Did you know you can use DTF printing not only to personalize t-shirts but also to transform everyday items like cardboard boxes? This opens up a world of possibilities for creative packaging, unique gift presentations, and small business branding!
Today, I’m sharing a full step-by-step tutorial on how to customize boxes using DTF at home—a great option for small business owners, crafters, or anyone who wants to make packaging extra special.
In this tutorial, I’ll be using my new Procolored P13 DTF printer , along with DTF film, DTF powder, a DTF oven to cure the design, and a manual heat press to transfer it.
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Supplies & Equipment You’ll Need
- A custom logo or design (you can make one in Canva or Kittl!)
- Procolored P13 DTF Printer 🔥 Early Bird Special: $500 off
- DTF Film, Powder, and Oven (all included in the bundle)
- Manual Heat Press
- Teflon Sheets
- Heat-Proof Surface
- Cardboard Boxes – 12x9x4”
- Cardboard Boxes – 13x10x2”
Video with the Complete Guide in Spanish & English Available Now!
I created a step-by-step video showing the step by step process — in both Spanish and English so you don’t miss a thing. Watch it here:
Step-by-Step: DTF on Boxes
1. Prepare Your Design
To get started, I’m using the ProIP software that came with my Procolored P13 printer. Upload your logo or design, adjust the size as needed (I resized mine to 8 inches and added two smaller versions to save film) and print in mirror mode.
✅ Make sure your design is in mirror mode before printing!
2. Print Your Design
To print my DTF designs, I’m using my Procolored P13 DTF printer. If you want to learn more about this printer, check out my full tutorial on my YouTube channel. Its available in English and Spanish. In that video, I walk you through everything—from unboxing and assembly to creating your first projects. Basically, everything you need to know about this printer and DTF.
The print comes out vibrant and ready to go!
3. Apply the DTF Powder
Place the design in a container and sprinkle the DTF Powder over it—don’t be shy with the powder. Any extra can be saved for future use. Make sure the design is fully covered, then shake off the excess.
4. Cure the Design in the Oven
Place the design in the DTF oven at 180°C (or 250°F) for 180 seconds. Let it cool completely before pressing.
5. Transfer the Design onto the Box
Preheat your heat press to 320°F and set the timer to 15 seconds.
If it’s a shipping box, make sure to leave space for the shipping label. If you’re not mailing it, you could add a larger label and close the box right away.
I personalize boxes both ways—I have shipping boxes with the logo on the side, and others with the logo in the center for local deliveries.
For gift boxes, I also try to center the design. I’m customizing this one for mail, and I’ll add a quote along the edge of the box. On the front edge, I’ll add my website.
If the box is small, you can press all at once or press one at a time if the box is large.
Let’s align the design, place a Teflon sheet on top, and press at 320°F for 15 seconds. Let it cool completely before removing the clear film.
Pro tip: You can use an automatic press or a manual clamshell press. I personally prefer using my manual press because it’s easier for me to press large boxes and get even pressure.
With big heat presses, I don’t have as much freedom, especially since most of the boxes I customize are large and need to be disassembled to get an even press. If you’re working with a small box that fits disassembled in your press, then that’s perfect. If not, I feel like it just doesn’t work as well—that’s just my opinion based on experience.
After pressing, let the design cool before peeling off the clear film. For a cleaner finish, press again for 5 seconds with the Teflon sheet.
6. Customize More Sides (Optional)
I also added:
- A quote on one side
- My website on the other side
💡 Packaging Ideas & Inspiration
I created:
- A shipping box with space left for the label
- A gift box with a centered logo and quote
- A Mother’s Day box using a 13x10x2″ box (pressed with a scraper for detail)
Every package becomes a chance to promote your brand and delight your customer!
🎨 Why Use DTF on Boxes?
DTF isn’t just for fabric—it’s perfect for:
- Shipping boxes
- Gift boxes
- Product packaging
- Branding for small businesses
It’s such a simple way to elevate your presentation and add a professional, creative touch.
If this tutorial inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog and YouTube channel so we can keep crafting together!
✨ Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next creative adventure!
Love,
Daisy Multifacética 🌼
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“Creativity is the soul’s voice, and in every project, we find a little piece of ourselves.”
Daisy
“La creatividad es la voz del alma, y en cada proyecto encontramos un pedazo de nosotros mismos.”
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