Everything to Know About DTF and the Prestige A3+ Direct to Film Desktop Printer

If you're just getting started with the Prestige A3+ DTF Printer or if you're considering investing in a desktop DTF printer for your business this is a great place to start. 

I have put all of our resources and information on DTF printing in one spot so you can easily find what you're looking for whether that's the best Prestige A3+ DTF printer Bundle or tutorials and videos or you're still trying to figure out "What is DTF printing" or you're looking for an honest Prestige A3+ DTF printer review. 

What is DTF (Direct to Film) Printing?

If you're still in the research phase and are trying to figure out "what is DTF printing" and if it's right for your business - this introduction to DTF printing should answer all of your questions. 

DTF printing stands for Direct to Film printing. The process of DTF involves printing a full color design - including white - directly to film, applying a powder adhesive and curing that adhesive to create a ready-to-press transfer that can then be applied to another surface like a shirt. 

• Intro to Direct to Film and How it Fits into my Silhouette Business
• Prestige A3+ DTF Printer REVIEW: Pros and Cons

Because DTF printing does not require any cutting, weeding, or marrying and because it can print white it fills in the gaps where other printers can't. For example because the Prestige A3+ DTF printer can print white and the transfers can be applied to any color surface or type of garment, it solves a problem that sublimation struggles with.

Finally the buying options can be overwhelming so I've put together a list of what you need to get started with DTF to make sure you don't miss any essentials, while also not overbuying.

• What Do I Need to Start DTF Printing (supply list)

Supplies to Get Started with DTF  | Silhouette School

Getting Started with DTF

It's relatively fast and easy to get started with direct to film. The Prestige A3+ DTF can literally be set up and printing within an hour or so and of course I have tutorials and videos to help you along the way. 

Prestige A3+ DTF Printer Videos & Tutorials

• Uncrating the Prestige DTF printer (Video)
• How to Setup the Prestige A3+ DTF Printer Start to Finish (Video)
• Setting Up the Prestige A3+ Printer and Software (Step by Step Tutorial)
• How to Set Up the DTF Curing Oven and Air Filter (Video)
• First Print on Prestige A3+ DTF Printer (Video)
• Prestige A3+ DTF Printer Cleaning: How to Perform Daily Cleaning Maintenance 

How Much Does a DTF Printer Cost? 

One of the big questions is always "how much does it cost to get into DTF?" You can get a full setup with the desktop Prestige A3+ DTF printer for an investment of about $4600. But there are ways to add a Prestige A3+ DTF printer and start printing transfers for even less. 

One of the things you're getting when your small business invests in a Prestige A3+ DTF printer is not only the printer and all the components itself, but the lifetime customer support, the warranty, and extras like DTF designs when you purchase from Swing Design. 

What's the Cost in Ink, Film, and Powder to Print a Full DTF Sheet?

Keep in mind one of the great things about DTF is the transfers are inexpensive to make with an A3 size costing just about $1 to print and a full printed 8.5 x 11" sheet of film even less than that! 

What Type of Maintenance is Required for the Prestige A3+ DTF Printer?

The Prestige A3+ DTF printer does require daily maintenance and it requires even more on days it's used to print if you want to keep it in good printing order. 

The daily maintenance includes checking the waste container and emptying as necessary and shaking the white ink cartridge and container. 

On days when the Prestige A3+ will be used to print, it's recommended to perform a head cleaning and nozzle cleaning at the beginning of the day.  After printing, it's recommended to clean the caping station, wiper blade and print head. 

Best Prestige A3+ DTF Printer Bundle

The best Prestige A3+ DTF Printer Bundle is the one that has everything YOU need to get started and is within your budget.  

The Prestige A3+ printer does not include inks out of the box, so I would suggest you get a DTF bundle that includes inks - which Swing Design offers.  Swing does a really good job of offering DTF starter packs with all the essentials including DTF film and powder - both of which you'll also need. 

Best DTF Printer Bundles | Silhouette School

But above and beyond that I would recommend - if you can stretch a little - you get a bundle that also includes the curing oven and air filter. 

You can use a heat press to cure the DTF powder but it will take about three times as long. Of course you can always add the 16x20" DTF curing oven and air filter on later as well.

And I have a special offer for you - if you buy a Prestige Bundle you can get an EXTRA 200 sheets of DTF film - free.  Get the free DTF film offer by clicking my link to unlock the code. 

Prestige A3+ DTF Printer Tutorials 

Like anything, there's a learning curve to the Prestige A3+ DTF printer, but I actually found it to be one of the easiest of all the printers and cutters I have. From the set up to the first DTF print it's not a hard process and of course I'm here to help you along the way! 

 

Be sure to subscribe to the Silhouette School Youtube channel and follow the DTF playlist so you don't miss any.

Best Place for Full Color Images for Prestige A3+ DTF Printer

Not a designer? Let So Fontsy do the designing for you...thousands of ready to print full color digital images and art for Direct to Film printers all with the free commercial use license.