Best Printer to Convert to DTF: Epson EcoTank Conversion Guide

Converting a consumer Epson EcoTank printer to DTF printing is the lowest-cost way to start producing your own DTF transfers. By replacing the standard dye-based inks with DTF pigment inks and feeding DTF film through the printer, hobbyists and micro-businesses can produce small-batch transfers for under $500 in total equipment cost. However, this approach has significant limitations compared to purpose-built DTF printers.

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Which Printers Can Be Converted to DTF?

The most commonly converted printers are Epson EcoTank models with CMYK + optional slots that can accommodate white ink. Popular conversion candidates include:

### The White Ink Problem The biggest challenge in converting a consumer printer to DTF is white ink. DTF requires a white ink underbase layer for designs on dark garments. Most consumer EcoTank printers only have 4 ink tanks (CMYK) with no way to add white. The Epson ET-8550 and L1800 have 6 tanks, making white ink conversion more feasible but still not ideal.

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DTF Conversion Process

What You Need

• Compatible Epson printer ($250–500)
• DTF ink set (CMYK + White) — $100–200
• DTF PET film compatible with your printer size — $30–80 per roll
• Hot-melt adhesive powder — $30–60
• Heat gun or small curing oven for powder activation — $30–100
• RIP software compatible with your printer — $50–200+
• Heat press — $150–500

Conversion Steps

1. Flush the original ink — Remove all factory ink from the system using cleaning solution
2. Install DTF ink — Fill the tanks with DTF pigment ink (CMYK + White if your printer supports it)
3. Install RIP software — Standard printer drivers cannot manage the white ink channel. RIP software controls which areas print white and which print color.
4. Load DTF film — Feed DTF PET film through the printer's sheet or roll feeder
5. Print, powder, cure — Print the design (colors first, white underbase), apply adhesive powder while wet, cure with heat

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Converted Printer vs Purpose-Built DTF Printer

### The Honest Assessment A converted EcoTank is a learning tool, not a production machine. White ink management is the primary pain point — consumer print heads are not designed for the heavy pigment particles in DTF white ink, leading to frequent clogging, banding, and print head failure. If your goal is to test the DTF process before investing in a real printer, a conversion works. If your goal is to sell DTF-printed products reliably, start with a purpose-built DTF printer or order from a DTF transfer supplier.

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Gang Sheet Printing on Converted Printers

A DTG gang sheet or DTF gang sheet arranges multiple designs on a single sheet to maximize the printable area. On a converted printer with a 13" print width, your gang sheet area is limited to approximately 13" x 19" (A3+ sheet) — significantly smaller than the 22" x 60"+ gang sheets available from purpose-built printers and DTF suppliers. For gang sheet efficiency, ordering from a supplier is almost always more cost-effective than printing on a converted desktop printer.

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Recommended Entry-Level Purpose-Built DTF Printers

If your budget allows, these entry-level purpose-built DTF printers provide a dramatically better experience than a conversion:

• DTF Station Prestige A4 — ~$1,400, 8.5" width, true DTF printer with proper white ink management
• Epson SureColor F1070 — ~$6,000, professional-grade, reviewed in our printer database
• See our full DTF printer reviews for more options

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best printer to convert to DTF?

The Epson L1800 (being phased out) and Epson ET-8550 are the most commonly converted models because they have 6 ink tanks that can accommodate white ink. However, all consumer printer conversions have significant limitations compared to purpose-built DTF printers.

Can I convert any inkjet printer to DTF?

No. Only certain Epson models are viable for DTF conversion because DTF-specific ink sets and RIP software are designed for Epson print head technology. HP, Canon, and Brother printers are generally not suitable for DTF conversion.

How much does it cost to convert a printer to DTF?

A complete conversion (printer + DTF inks + film + powder + RIP software + heat press) costs approximately $500–1,000. This is the cheapest path into DTF but comes with reliability trade-offs.

Is it worth converting a printer to DTF or should I buy a DTF printer?

For learning and hobby use, a conversion works. For selling products, a purpose-built DTF printer ($2,000+) or ordering from a transfer supplier is more reliable. The time spent troubleshooting a converted printer often exceeds the cost difference.