systems
Best For:
- maximum production
- oversized transfers
- industrial transfer businesses
- fulfillment operations
- high-volume contract printing
36” DTF systems are built for businesses focused on:
- large-scale transfer production,
- oversized graphics,
- maximum gang sheet efficiency,
- and industrial-level workflow capacity.
These systems allow:
- larger artwork layouts,
- higher throughput,
- and improved production speed for large commercial operations.
Advantages
- maximum output
- oversized transfer capability
- highest production efficiency
- industrial scalability
Considerations
- large production footprint
- higher electrical requirements
- advanced workflow management
- experienced operator recommended
Should You Print Your Own Transfers or Outsource?
One of the biggest questions new businesses face is:
Should I buy a DTF printer or outsource transfers?
The answer depends on:
- production volume,
- business goals,
- startup budget,
- workspace,
- and available time.
When Outsourcing Makes Sense
Many successful apparel brands start by:
- outsourcing DTF transfers,
- using a heat press,
- and focusing on sales, marketing, and customer acquisition first.
Outsourcing allows startups to:
- avoid printer maintenance,
- reduce startup investment,
- eliminate production learning curves,
- and focus on growing the business.
This can be an excellent option for:
- apartment businesses,
- home startups,
- side hustles,
- Etsy sellers,
- and early-stage apparel brands.
When In-House DTF Printing Makes Sense
Owning a DTF printer becomes more valuable when businesses:
- increase order volume,
- require faster turnaround,
- need production control,
- or begin selling transfers commercially.
In-house production offers:
- improved profit margins,
- faster fulfillment,
- color consistency,
- and complete workflow control.
However, it also requires:
- maintenance,
- technical learning,
- workspace,
- and production management.
How to Choose the Right DTF Setup
When selecting a DTF system, consider:
- daily production volume,
- workspace availability,
- electrical requirements,
- maintenance responsibilities,
- long-term growth goals,
- and whether you plan to sell transfers commercially.
The “best” printer is not always the largest machine — it’s the system that best matches your current business stage and production goals.
Why Businesses Choose KOLORMATRIX
Real Production Experience
We help businesses choose systems based on actual workflow needs — not just specifications.
Technical Support
We assist customers with setup, maintenance, and production troubleshooting.
Education & Training
Our videos, blogs, and guides help printers build better workflows.
Commercial Production Knowledge
We understand both startup and high-volume apparel production environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best DTF printer size for a startup?
Many startups begin with 13” or 17” systems depending on budget, workspace, and production goals.
Can I run a DTF business from home?
Yes. Many businesses successfully operate smaller DTF systems from home offices, garages, or dedicated workspaces.
Should I outsource DTF transfers first?
For many startups, outsourcing can reduce costs and simplify operations while focusing on building sales.
What size DTF printer is best for selling transfers?
Many transfer businesses prefer 24” or 36” systems for higher production efficiency and gang sheet capacity.
Are desktop DTF printers good for production?
Desktop systems can work for small-volume applications, but larger roll-fed systems typically provide better long-term scalability.
Build the Right DTF Workflow for Your Business
Whether you’re launching a startup apparel brand or scaling commercial transfer production, KOLORMATRIX can help you choose the right DTF equipment, workflow, and production strategy.
- DTF Printer Collections
- DTF Transfers
-
Heat Press Equipment
- DTF Supplies
- Startup Apparel Guides
- Outsourcing vs In-House DTF Blog
- DTF Maintenance Guides
- DTF Training Videos