Getting Started with DTF Printing

If you’re exploring the world of direct-to-film (DTF) printing, here’s a friendly beginner’s guide tailored for the craft market, and showing you how to scale up when you’re ready. We’ll focus on two standout machines from Resolute: the compact CraftyJet™ for crafters/hobbyists, and the more production-capable R‑Jet PRO DTF™ mini for those looking to take DTF printing more seriously.

What is DTF printing?

“Direct-to-Film” means you print your design onto a special DTF film, apply adhesive powder, cure it, and then heat-press the transfer onto a garment or other substrate. The method offers full-colour prints, works on light or dark fabrics, and is increasingly popular in craft and small business settings.

Why choose DTF for craft?

• Lower entry cost compared to industrial screen-printing or large DTG machines.

• Flexible runs, ideal for personalised items, short-runs and upsell gifts.

• Works on many fabric types (cotton, polyester blends etc).

• You can start small, learn the workflow, then scale up.

Beginner Option: The CraftyJet™

If you’re just starting out, perhaps from a home workspace, apart-time, or looking to add personalised merchandise, the CraftyJet™ is your pick.

Key specs & fit-for-purpose:

• Print width: 29 cm.

• Print speed: Approx 3 m per hour linear in craft mode.

• Compact size: 820 × 700 × 400 mm; weight 24 kg.

• Media: PET DTF film or DTP paper.

• Designed specifically for the craft/home user market.

Why it’s ideal for crafters:

• Manageable footprint: fits in a small studio/garage.

• Entry-level print width for items like T-shirts, bags, cushions, smaller home-décor.

• Low complexity to start: less investment risk while you learn.

• Great for personalised gifts, craft shows, Etsy-type operation.

Tips to get going:

• Ensure you have a proper heat press or finishing unit (cure and press step matters).

• Source good quality DTF film, powder and inks (matching the machine’s specs).

• Start with a few fabric types: light cotton and dark cotton to understand differences.

• Create a workflow: design → print → powder → cure → press → finish.

• Build a small catalogue of items: e.g., personalised tote bags, kids-tees, home décor pillows.

• Use this machine to test what sells and refine your offering before scaling.

“Level-Up” Option: The R-Jet PRO DTF mini

Once you’re comfortable with DTF and seeing consistent demand, the R-Jet PRO DTF™ mini steps up your game.

Key specs & advantages:

• Footprint: Approx 850 × 1200 mm.

• Print heads: Dual Epson i1600.

• Print width: ~30 cm; print speed up to 10 linear m/hour.

• Beginner-friendly design, yet capable of higher throughput.

• Designed for small-to-medium production or second-printer scenario.

When to upgrade:

• You’re regularly fulfilling more orders than one-off crafts.

• You want to handle short runs of customised apparel at higher throughput.

• You’re introducing a semi-production workflow (dedicated space, team, faster turnaround).

• You want to make DTF printing a more significant revenue stream rather than just a side-hustle.

Scaling tips:

• Upgrade your heat press and finishing equipment accordingly (larger platen size etc).

• Implement a workflow that separates design, print, finishing, QC.

• Introduce standard job templates and repeatable processes to reduce time per order.

• Consider multi-channel sales: local shops, e-commerce, bulk orders (teams, schools).

• Monitor cost per transfer: DTF film + powder + press time + labour → ensure your pricing covers it and gives margin.

Craft Market Workflow & Business Tips

Workflow summary:

1. Create or source design (digital file, high resolution).

2. Print onto DTF film via your machine (CraftyJet™ or R-Jet PRO DTF™ mini).

3. Apply adhesive DTF powder; shake off excess.

4. Cure the DTF film (oven or finishing unit) if required.

5. Heat press the transfer onto the substrate (garment, bag, cushion).

6. Peel DTF film (hot or cold depending on media) and apply any finishing touches (e.g., pressing again for durability).

7. Quality-check: wash test if needed, ensure no peeling/fading.

8. Package and ship, or deliver to client.

Business tips for the craft market

• Focus on niches: personalised gifts (weddings, birthdays), micro-brands, local businesses.

• Price your work to cover consumables, design time, machine amortisation, labour.

• Use social media to showcase “before and after” transfers and finished products, clear visuals help.

• Keep media and DTF ink costs visible so you don’t get surprised, especially when you scale.

• Offer “short-run” services (e.g., under 10 units) and “bulk” tiers (for when moving to R-Jet PRO DTF™ mini).

• Consider sales channels: Etsy, local markets, online store, collaborations with local retailers.

• Promotional idea: “Start with one custom item, then upgrade your machine and offer batch printing”.

Choosing Between the Two

Scenario	Recommended Machine
Hobbyist or home-studio, occasional prints, limited space	CraftyJet™
Growing business, regular orders, short-run batches, semi-production	R-Jet PRO DTF™ mini

If you’re just starting, the CraftyJet™ offers a low-risk entry point. Once you’re confident and want to increase throughput, the R-Jet PRO DTF™ mini gives you the power to scale without jumping to full-industrial size.

Final Thoughts

DTF printing offers a compelling route into custom apparel, gifts and personalised merchandise for the craft market. With the CraftyJet™, you can learn the ropes, build your brand and revenue. When you’re ready, the R-Jet PRO DTF™ mini enables higher volume, faster turnaround and more business opportunities, all while staying in the familiar DTF workflow.

When you ever need help comparing machines, consumables or building your marketing around your new DTF printing capability, our dedicated team is here to help. In the meantime: print, press, personalise and build something you’re proud of.