A lot of people want to print custom t-shirts from home. DTF is now the most popular way because it works on cotton, polyester, hoodies, hats, and almost everything. The good news: you can start for much less money than DTG or screen printing. Here is a full, honest breakdown of every dollar you need to spend.
The DTF Printer Itself
Basic startup printers cost between $1,800 and $9,000.
- $1,800–$3,000 → A3 size (13 inch) converted Epson L1800 or 1390. Good for beginners and very small orders.
- $3,500–$5,500 → A3+ or 24 inch with two Epson I3200 heads. Most home shops pick this range.
- $6,000–$9,000 → 24 inch with four heads or roll-to-roll models for 100+ shirts a day.
For a real home business, plan on $4,000–$5,500 for a solid 24-inch printer that won’t break every week.
Powder Shaker and Dryer
You cannot do DTF well without an automatic shaker. Manual shaking makes prints stiff and wastes powder.
- Small desktop shaker (13 inch): $800–$1,500
- Good 24-inch automatic shaker + dryer tunnel: $2,200–$3,800
Most home users buy the $2,500–$3,200 models. They save hours every day and give softer prints.
Heat Press
You need a reliable heat press to transfer the film.
- 16×20 inch clamshell (good enough): $250–$450
- Better auto-open or drawer type: $600–$1,200
Skip the $100 Amazon presses – they don’t reach even temperature and ruin prints.
Ink, Film, and Powder (First Month Supply)
- 5 liters DTF ink (CMYK + White): $350–$550
- 1 roll 24 inch × 100 meters PET film: $120–$180
- 20 kg hot-melt powder: $160–$250
Total first supplies: around $650–$900. This amount prints 600–900 adult shirts.
Computer and Software
Most people already have a laptop. You only need RIP software to control white ink and colors.
- Free versions (EKPrint, AcroRIP with crack): $0 (many people use this)
- Paid Cadlink or PrintFactory: $400–$800 one-time
Budget $0–$500 here.
Small Tools and Extras
- Cutting machine or trimmer: $80
- Teflon sheets and butcher paper: $30
- Lint roller and masking tape: $20
- Good lighting and small table: $100–$300
Total extras: $250–$500.
Blank Shirts to Start Selling
Buy 100–200 cheap shirts so you can take orders right away.
- Gildan or similar blank tees: $3–$5 each
- Total for 150 shirts: $450–$750
Realistic Total Costs (Three Levels)
Level 1 – Super Low Budget (works but slow)
A3 converted printer + manual shaking + cheap heat press Total: $3,000–$4,500 You can start making money, but you will work hard and grow slower.
Level 2 – Best for Most Home Shops (recommended)
24-inch printer + automatic shaker + good heat press + first supplies + 150 blank shirts Total: $8,500–$12,000 This setup prints 30–70 shirts a day easily and pays for itself in 2–4 months.
Level 3 – Almost Pro Shop (if you want to grow fast)
Top 24-inch printer + big shaker + auto heat press + extra supplies Total: $15,000–$20,000
Most people who make $5,000–$15,000 profit per month started at Level 2.
Monthly Running Costs After You Start
- Electricity: $50–$120
- Ink + film + powder for 500 shirts: $1,200–$1,800
- New blank shirts: depends on sales
- Internet and small ads: $100–$300
Your cost per shirt (supplies only) stays $2.50–$4.50. Sell shirts for $20–$30 and keep good profit.
How Fast You Get Your Money Back
If you print and sell just 15 shirts a day at $25 each (very easy on Instagram and local groups): 15 shirts × 25 days = 375 shirts 375 × $20 profit = $7,500 profit per month A $10,000 setup pays for itself in 6–8 weeks.
Where to Save Money Without Killing Quality
- Buy a complete kit from one trusted seller (printer + shaker + ink tested together)
- Start with one roll of film and 10 kg powder
- Use free RIP software first
- Buy used blank shirts from local screen printers who have extras
Where NOT to Save Money
- Never buy the cheapest no-name printer under $2,000 – heads clog in days
- Never skip the automatic shaker – hand shaking burns you out fast
- Never use bad film – customers complain about cracking after 5 washes
Final Shopping List (Recommended Level 2 Setup)
- 24-inch DTF printer: $4,800
- Automatic shaker + dryer: $3,000
- 16×20 good heat press: $800
- First ink/film/powder: $800
- RIP software (free or paid): $0–$400
- Small tools: $300
- 150 blank shirts: $600 Total: around $10,500
Check dtflinko.com for current kit prices and bundles – they often give free ink and film with the printer and ship fast.
Starting a home DTF printer is one of the cheapest and fastest ways to make real money in custom apparel right now. Spend $8,000–$12,000 once, learn the process in two weeks, and you can easily earn that back in 2–3 months. Start small, post every day on social media, and watch orders grow.
