Knowing the upfront cost of using Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing for your custom T-shirt projects is crucial. DTF printing is widely used nowadays for its ability to produce high-quality prints on different fabrics. However, DTF printing costs for each T-shirt depend on several factors. This article breaks down the expenditures in printing a shirt using DTF to help you budget more effectively.
What Affects the DTF Printing Cost?
The cost of DTF printing per T-shirt depends on the consumables used, including DTF printer ink, DTF printing film, and powder. Furthermore, the complexity of the design and the size of your order can determine the final price per shirt.
1. DTF Printing Ink and DTF Transfer Paper Costs
- The film and ink are two primary components used in DTF printing. The DTF printing film is also called DTF transfer paper, it is the medium where the design is printed before it’s transferred to the T-shirt. Meanwhile, the ink used in this type of printing works on various fabrics.
- The costs of these materials affect the price per shirt. High-quality DTF printer inks and DTF printer film produce better print quality but may come at a higher cost.
- The price of our DTF Ink is $49.90 per 250ml bottle. If your design requires multiple colors, you’ll use more DTF printer ink, which can increase the DTF printing costs. Depending on the size and design detail, the ink price per T-shirt is between $0.60 and $1.00.
- DTF transfer paper, just like the A3 Rolls from our store, costs $98.99 for a 12” x 328’ roll. This DTF printing film roll can create several hundred prints depending on the design size. For an average-size print on a T-shirt, the range price is between $0.30 and $0.50 per shirt.
2. DTF adhesive Powder and Adhesive Costs
The DTF powder is another essential material used in DTF printing as it helps the DTF printer ink stick to the fabric during the transfer. Our DTF powder is priced at $39.
99 per kilogram. This amount can cover many prints, making the cost of DTF printing per T-shirt relatively low, about $0.10 to $0.20. While the dtf printer powder cost is minimal, it is crucial to use high-quality powder, especially if you plan to sell the shirts. That way, the prints can last and withstand regular washing.
The Impact of Design Detail on Cost
Besides the tools and consumables, the complexity of the design can affect the direct-to-film printing cost. Simple designs are cheaper and faster to produce. Meanwhile, intricate designs are more expensive and may result in slower production.
1. Simple vs. Complex Designs
A simple, single-color or text design is the most affordable option. It uses less DTF printer ink and DTF paper, resulting in a lower cost of DTF printing per T-shirt, approximately $1.50 to $2.50. On the other hand, complex, detailed designs with multiple colors or gradient accents will cost more. The price range can reach up to $3.00 per shirt since these layouts need more ink and film.
2. Full-color prints and Photographic Images
If your design includes full-color prints and photographic images, expect the DTF printing cost per square inch to be higher. These layouts require a broader spectrum of DTF printer inks and precise application, which is labor-intensive. The DTF printing cost per shirt ranges between $3.50 and $5.00 for these intricately detailed designs.
3. DTF Printing on Large Print Areas
The DTF print area size also affects the charges. A small chest logo is more affordable than a large, full-front or back design. Large print areas need more inks, film, and powder, driving up the cost. Thus, expect to pay an additional $1.00 to $3.00 per shirt if the logo is large.
The Influence of Batch Size on DTF Printing Costs
The quantity of T-shirts you order per batch can impact the cost of DTF printing per T-shirt. Bulk orders typically cost less due to economies of scale. Meanwhile, smaller orders or individual prints tend to be more expensive.
1. Economies of Scale in DTF Printing
When you place a bulk order for T-shirts, the price per unit decreases. The reason is that the setup time—which includes loading the design, preparing the film, and heating the press—is the same as printing a shirt or a hundred volume. Therefore, spreading these setup costs over a bulk of T-shirts cuts down the price per clothing. For instance, printing 100 shirts can cost around $2.50 per T-shirt, but if you order 500 shirts, the price can be as low as $2.00 per shirt.
2. Customization and Individual Orders
Individual, custom designs are the most expensive among the three. This order requires separate setups for each item, adding time and expenses. Custom one-off layouts can cost around $7.00 to $10.00 per shirt, depending on the detail and size of the print.
3. Small Batch Printing Cost
For smaller orders, the DTF printing costs for every T-shirt will be higher because the setup charges are spread over fewer items. Additionally, printers may ask for premium charges for smaller batches since they don’t benefit from bulk discounts on materials. So, if you’re printing designs on less than ten shirts, for example, the price may range between $4.00 and $6.00 per T-shirt.
Hidden Charges and Additional Considerations
While ink, film, and powder are the primary factors affecting the direct-to-film printing cost, other factors like taxes and the price of blank T-shirts can impact the final charge.
1. DTF Printer Taxes and Import Fees
Depending on your location, add taxes and import fees to the DTF printing costs, especially if you’re ordering from an international supplier. These fees can add 5% to 20% to your total expenses. Check with your supplier or local customs office for any applicable charges.
2. Price of Blank T-Shirts
The cost of a blank shirt is a crucial point of the overall cost. A blank T-shirt costs between $2.00 and $10.00 each, depending on the brand, quality, and fabric. Choosing higher-quality shirts is costly but leads to better printing results, making it a wise choice if you plan to sell them.
How to Cut the DTF Printing Costs
Now that you know how much DTF printing costs, you surely want to find out how to reduce expenses. There are several ways to reduce the cost of DTF printing per T-shirt. Following the tips below can help you manage your budget effectively.
1. Opt for Simpler Designs
One of the easiest ways to reduce the direct-to-film printing cost is by choosing simple designs. The simpler the layout, the fewer resources it requires; hence, less money to spend. This approach is cost-effective, especially if you plan to produce or buy larger orders for a large event or giveaway.
2. Buy in Bulk
As mentioned earlier, ordering in bulk can lower the cost of DTF printing per T-shirt. If you’re in an apparel business and need more shirts to sell in the future, consider ordering a larger quantity upfront. Not only does it save money, but it also ensures you have extra inventory, reducing the need for small, costly reorders.
3. Choose Cost-Effective Blank T-Shirts
While we suggest choosing higher-quality shirts, picking an expensive fabric is unnecessary unless the project demands it. Standard cotton shirts are more than enough for most purposes and come at lower prices. Balancing quality and expenses can reduce costs while still delivering high-quality clothing.
Ink Bear Final Thoughts In This Article
Understanding the factors affecting the DTF printing costs for each T-shirt can help you make smart choices to manage your expenses. Each aspect impacts the overall direct-to-film printing cost, from the price of consumables to design complexity and batch size.
Also, knowing the hidden charges and taking steps to reduce the DTF printing costs can help you stick to your budget while still getting high-quality results. Whether printing T-shirts for personal use, selling, or a large event, these factors and tips will help you get the most out of your investment.
PS: If you want to know more about picking the suitable model for your needs, or more Blogs
