When it comes to DTF printing, I’ve tested quite a few machines over the years. Each has its pros and cons, but recently I had the chance to try the new Procolored K13 Lite DTF Printer, and I have to say. It’s unlike anything I’ve used before.
This printer caught my attention not only because of its size and sleek design, but also because of the promise of ease of use for small businesses and home studios. In this blog, I’ll share my honest experience: from unboxing to printing on different surfaces, plus a few tips and resources you’ll find useful if you’re considering diving into DTF.
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First Impressions: The Unboxing Experience
Opening the box, everything was neatly packed and organized. Inside, I found the K13 Lite printer, inks, and accessories ready to set up. What stood out was the compact size—perfect for my workspace.
Video in Spanish & English Available Now!
I recorded the entire unboxing in detail, so if you’re curious, you can watch my English or Spanish video review on YouTube here:
Setup and Software Installation
The installation process was straightforward. I started by downloading the drivers and installing the RIP software that comes with the Procolored K13 Lite. Everything is clearly explained in the guide, so even if you’re new to DTF, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Pro tip: don’t fill the ink tanks until you’ve connected the printer to your computer and installed the drivers. This ensures the printer communicates properly and avoids ink drying or potential damage to the print head during setup.
Filling the Ink Tanks
Filling the ink was actually much easier than I expected. The printer comes with all the DTF inks included in the package, so I didn’t have to worry about buying them separately. Each color is clearly labeled (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, and White). I filled one color at a time, slowly, to avoid mixing up the bottles.
Another great improvement is how easy it is to fill the cartridges. Unlike older DTF printers where you had to use syringes to manually inject the ink, with the K13 Lite you simply press the ink fill button one or two times, and the cartridge fills automatically. This saves time, reduces mess, and makes the process much more user-friendly—especially if you’re just getting started with DTF printing.
Printing and First Projects
Pro tip: always run a nozzle check before starting your first design.
Once everything was set, I jumped right into printing. I tested different designs, including this Cute Pink Ghost with Milkshake and an Autumn Pink Pumpkin. The details came out crisp, and the colors were vibrant—better than I expected for such a compact printer.
Applying the DTF Powder
Once your design is printed, it’s time to apply the DTF powder. Pour the powder generously over the entire printed area to ensure full coverage, then gently shake off any excess. Don’t worry about wasting it—the leftover powder can be reused for your next print. This powder is essential because it allows the ink to properly adhere to the garment or item during the heat transfer process, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting results.
Curing the Design
After applying the powder, the design needs to be cured before pressing. Preheat the Procolored Smokeless Oven to around 130°C (266°F) and place the powdered design inside for 160–180 seconds, depending on your tests. This step slightly melts the powder and binds it with the ink, creating a durable print that’s ready to transfer onto fabric, wood, or other surfaces. Proper curing ensures your design stays vibrant and adheres smoothly during the heat press process.
Heat Pressing the Design
Once your DTF design is cured, it’s time to transfer it onto your chosen surface using a heat press. For textiles like t-shirts or tote bags, place the garment on the press and pre-press for 5–10 seconds to remove wrinkles and moisture. Position your design carefully, cover it with a Teflon sheet, and press at around 320°F (160°C) for 15–20 seconds. For rigid surfaces like wood or boxes, use a manual press and adjust the time and pressure accordingly—usually 20–30 seconds depending on the material. After pressing, let the item cool slightly, then carefully peel off the clear transfer film. Using the cooling block included with the Procolored kit can help speed up this process and prevent smudging. The result is a vibrant, long-lasting print ready for use or sale.
Seeing how well it worked on multiple materials made me excited about the possibilities for customized products, especially for small business orders.
- T-shirts (using this automatic heat press and my manual press)
- Tote bags (Canvas tote bags)
- Wood projects (Wood blanks)
- Gift and shipping boxes (Cardboard boxes)
What I Loved Most
- Compact Size – It doesn’t take over my whole desk.
- Easy Installation – Step-by-step made it beginner-friendly.
- Quality Prints – Sharp details and vibrant colors.
- Versatility – Works on more than just fabric.
Things to Keep in Mind
- There’s a learning curve if you’ve never worked with DTF before.
- Printer needs daily maintenance.
- Make sure you have good ventilation when working with powders and heat curing.
- Practice makes perfect—don’t be discouraged by your first try.
Final Thoughts
The Procolored K13 Lite is a strong option for anyone wanting to get into DTF printing without investing in a large, industrial machine. Whether you’re customizing shirts, tote bags, or even wood crafts, it delivers quality results in a manageable size.
If you want to see the whole process, including tips, real-time printing, and results, I invite you to watch my videos on YouTube in English and Spanish:
And don’t forget—if you decide to get your own, use my coupon code DAISY for $100 off your purchase.
Happy crafting! 💖
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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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