xTool Apparel Printer
Complete Review, DTF Comparison & Business Guide
xTool Apparel Printer Review
Direct-to-Film Printing Revolution
The xTool Apparel Printer represents xTool's expansion beyond laser engravers into the custom garment printing market. This Direct-to-Film (DTF) printer aims to provide an accessible, high-quality solution for creating professional custom apparel without the complexities of screen printing or the limitations of heat transfer vinyl.
After extensively testing this printer for three months across various projects, I'll provide a comprehensive analysis of its capabilities, print quality, ease of use, and business potential—helping you determine if it's the right investment for your custom apparel aspirations.
Whether you're a small business owner looking to offer custom apparel, a crafter seeking to expand your product line, or a commercial printer evaluating new technology, this review covers everything you need to know about the xTool Apparel Printer.
Product Overview
xTool Apparel Printer
REVIEWED
What's in the Box
- xTool Apparel Printer (DTF printer)
- Starter ink set (CMYK + White)
- 100 sheets of A3 PET film
- Hot melt powder (500g)
- Powder shaker
- USB cable & power cord
- Maintenance kit & cleaning tools
- Quick start guide & manuals
Sample prints demonstrating color vibrancy and detail
What is DTF Printing?
Direct-to-Film Process Explained
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a garment decoration technique that uses a special process to create transfers that can be applied to almost any fabric.
- Design Creation: Prepare your artwork in xTool Creative Space or another design program
- Printing: The design is printed onto a special PET film using CMYK inks with a white base layer
- Powder Application: Hot melt adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink
- Heat Curing: The print is heat-cured to melt the powder, creating an adhesive backing
- Transfer: The finished transfer is placed on the garment and applied with a heat press (360°F for 15 seconds)
- Peel & Finish: After cooling, the film is peeled away, leaving the durable print on the fabric
The result is a vibrant, stretchable, washable print that works on virtually any fabric type without special pre-treatment.
DTF vs. Other Garment Printing Methods
| Feature | DTF (xTool Apparel) | DTG | Screen Printing | Heat Transfer Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Quick (15 min) | Quick (10 min) | Long (1+ hour) | Moderate (30 min) |
| Fabric Compatibility | Excellent (all fabrics) | Good (cotton focus) | Very Good | Good |
| Print Quality | High (1440 dpi) | High | Medium-High | Medium |
| Durability | Excellent (50+ washes) | Good (20-30 washes) | Excellent | Good |
| Cost per Print | Low-Medium ($0.50-2.50) | Medium ($1-3) | High initially, Low at scale | Medium-High ($2-5) |
| Full Color Printing | Yes (unlimited colors) | Yes | Limited (cost per color) | Limited (separate cuts) |
| Initial Investment | Medium ($1,699) | High ($7,000+) | Low-High (varies) | Low ($500-1,000) |
Print Quality & Key Features
Print Resolution
Delivers stunning 1440 × 1440 dpi resolution with exceptional detail and color accuracy. Fine lines, gradients, and photographic images are reproduced with remarkable clarity.
Color Vibrancy
CMYK plus white ink system delivers exceptional color vibrancy, including bright colors on dark fabrics. White base layer ensures colors pop on any background material.
Material Flexibility
Prints adhere to virtually any fabric including cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, leather, and more. No fabric pretreatment required for excellent results.
Cost Efficiency
More cost-effective than DTG for small runs, with no minimum order requirements. Print only what you need, when you need it, without costly setup procedures.
Durability & Wash Tests
During my three-month testing period, I subjected DTF prints from the xTool Apparel Printer to rigorous durability testing:
- Wash Resistance: Survived 50+ wash cycles with minimal fading (less than 5% color loss)
- Stretch Capability: Prints maintained integrity when stretched up to 30% without cracking
- Abrasion Resistance: Demonstrated excellent resistance to rubbing and everyday wear
- Color Fastness: Colors remained vibrant even after repeated washing
- Feel & Comfort: Medium hand feel - softer than vinyl but slightly more substantial than direct screen printing
Software & Ease of Use
The xTool Apparel Printer works with xTool Creative Space, which offers a user-friendly interface even for beginners:
- Design Tools: Basic text, shapes, and image manipulation tools included
- File Compatibility: Supports PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF and other common formats
- White Layer Control: Automatic or manual control of white base layer
- Print Presets: Optimized settings for different fabric types
- Multiple Print Queue: Arrange multiple designs on a single sheet for efficiency
- Learning Curve: About 2-3 hours to master basics, 1-2 weeks for advanced techniques
Creative Applications
Custom T-Shirts
Create personalized t-shirts with vibrant, washable designs
Team Jerseys
Print custom team logos, names, and numbers on sports apparel
Tote Bags
Decorate canvas bags with unique, durable designs
Promotional Products
Create branded merchandise for marketing and events
Business Applications
Custom Apparel Shop
Offer on-demand custom t-shirts, hoodies, jerseys, and other apparel with no minimum order requirements. Perfect for local businesses, sports teams, and special events.
E-commerce Expansion
Add custom print-on-demand apparel to your existing business. Create designs once and print as orders come in, eliminating inventory costs and risks.
Creative Services
Complement your graphic design, photography, or creative business by offering printed merchandise featuring your clients' artwork, logos, or photos.
Business ROI Analysis
Investment Breakdown
Initial Investment
- xTool Apparel Printer:$1,699
- Heat Press (16" × 20"):$300
- Starter Supplies (included):$0
- Additional PET Film (500 sheets):$150
- Additional Powder (1kg):$50
- Extra Ink Set:$200
- Total Startup Cost:$2,399
Monthly Operating Costs
- PET Film (100 sheets):$30
- Hot Melt Powder:$25
- Ink (average usage):$75
- Blank T-shirts (50 premium):$200
- Maintenance & Misc:$20
- Monthly Operating:$350
Revenue Potential
Based on industry standards and current market rates for custom apparel:
- Custom T-shirts: $20-30 retail price$15-25 profit
- Hoodies/Sweatshirts: $40-60 retail price$25-40 profit
- Tote Bags: $15-25 retail price$10-18 profit
- Team Jerseys: $35-50 retail price$20-30 profit
Note: Profit margins reflect the difference between retail price and all costs (blank item, DTF printing, labor). Your actual profits may vary based on local market rates, volume, and business model.
Potential ROI Timeframe
Conservative Scenario
Monthly Sales: 50 custom items at average $20 profit each
Monthly Profit: $1,000 (after material costs)
ROI Timeline: Initial investment recouped in ~3 months
Moderate Business
Monthly Sales: 100 custom items at average $20 profit each
Monthly Profit: $2,000 (after material costs)
ROI Timeline: Initial investment recouped in ~1.5 months
Busy Operation
Monthly Sales: 200+ custom items at average $20 profit each
Monthly Profit: $4,000+ (after material costs)
ROI Timeline: Initial investment recouped in ~3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the xTool Apparel Printer
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a garment decoration technique where designs are printed onto a special PET film using water-based inks. The printed design is then coated with hot-melt adhesive powder and cured with heat. This film can then be heat-pressed onto various materials including cotton, polyester, nylon, and blends. DTF offers excellent durability, vibrant colors, and works on a variety of fabrics without requiring pre-treatment.
The xTool Apparel Printer offers significant advantages over traditional screen printing, including: 1) No minimum order requirements, making it ideal for one-offs and small batches; 2) Full-color printing without setup costs per color; 3) No screens or stencils to prepare; 4) Ability to print complex designs and gradients; 5) Less mess and chemicals; 6) Lower startup costs for small businesses. However, screen printing still has advantages for high-volume production due to lower per-unit costs once setup is complete.
DTF prints from the xTool Apparel Printer are extremely durable, typically lasting 50+ wash cycles without significant fading when properly applied. The prints have excellent stretch capability without cracking (up to 30%), strong color vibrancy, and good resistance to fading. For maximum durability, wash printed garments inside-out in cold water and avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.
The xTool Apparel Printer is extremely versatile. It can print designs for application on cotton, polyester, nylon, silk, blends, leather, canvas, denim, and even non-fabric surfaces like wood, metal, and glass (with appropriate pretreatment). This makes it suitable for t-shirts, hoodies, hats, tote bags, shoes, and other items that can withstand heat pressing.
DTF (Direct-to-Film) prints designs on a transfer film that is then heat-pressed onto garments, while DTG (Direct-to-Garment) prints directly onto the fabric. DTF advantages include working on more fabric types (including dark polyester), not requiring pre-treatment, better durability, and more vibrant results on dark fabrics. DTG advantages include a slightly softer hand feel and simpler one-step process for light-colored cotton.
Cost per print varies by size, but typically ranges from $0.50 for small designs (3"×3") to $2.50 for full-size prints (11"×16"). This includes ink, film, and powder costs. The overall cost-effectiveness depends on your production volume and pricing strategy. For small batch custom work, the economics are much better than traditional methods, particularly when factoring in the ability to charge premium prices for customization.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Excellent print quality with vibrant colors and fine details
- Works on virtually any fabric type without special pretreatment
- Highly durable prints with excellent wash and stretch resistance
- User-friendly software and workflow for beginners
- Excellent value compared to other DTF or DTG printers
Cons
- Two-step process takes longer than direct-to-garment printing
- Requires separate heat press (not included)
- Regular maintenance needed to prevent nozzle clogs
- Hand feel is slightly thicker than direct screen printing
The xTool Apparel Printer represents an excellent value for small businesses, crafters, and entrepreneurs looking to enter the custom apparel market. It strikes an impressive balance between professional print quality, versatility, and affordability that no other technology in this price range can match.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an affiliate partner with xTool and other brands mentioned, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support our free content while providing you with direct links to purchase the products we review. Our primary goal is to offer valuable, trustworthy information to help you make informed decisions.