DTF Inks Power Guide: 100 ml vs 1 L vs Bulk – Which Is Better?
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why DTF Ink Choice Matters
In DTF printing, ink is everything.
Good film, powder, and heat press matter but DTF Inks decide color brightness, wash durability, and print consistency. One wrong ink size choice can increase costs or waste money.
What This Blog Covers
In this guide, we compare 100 ml bottles, 1 L bottles, and bulk DTF ink options.
We break down cost, usage, storage, print yield, and who each size is best for.
Key Factors We’ll Compare
- Cost per ml
- Print volume
- Ink freshness
- Storage needs
- Business scale suitability
What Are DTF Inks?
DTF Inks are specially formulated pigment inks used in Direct-to-Film printing.
The ink is printed onto PET film, coated with adhesive powder, heat cured, and then transferred onto fabric.
Common Ink Types
- CMYK inks
- White ink (high pigment density)
- Textile-safe pigment formulation
High-quality DTF Inks offer:
- Strong opacity
- Smooth flow
- Good adhesion
- Wash resistance
Poor ink quality often causes nozzle clogging, dull prints, and cracking after washes.
100 ml DTF Ink Bottles
Pros
- Low upfront cost
- Easy to test new ink brands
- Minimal storage space
- Less risk of ink expiry
Cons
- Higher cost per ml
- Frequent refilling
- Not ideal for daily printing
Ideal Users
- Beginners
- Hobby printers
- Small startups
- Testing phase users
If you are just starting with DTF, 100 ml DTF Inks are safe and flexible.
1 L DTF Ink Bottles
Pros
- Better cost per ml
- Fewer refills
- Stable supply for daily use
- Widely supported by DTF printers
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Needs proper storage
- Risk of ink drying if unused
Ideal Users
- Small print shops
- Online t-shirt sellers
- Growing DTF businesses
Most professional shops prefer 1 L DTF Inks for balanced cost and convenience.
Bulk DTF Ink Options
Pros
- Lowest cost per ml
- Best for high-volume printing
- Consistent batch quality
- Reduced supply downtime
Cons
- High investment
- Storage and handling care needed
- Ink wastage risk if business slows
Ideal Users
- Large production units
- Contract printers
- Export-oriented businesses
Bulk DTF Inks only make sense when your daily output justifies it.
Cost Comparison
Price Per ml Table
| Ink Size | Avg Price | Cost per ml |
|---|---|---|
| 100 ml | ₹500 | ₹5.00 |
| 1 L | ₹3500 | ₹3.50 |
| Bulk (5 L+) | ₹15000 | ₹3.00 |
Total Cost Examples
- Beginner printing 50 shirts/month → 100 ml is enough
- 300 shirts/month → 1 L saves money
- 1000+ shirts/month → Bulk wins clearly
Print Yield Breakdown
Approximate coverage using DTF Inks:
- A4 size print: 3–5 ml
- A3 size print: 6–8 ml
Estimated Prints
- 100 ml → 15–25 A3 prints
- 1 L → 120–150 A3 prints
- Bulk → Production-scale output
White ink usage is higher than CMYK. Always plan extra white ink stock.
Quality and Storage
Ink Freshness
Fresh DTF Inks flow better and give sharper prints. Smaller bottles stay fresher longer if you print occasionally.
Shelf Life
- Sealed ink: 12–18 months
- Opened ink: Best used within 6 months
Storage Tips
- Store away from sunlight
- Shake white ink daily
- Keep temperature stable
Poor storage ruins even premium DTF Inks.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
1. Monthly Print Volume
Low volume → Small bottles
Medium volume → 1 L
High volume → Bulk
2. Budget Planning
Don’t block cash flow by buying bulk too early.
3. Printer Compatibility
Some printers handle bulk systems better.
4. Workspace
Bulk ink needs clean, organized storage.
Recommendation
Best for Beginners
100 ml DTF Inks
Low risk. Easy testing. Less waste.
Best for Growing Businesses
1 L DTF Inks
Balanced cost and reliability.
Best for High-Volume Pros
Bulk DTF Inks
Lowest running cost when managed well.
Final Choice Guide
Buy based on usage, not price alone. Cheap ink wasted is expensive ink.
Conclusion
Choosing the right DTF Inks size is about control.
Small bottles offer flexibility.
1 L bottles give balance.
Bulk ink delivers scale.
Start small. Track usage. Upgrade when demand grows.
Smart ink planning = stable prints + better profits.
Product Suggestions (from DTFshop.in)
- DTF CMYK Ink – 100 ml
- DTF White Ink – 100 ml
- DTF CMYK Ink – 1 Liter Pack
- DTF White Ink – 1 Liter
- DTF Bulk Ink Set (CMYK + White)
External References + Credits
Helpful industry sources:
Credit: Information references from Fespa, PrintIndustry, and other public sources.
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