Best DTF Ink & Film Brands Compared: 2026 Buyer's Guide

Choosing the right DTF ink and film combination directly affects print quality, durability, color accuracy, and how often you deal with clogs and maintenance issues. This guide compares the leading DTF ink and film brands available in 2026, with practical recommendations based on printer type and use case.

DTF Ink: What to Look For

Not all DTF inks are created equal. Key factors when evaluating DTF ink:

1. White ink stability — how well it resists settling and clogging
2. Color gamut — the range and vibrancy of colors produced
3. Wash durability — how prints hold up after 50+ washes
4. Printhead compatibility — formulated for your specific printhead type
5. Dry time — affects production speed and powder adhesion

Top DTF Ink Brands Compared

Dupont Artistri DTF Inks

• Best for: Professional and production environments
• Printhead compatibility: Epson i3200, i1600
• White ink stability: Excellent — long settling time, minimal clogging
• Color accuracy: Professional-grade color gamut
• Price range: Premium ($$$)
• Verdict: Top-tier quality, justified for high-volume operations

STS Inks (Sensient)

• Best for: Mid-range to professional setups
• Printhead compatibility: Epson i3200, XP-600
• White ink stability: Very good — formulated specifically for DTF white ink challenges
• Color accuracy: Strong CMYK gamut with vivid saturation
• Price range: Mid-premium ($$-$$$)
• Verdict: Excellent balance of quality and price for growing businesses

Kodak DTF Inks

• Best for: Commercial DTF operations
• Printhead compatibility: Epson i3200
• White ink stability: Good — requires regular circulation
• Color accuracy: Rich blacks and consistent color matching
• Price range: Mid-premium ($$-$$$)
• Verdict: Reliable brand with consistent batch-to-batch quality

Inktec DTF Inks

• Best for: Budget-conscious and starter setups
• Printhead compatibility: Epson XP-600, L1800, i3200
• White ink stability: Good — common in converted desktop printers
• Color accuracy: Solid performance for the price
• Price range: Budget-friendly ($-$$)
• Verdict: Best value option for beginners and low-to-medium volume

Nazdar DTF Inks

• Best for: Wide-format and industrial DTF printers
• Printhead compatibility: Epson i3200, industrial heads
• White ink stability: Very good
• Color accuracy: Wide gamut optimized for large-format output
• Price range: Premium ($$$)
• Verdict: Specialist option for wide-format production shops

DTF Ink Comparison Table

## DTF Film: Types and Differences

Matte vs Glossy Film

Matte DTF Film

• Produces a soft, non-reflective finish
• Better hand feel — transfer blends with fabric
• Works best with cold peel
• Most popular choice for apparel
• Slightly more forgiving of small application errors

Glossy DTF Film

• Produces a vibrant, shiny finish
• Colors appear more saturated
• Works with hot or cold peel depending on brand
• Better for promotional items and products where pop matters
• Shows imperfections (dust, bubbles) more than matte

Recommendation: Matte film for 90% of apparel applications. Glossy for specialty items, promotional products, and when maximum color vibrancy is the priority.

Hot Peel vs Cold Peel Film

Cold Peel Film

• Peel after the transfer cools completely (60-90 seconds)
• Better adhesion on textured fabrics
• Matte finish appearance
• More durable under wash testing
• Slower production (waiting for cooling)

Hot Peel Film

• Peel immediately after pressing
• Slightly glossy finish
• Faster production throughput
• May have slightly lower adhesion on difficult substrates
• Better for flat, smooth fabrics

Recommendation: Cold peel for quality-focused work and difficult substrates. Hot peel for production speed when pressing smooth cotton and polyester.

Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Film

Single-sided: Coated on one side only. Less expensive but you must load the film correctly (printed side facing the ink). Double-sided: Coated on both sides. Eliminates the risk of printing on the wrong side. Costs slightly more but reduces waste from loading errors.

Top DTF Film Brands

VISION DTF Film

• Wide range of sizes and types
• Consistent coating quality
• Available in matte and glossy
• Good availability through distributors

CenDale DTF Film

• Budget-friendly option
• Popular among home-based DTF printers
• Available on Amazon for quick shipping
• Decent quality for the price

A-SUB DTF Film

• Established brand with strong reputation
• Premium coating consistency
• Works well with most DTF ink brands
• Available in multiple sizes

DTF Superstore Film

• Specialty DTF supplier with curated film options
• Technical support included
• Film matched to specific ink and printer combinations

Ink and Film Compatibility

Not every ink works optimally with every film. For best results:

1. Use ink and film from the same supplier when possible — they test their products together
2. Run test prints when switching to a new ink or film brand
3. Adjust RIP settings — different inks may need different density and pass settings
4. Check for ICC profiles — some ink manufacturers provide profiles for specific film types

Adhesive Powder Considerations

The adhesive powder is the third critical variable in the DTF consumable equation:

• Fine mesh (80-100 mesh): Better for detailed designs and thin lines
• Medium mesh (60-80 mesh): All-purpose, most common
• Coarse mesh (40-60 mesh): Heavy coverage designs, thick ink deposits
• White vs black powder: White is standard; black powder is available for dark-on-dark applications

Use the finest powder that provides adequate coverage. Finer powder means better hand feel and detail retention.

Cost Per Print Breakdown

Costs vary significantly based on ink coverage, film quality, and volume purchasing. Higher-quality inks and films cost more per print but reduce waste from failed prints and maintenance downtime.

Recommendations by Use Case

Home/Hobby DTF Printer:

• Ink: Inktec (budget-friendly, wide compatibility)
• Film: CenDale matte cold peel
• Powder: Medium mesh white TPU

Growing Small Business:

• Ink: STS Sensient (quality upgrade, good value)
• Film: VISION matte cold peel
• Powder: Fine-medium mesh white TPU

Production Shop:

• Ink: Dupont Artistri (premium quality, minimal maintenance)
• Film: A-SUB or matched supplier film
• Powder: Fine mesh for detail work, medium for standard

Browse our supplier directory for verified DTF ink and film suppliers, and use our cost calculator to estimate your per-print costs based on your specific consumable choices.

What is the best DTF ink for Epson printheads?

For Epson i3200 printheads (most common in commercial DTF printers), Dupont Artistri and STS Sensient inks are top-rated for color accuracy and white ink stability. For Epson XP-600 heads in converted desktop printers, Inktec and STS inks are popular and widely compatible.

How long does DTF ink last before it expires?

Unopened DTF ink typically has a shelf life of 12-18 months when stored in a cool, dark place at 60-77°F (15-25°C). White ink has a shorter effective shelf life because pigment settling accelerates over time. Once installed in the printer, use white ink within 3-6 months for best results and shake the cartridge weekly.

Is matte or glossy DTF film better?

Matte DTF film is better for the majority of apparel applications because it produces a softer hand feel and blends more naturally with fabric. Glossy film produces more vibrant colors and is preferred for promotional items, hard goods, and products where maximum visual pop is desired.