Procolored 13-Inch DTF Printer Review: Bring Retail-Ready Prints to Your Home Studio
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- High Quality and Efficiency: With a print resolution of 1440x1440 DPI and CMYK+WW color configuration, it guarantees exceptional detail and vibrant color reproduction. The Procolored A4 DTF Printer utilizes L800 printhead to deliver ink swiftly and reliably, completing A4 prints in approximately 3.5 minutes. This high speed ensures rapid completion of large batch printing tasks, boosting productivity.
- Easy Use and Maintenance: The Apparel Printer is designed as an all-in-one solution, it supports the entire process from image creation to printing onto film. The white ink system includes automatic circulation and agitation to prevent sedimentation and clogging. A siphon filtration system ensures ink purity and even distribution. Automatic cleaning and a humidification device keep the print head in top condition during downtime. Software only support for Windows 7/10/11，not compatible with Mac OS.
- Cost saving: ink consumption is as low as 1 square meter/20 ml. At the same time, the printer is equipped with a tray cutter, the cutting surface is accurate and neat, and it can be used with roll film to reduce material waste, improve material utilization, and reduce production costs.
Outsourcing every custom T-shirt order can reduce profit and slow down turnaround times. However, buying a full commercial printing system may be excessive for a small apparel business or home studio. The Procolored F8 is a compact A4 direct-to-film printer designed for lower-volume apparel production. This bundle combines an L800-based printer with a curing oven, starter ink, roll film, white-ink circulation, and a built-in film cutter. It offers a more complete starting point than a bare printer, but DTF printing still requires regular maintenance, ventilation, RIP software setup, adhesive powder, and a separate heat press. Here is what to consider before buying it.
Key Features and Benefits
A4 Roll-Fed Printing
The F8 accepts A4-size media with a maximum width of approximately 8.3 inches. Its roll feeder makes it possible to arrange several smaller graphics in sequence and use film more efficiently. This width works well for logos, sleeve graphics, children’s clothing, tote bags, and many standard shirt designs. Large adult chest prints may require a wider A3 printer.
L800 Printhead With CMYK and White Ink
The printer uses an L800 printhead with a CMYK+WW ink configuration. Two white channels create the underbase needed for bright designs on dark garments. The listing specifies a maximum resolution of 1440 × 1440 dpi and an approximate A4 printing time of 3.5 minutes. Actual output speed will depend on the artwork, print mode, and RIP settings.
White-Ink Circulation and Agitation
White DTF ink contains pigment that can settle when the machine is idle. The F8 circulates and agitates the white ink to help maintain a more consistent supply. A siphon filtration system, automatic cleaning function, and printhead humidification device are also included. These features reduce manual work, but they do not eliminate routine maintenance.
Built-In Film Cutter
The integrated cutter provides a cleaner way to separate completed sections from roll film. It can reduce unnecessary film use and removes the need to trim every job manually with scissors.
Starter Bundle With Curing Oven
This variation includes the printer, a curing oven, five 250ml bottles of ink, and a roll of transfer film. That gives a new operator many of the components needed to begin producing DTF transfers. A heat press is not identified as part of this exact bundle. You will need a compatible press to apply finished transfers to garments.
Compact Desktop Footprint
The printer measures approximately 21.3 × 11.2 × 6.7 inches and weighs about 22 pounds. It takes up less room than most 13-inch DTF printers and is easier to accommodate in a home studio. Remember that the printer is only one part of the workspace. You also need room for the curing oven, powder application, film handling, a heat press, consumables, and safe ventilation.
Everyday Performance
The F8 makes the most sense for small shops producing short runs, personalized clothing, samples, and occasional customer orders. Its compact dimensions and roll feeder are useful when workspace is limited. The narrower A4 format is also its biggest limitation. It cannot produce the same large single-piece graphics or wide gang sheets as a 13-inch A3 printer. Its claimed A4 print time is competitive for a compact L800 system, but printing is only one stage of the process. Every design must also be powdered, cured, heat-pressed, and finished.
Maintenance Requirements
The circulation and cleaning systems make white ink easier to manage, but no DTF printer is maintenance-free. Before production, operators should check nozzle performance, inspect ink flow, and make sure the capping station is clean. White ink should be kept properly agitated, and the printer should not be left unused for long periods without following the manufacturer’s shutdown or maintenance procedure. Neglect can lead to missing nozzles, clogged dampers, dried ink, and interrupted production.
Software Compatibility
The included RIP workflow supports Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows 11. The exact listing states that it is not compatible with macOS. Mac users would therefore need access to a separate Windows computer rather than assuming they can operate the printer directly from macOS.
- High Quality and Efficiency: With a print resolution of 1440x1440 DPI and CMYK+WW color configuration, it guarantees exceptional detail and vibrant color reproduction. The Procolored A4 DTF Printer utilizes L800 printhead to deliver ink swiftly and reliably, completing A4 prints in approximately 3.5 minutes. This high speed ensures rapid completion of large batch printing tasks, boosting productivity.
- Easy Use and Maintenance: The Apparel Printer is designed as an all-in-one solution, it supports the entire process from image creation to printing onto film. The white ink system includes automatic circulation and agitation to prevent sedimentation and clogging. A siphon filtration system ensures ink purity and even distribution. Automatic cleaning and a humidification device keep the print head in top condition during downtime. Software only support for Windows 7/10/11，not compatible with Mac OS.
- Cost saving: ink consumption is as low as 1 square meter/20 ml. At the same time, the printer is equipped with a tray cutter, the cutting surface is accurate and neat, and it can be used with roll film to reduce material waste, improve material utilization, and reduce production costs.
Pros
✅ Compact footprint suits smaller studios
✅ White-ink circulation and agitation reduce settling
✅ Roll feeder and integrated cutter improve film handling
✅ Bundle includes a curing oven, ink, and transfer film
✅ A4 printing is suitable for many small apparel designs
Cons
❌ Maximum width is A4 rather than 13-inch A3
❌ RIP software is not compatible with macOS
❌ Regular white-ink maintenance is still required
❌ Heat press does not appear to be included
❌ Narrow format limits large chest graphics and wide gang sheets
Who Should Buy It?
The Procolored F8 is best for:
- Home-based apparel businesses
- Beginners prepared to learn a complete DTF workflow
- Shops producing smaller graphics and personalized items
- Users with limited workspace
- Windows users who want a printer-and-oven starter bundle
Who Should Skip It?
Consider a different setup when:
- You regularly produce wide adult chest prints
- You need high-volume daily production
- Your workflow must run directly from macOS
- You cannot perform frequent maintenance
- You do not have appropriate ventilation and space for curing
- You prefer to outsource transfers rather than maintain printing equipment
Competitor Alternatives
PUNEHOD R1390 A3 DTF Printer With Oven — Best Value A3 Alternative
The PUNEHOD expands the maximum printing width to 13 inches, making it more suitable for large shirt graphics and wider gang sheets. It includes an oven and uses a white-ink circulation system to help manage pigment settling.
Its larger footprint and R1390 platform require more space and setup than the Procolored F8, but the wider format offers significantly more production flexibility.
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EXPLUX I13 i3200HD Bundle — Best Production-Focused Upgrade
The EXPLUX I13 combines a 13-inch A3 format with an i3200HD printhead, a 5-inch touchscreen, scheduled automatic cleaning, white-ink circulation, and an included curing oven.
It is the more appropriate alternative for a growing business that values faster listed output and wider production capacity. The higher cost makes less sense for occasional hobby work.
- 🎁【Two Year Ink Supply】With your DTF printer purchase, you’ll receive a two-year supply of ink— 5 bottles (250ml each) and 500g of powder! Get a new set every two months, and you only need to cover the shipping.
- ⚡【High-Speed A3 DTF Printer for Vibrant Custom Apparel】The EXPLUX i3200 delivers professional-quality prints in just 2.5 minutes, with a resolution of 2880 × 1440 DPI. Ideal for custom t-shirts, hats, bags, and shoes, its 13-inch (330mm) print width ensures sharp, vibrant results. Featuring an i3200 print head and self-developed motherboard, it runs twice as fast as L1800/L805 models—perfect for small businesses and DIY projects.
- 👌【User-Friendly 5-Inch Touchscreen Control】Master your DTF printing with ease using the multilingual 5-inch touchscreen. Adjust speed, check nozzles, change languages, or activate self-cleaning—all from one intuitive interface. Electric paper rollers enable fast, precise setup for effortless operation.
Carbcolords A4 DTF Printer Bundle — Best Compact Alternative
The Carbcolords is another A4 roll-fed system aimed at home studios and small apparel businesses. Its bundle includes a curing oven, six 250ml ink bottles, transfer film, and DTF powder.
It has the same basic width limitation as the Procolored F8, but it is worth comparing when bundle contents, support, and replacement-consumable availability are deciding factors.
- ✅COMPLETE A4 L8058 DTF STARTER BUNDLE: Includes the A4 L8058 DTF printer, curing oven, 4 bottles of 250ml color ink, 500ml white ink, roll film, and DTF powder. A practical all-in-one setup for home studios, craft makers, and small businesses starting T-shirt transfer printing.
- ✅XP600 PRINTHEAD FOR SHARP, VIBRANT OUTPUT: Built with an XP600 printhead, this A4 DTF printer supports detailed designs, smooth gradients, and vivid color output for custom shirts, hoodies, bags, hats, and small-batch apparel projects.
- ✅WHITE INK MIXING SYSTEM FOR DAILY USE: The built-in white ink mixing system helps reduce white ink settling and supports smoother daily maintenance, helping keep your DTF workflow ready for light and dark fabric printing projects.
Common Questions
Is This a 13-Inch DTF Printer?
No. The exact B0D9YBD4WH listing is an A4 Procolored F8 with a maximum media width of approximately 8.3 inches. It should not be confused with Procolored’s larger F13 or P13 models.
How Fast Does It Print?
The listing states that an A4 print takes approximately 3.5 minutes. Total production time will be longer after powdering, curing, pressing, and finishing are included.
Does It Work With macOS?
No. The RIP software for this exact variation is listed as compatible with Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows 11, but not macOS.
Does the Bundle Include a Heat Press?
The listing identifies a printer, curing oven, ink, and film. A heat press is not stated as part of this package, so confirm the bundle contents and budget for a press separately.
What Materials Can DTF Transfers Be Applied To?
DTF is commonly used for cotton, polyester, and blended apparel. Results depend on the transfer film, ink, powder, curing process, heat-press settings, and garment material. Test unfamiliar products before accepting a large order.
Does White-Ink Circulation Prevent All Clogs?
No. It helps reduce pigment settling, but operators must still perform nozzle checks, keep the capping area clean, maintain proper humidity, and follow the recommended cleaning routine.
Is Ventilation Necessary?
Yes. Heating adhesive powder and transfer materials can create fumes and fine particles. Use the curing equipment in a properly ventilated workspace and follow the consumable manufacturers’ safety instructions.
Verdict
The Procolored F8 is a sensible entry-level option for a small apparel studio that needs compact A4 roll printing and wants an oven and starter consumables in the same package. White-ink circulation, automatic cleaning, and the integrated cutter make the workflow more manageable than a basic converted desktop printer. Its limitations are important, however. It is a Windows-only A4 machine that requires ongoing maintenance, a separate heat press, adequate ventilation, and enough hands-on involvement to keep production reliable. Buyers expecting 13-inch output, Mac support, or a maintenance-free appliance should choose another model. For small graphics and modest order volumes, the F8 offers a practical route into in-house DTF production. For wider designs or a growing order queue, the PUNEHOD or EXPLUX A3 alternatives provide more room to scale.
- High Quality and Efficiency: With a print resolution of 1440x1440 DPI and CMYK+WW color configuration, it guarantees exceptional detail and vibrant color reproduction. The Procolored A4 DTF Printer utilizes L800 printhead to deliver ink swiftly and reliably, completing A4 prints in approximately 3.5 minutes. This high speed ensures rapid completion of large batch printing tasks, boosting productivity.
- Easy Use and Maintenance: The Apparel Printer is designed as an all-in-one solution, it supports the entire process from image creation to printing onto film. The white ink system includes automatic circulation and agitation to prevent sedimentation and clogging. A siphon filtration system ensures ink purity and even distribution. Automatic cleaning and a humidification device keep the print head in top condition during downtime. Software only support for Windows 7/10/11，not compatible with Mac OS.
- Cost saving: ink consumption is as low as 1 square meter/20 ml. At the same time, the printer is equipped with a tray cutter, the cutting surface is accurate and neat, and it can be used with roll film to reduce material waste, improve material utilization, and reduce production costs.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.