I’ve been experimenting with DTF printing for a while now, and if you’ve been following along, you know I love finding new ways to use creative machines! Today I’m sharing my experience with the xTool Apparel Printer Plus, including the setup, print quality, and how I’m using it with the xTool WonderPress to create custom projects.
This is actually my fourth DTF printer, so I have some experience with the technology and the maintenance that comes along with it. And I have to say, the xTool Apparel Printer Plus has made a great first impression!
xTool Apparel Printer Plus Review: My Experience and First DTF Projects
For this review, I’m making a colorful Route 66 tote bag featuring a California-inspired graphic. I’ll also share a sneak peek at a few other projects I’m working on, including vintage Christmas ornaments made with DTF printed fabric and a concert T-shirt that uses black knockout artwork.
Let’s get started!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. The xTool Apparel Printer Plus and xTool WonderPress featured in this review were provided to me by xTool. As always, all opinions and project ideas are my own.
What Is the xTool Apparel Printer Plus?
The xTool Apparel Printer Plus is a direct-to-film (DTF) printer designed to create full-color heat transfers for apparel and other compatible fabric products.
Unlike traditional printable heat transfer vinyl, DTF printing doesn’t require cutting and weeding around every detail of your design. You print your artwork onto special film, apply adhesive powder, cure the transfer, and heat press it onto your material.
This makes DTF especially appealing for colorful artwork, intricate designs, personalized products, and small-business production.
While DTF is often associated with T-shirts and sweatshirts, I want to explore what else I can make with it. Tote bags, custom printed fabric, seasonal decorations, and other handmade products are all on my project list.
What’s New with the xTool Apparel Printer Plus?
One of the things that interested me most about the Plus model is the attention xTool has given to maintenance and everyday operation.
If you’ve worked with DTF printers before, you know that print quality is only part of the equation. Keeping the printer operating properly, especially when working with white ink, is just as important.
Built-In Smart Humidifier
The Apparel Printer Plus includes a built-in humidifier to help maintain the recommended humidity around the printing system. This is an important feature because DTF printers require a suitable environment to help prevent ink from drying out. My craft room doesn’t always have ideal humidity, so I appreciate having this feature integrated into the printer instead of relying entirely on a separate room humidifier. The printer also displays humidity information and allows you to configure the humidifier’s operating thresholds.
White Ink Circulation and Maintenance
White ink maintenance has always been one of my biggest concerns with DTF printing. The Apparel Printer Plus includes xTool’s HydraFlow white ink circulation system and automatic maintenance features designed to help keep ink moving and reduce maintenance problems.
It also features automatic wet capping to help protect the printhead. These are exactly the kinds of features I want to see in a DTF printer, especially since I don’t necessarily print every single day. I’m interested to see how these systems perform over time. My initial experience has been positive, but long-term reliability is something I’ll continue evaluating as I use the printer.
Automatic Film Cutter
Another feature I really appreciate is the automatic film cutter. Once a print is complete, the cutter makes it easy to separate the printed transfer from the roll without having to manually trim the film at the printer. It’s a small convenience, but features like this make a difference when you’re working on multiple projects.
xTool Studio Integration
The Apparel Printer Plus works with xTool Studio, which provides a convenient way to prepare designs and manage printing. I like being able to work within the xTool software ecosystem, especially since I’m already familiar with other xTool machines. Being able to prepare my artwork, send it to the printer, and manage the printing process through the software helps simplify the workflow.
Setting Up the xTool Apparel Printer Plus
One thing I appreciated right away was how the printer arrived. It was packaged in a sturdy, well-protected box with the components needed to get started. It wasn’t delivered in a huge, bulky wooden crate, which made getting it into my craft room much more manageable.
The initial setup involves removing the shipping protection, installing and preparing the supplies, filling the humidifier, and completing the printer’s first-use ink priming process. There are several steps involved, but xTool provides guided instructions to walk you through the process.
I did run into a couple of things that weren’t immediately obvious. For example, my printer initially displayed its menus in Chinese. The language setting was available in the General settings, but I had to scroll to find it. I also had to locate the ink priming process in the printer’s settings. Once I found it, the printer walked me through the necessary steps, including white ink circulation and ink extraction. One screen referred to a Start button even though the available on-screen option was Next. It was a minor instruction issue, but something that could be clearer for first-time users. After completing the setup and priming process, the printer was ready to go.
And when that first print came out, I was impressed!
My First Impressions of the Print Quality
Print quality is where the Apparel Printer Plus really caught my attention. My first transfers came out with vibrant colors, sharp details, and clean printing. I was especially impressed with how well the printer reproduced small details in my artwork.
I’ve used other DTF printers before, and so far, the Apparel Printer Plus is my favorite of the four I’ve owned. Of course, I’ll continue testing different designs, materials, and production workflows, but the initial results have been excellent.
Now let’s put those prints to work!
Making a Route 66 Tote Bag with the xTool Apparel Printer Plus
For my featured project, I wanted to create something colorful, useful, and a little different from a typical DTF T-shirt. I decided on a Route 66 tote bag featuring a California-inspired design. I love the nostalgic appeal of Route 66, but I wanted the artwork to have a more contemporary feel instead of looking like a traditional souvenir shirt.
A tote bag is also a great way to show how DTF can be used to customize everyday accessories.
Preparing the Route 66 Design
I started with my Route 66 artwork and prepared it for printing in xTool Studio. One of my favorite things about DTF is being able to use colorful designs without worrying about cutting and layering multiple colors of heat transfer vinyl.
Once the design was ready, I sent it to the Apparel Printer Plus.
Printing the DTF Transfer
The Apparel Printer Plus printed the design onto xTool DTF film. With DTF, the design is printed with color ink and a white ink layer, allowing the artwork to be transferred onto compatible fabrics. The white ink layer is especially useful when working with darker materials because it helps maintain the appearance of the printed colors. Once printing was complete, the printer automatically cuts the film.
Applying the DTF Powder
I’m using the xTool WonderPress with the Apparel Printer Plus, so I don’t have the xTool Shaker Oven in my setup. Instead, I manually apply the xTool DTF adhesive powder to the freshly printed transfer. The adhesive powder needs to cover the printed ink evenly, and any excess loose powder should be removed before curing.
This is one of the additional hands-on steps when you’re not using an automatic powder shaker.
Curing the Transfer with the xTool WonderPress
After applying the adhesive powder, I use the xTool WonderPress with its curing setup to melt and cure the adhesive. This is one of the reasons I wanted to test the Apparel Printer Plus and WonderPress together.
The Shaker Oven combines automated powder application and curing, but it isn’t the only way to complete the DTF process. By manually applying the powder and using the WonderPress for curing, I can create finished DTF transfers without investing in the additional Shaker Oven equipment.
For small-business owners, having that option can make a meaningful difference in the initial equipment investment.
Heat Pressing the Route 66 Tote Bag
With the transfer cured, it’s time to apply it to the tote bag!
I prepared the tote bag, positioned the transfer, and used the xTool WonderPress to apply the design.
The WonderPress includes built-in DTF settings for different fabric types. For cotton materials, I can select the DTF and Cotton settings instead of manually entering all the pressing parameters.
After pressing, I removed the carrier film according to the xTool film instructions and completed the finishing process.
Want to learn more about the Wonderpress? Check out my Full Review!
Do You Need the xTool Shaker Oven?
One of the questions you may have when considering the Apparel Printer Plus is whether you also need to purchase the Shaker Oven. The short answer is that you have options.
The Shaker Oven automates the adhesive powder application and curing process, which can be beneficial when you want to reduce hands-on production steps. However, you can also manually apply the adhesive powder and use the WonderPress curing setup to complete the transfer process. That’s the workflow I’m using.
I like that I can print transfers, cure them, and apply them to finished products without having to purchase the Shaker Oven. For someone starting a DTF business, this provides another way to build a product line while managing the initial investment. As production needs change, adding automation may be worthwhile, but it isn’t a requirement for creating finished DTF products.
More DTF Projects I’m Working On
The Route 66 tote bag is just one example of what you can make with DTF, and I already have a few other projects in the works!
Vintage Christmas Ornaments with DTF Printed Fabric
One of the projects I’m especially excited about is using DTF to create my own custom printed fabric. I’ve designed a collection of vintage-inspired Christmas ornaments, starting with a nostalgic Santa and a coordinating Christmas print for the back.
Instead of buying printed fabric, I’m using the Apparel Printer Plus to create the exact designs I want, then sewing and stuffing the fabric to make dimensional ornaments.
It’s a fun way to take DTF beyond apparel, and I can’t wait to share more!
A Concert T-Shirt with Black Knockout Artwork
I’m also experimenting with a custom concert T-shirt design. For this project, I’m exploring black knockout artwork, where the black areas of the design are left unprinted so the black shirt itself becomes part of the finished graphic. It’s a technique I’m interested in testing because it can reduce the amount of ink and transfer material in large dark areas of a design.
I’ll be sharing more about the artwork preparation and how the finished shirt turns out in an upcoming project.
What I Like About the xTool Apparel Printer Plus
After getting the printer set up and working through my first projects, there are several things that stand out to me.
- Print quality: The colors and fine details in my first prints have been excellent.
- Built-in humidifier: I appreciate having humidity management integrated into the printer.
- White ink circulation: The maintenance features address one of my biggest concerns with DTF printing.
- Automatic film cutter: A convenient feature that helps streamline the workflow.
- xTool Studio: Having the software and printer work together makes design preparation and printing more convenient.
- WonderPress compatibility: I can complete my DTF workflow without purchasing the Shaker Oven.
- Project versatility: I can create transfers for apparel, tote bags, custom printed fabric, and other compatible products.
What Could Be Improved?
While my experience has been very positive, there are a few things worth mentioning.
- The initial setup process could be a little clearer in places, especially when navigating the printer settings for the first time.
- Finding the language setting and locating the ink priming process took a little extra effort. Some of the on-screen instructions could also be more intuitive.
- And while the built-in maintenance features are promising, DTF printing still requires attention to ink, humidity, consumables, and regular maintenance.
I also want to continue testing the printer over time before making any conclusions about long-term reliability. Those are important considerations for anyone planning to use a DTF printer for business production.
Is the xTool Apparel Printer Plus Worth It?
Based on my experience so far, I’m very impressed with the xTool Apparel Printer Plus.
- Having owned several DTF printers, I appreciate the improvements xTool has made to the printing and maintenance experience.
- The print quality has been excellent, and the built-in humidifier, white ink circulation, automatic cutter, and software integration are all features I genuinely appreciate.
- I also like having the flexibility to use the WonderPress instead of adding the Shaker Oven to my setup.
If you’re interested in making custom apparel, personalized gifts, accessories, or products for your small business, the Apparel Printer Plus offers a lot of creative possibilities. It’s still a significant equipment investment, and you’ll want to consider your production needs, available workspace, and ongoing consumable and maintenance costs before purchasing.
But as far as my first impressions go, this has been my favorite DTF printer to work with so far.
Where to Buy the xTool Apparel Printer Plus
If you’re interested in learning more about the xTool Apparel Printer Plus or the WonderPress, you can check out the machines and available accessories through xTool.
Shop xTool Apparel Printer Plus
More xTool Apparel Printer Projects Coming Soon!
I’m just getting started with the Apparel Printer Plus, and I have plenty of ideas I want to try.
From custom tote bags to printed fabric and creative T-shirt designs, I’m looking forward to exploring what else I can make with this machine.
Be sure to check back for my upcoming tutorials featuring the vintage Christmas ornaments and the concert T-shirt with black knockout artwork.
And if you’ve been thinking about getting into DTF printing, I hope this review gives you a better idea of what the xTool Apparel Printer Plus and WonderPress workflow looks like.
Happy crafting!
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