ProColored

ProColored: Affordable DTF and UV Printers for Custom-Merch Makers

Custom T-shirts, crystal stickers, printed tumblers, engraved-look phone cases — the personalized-products boom runs on printers most people have never heard of. ProColored is one of the names powering it, aiming to put professional printing within reach of hobbyists and small businesses. Here’s a straight look at what it offers and what to weigh before buying.

What ProColored Makes

ProColored is a Shenzhen-based digital-printing company, founded in 2018, that builds affordable desktop and small-format printers. Its lineup covers the main custom-printing methods: DTF (direct-to-film) printers for pressing full-color designs onto T-shirts and fabrics, UV DTF printers that make “crystal stickers” for hard and curved surfaces, UV flatbed printers that print directly onto objects like phone cases, tumblers, wood, metal, and acrylic, and DTG (direct-to-garment) machines. Popular models include the compact F13 DTF printer and the VF13 Pro, a two-in-one UV DTF unit with a built-in laminator.

Why Makers Choose It

The appeal is capability at a low entry price. ProColored leans into small-business and print-on-demand use, offering machines in sizes from tiny A5 units up to A3+ production printers, bundled with Pro RIP software, features like automatic printhead cleaning, and perks such as 0% financing, an education discount, and warranty support. For someone launching a custom-merch side hustle without industrial-printer money, that accessibility is the whole draw.

What to Know Before Buying

A few honest notes. Custom printing has a real learning curve, and these machines need ongoing care and consumables — ink, film, maintenance, and printhead attention — so budget time and money beyond the sticker price. UV and DTF printing also involve inks and curing that call for decent ventilation and careful handling.

One security note worth knowing: in 2025, researchers found that ProColored’s downloadable driver software had been distributing malware for several months. To the company’s credit, it took the affected files offline and re-uploaded clean versions that were independently re-scanned and verified as malware-free. The practical, evergreen lesson applies to any printer: download software only from the current official source, keep your antivirus active, and scan installers before running them.

Who It’s For

ProColored fits hobbyists, crafters, and small businesses getting into custom apparel, stickers, and personalized hard goods. High-volume commercial shops may prefer industrial brands, but for entering the space affordably, it’s a popular pick.

Final Thoughts

ProColored’s strength is opening up DTF and UV printing to people priced out of industrial gear. Plan for the learning curve and upkeep, follow safe-software basics, and it’s a capable on-ramp to making custom products.

Are you running a ProColored printer for your shop or hobby? Share what you make and your best beginner tip — it helps the next maker get started.