PRESSING INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO PRESS YOUR DTF TRANSFERS.

Follow these recommended settings to apply your transfers cleanly. Always test first when pressing specialty fabrics, coated garments, or heat-sensitive materials.

TEMPERATURE

300°F Recommended starting temperature

PRESS TIME

15 SEC First press

PRESSURE

MED-FIRM Even pressure across the design

PEEL

COLD PEEL Let the film cool before peeling

REPRESS

5 SEC Cover and press again

STEP BY STEP

PRESS IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

Take your time, use even pressure, and let the transfer cool fully before peeling.
01

PRE-PRESS THE GARMENT

Press the blank garment for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture, wrinkles, and trapped steam before placing the transfer.

02

POSITION THE TRANSFER

Place the transfer printed-side down on the garment. Make sure it is straight, flat, and fully inside the press area.

03

PRESS AT 300°F

Press for 15 seconds using medium-firm pressure. The pressure should be even across the full design.

04

LET IT COOL

Allow the transfer to cool completely before peeling. Do not rush this step.

05

PEEL SLOWLY

Peel the film slowly and evenly. If any part lifts, stop, lay the film back down, press again, and let it cool.

06

COVER AND REPRESS

Cover the design with parchment paper, kraft paper, or a finishing sheet and repress for 5 seconds.

IMPORTANT

EVERY PRESS IS DIFFERENT.

Heat presses can vary by brand, age, pressure, platen condition, and temperature accuracy. These settings are a strong starting point, but testing is always recommended before running a full order.

FABRIC GUIDE

ADJUST FOR THE GARMENT.

Cotton and cotton/poly blends are the easiest starting point. Specialty fabrics may need lower heat, shorter time, or testing.

COTTON

Use the standard settings: 300°F, 15 seconds, medium-firm pressure, cold peel, and a 5 second repress.

COTTON / POLY BLENDS

Use the standard settings and test first if the garment is lightweight, stretchy, or heat-sensitive.

POLYESTER

Test first. Some polyester can scorch, shrink, or show press marks. Consider slightly lower heat and a shorter test press.

HOODIES / THICK GARMENTS

Use firm, even pressure. Avoid seams, pockets, zippers, or raised areas that prevent full contact.

STRETCH FABRICS

Test first and avoid overstretching the garment before pressing. Keep the transfer flat and evenly pressed.

SPECIALTY GARMENTS

Coated, dyed, waterproof, nylon, or heat-sensitive items should always be tested before a full run.

COMMON MISTAKES

AVOID THESE PRESSING PROBLEMS.

PEELING TOO EARLY Let the transfer cool completely before peeling.
NOT ENOUGH PRESSURE Low pressure can cause lifting, poor adhesion, or edge failure.
UNEVEN PRESS AREA Seams, collars, pockets, and zippers can stop the transfer from pressing evenly.
SKIPPING THE REPRESS The final repress helps lock in the transfer and improve the finished feel.
DIRTY GARMENT SURFACE Lint, dust, moisture, or wrinkles can affect how the transfer bonds to the fabric.
WRONG FABRIC SETTINGS Some specialty garments need testing before using the standard settings.

WASH CARE

KEEP YOUR PRINTS LOOKING CLEAN.

WAIT 24 HOURS Let the print settle before the first wash.
WASH INSIDE OUT Use cold water when possible.
LOW HEAT DRY Tumble dry low or hang dry for best results.
DO NOT IRON DIRECTLY Never place a hot iron directly on the print.
AVOID BLEACH Harsh chemicals can damage the garment and print.
DO NOT DRY CLEAN Standard washing is best for long-term print life.

QUICK ANSWERS

PRESSING FAQ.

What temperature should I press DTF transfers at?

Start at 300°F for 15 seconds using medium-firm pressure.

Should I peel hot or cold?

Use a cold peel. Let the transfer cool completely before removing the film.

Do I need to repress after peeling?

Yes. Cover the design and repress for 5 seconds after peeling.

What if part of the design lifts when I peel?

Stop peeling, lay the film back down, press again, allow it to cool, then peel slowly.

Can I press on polyester?

Yes, but test first. Some polyester garments are heat-sensitive and may need adjusted settings.

Why did my transfer not stick?

Common causes include not enough pressure, peeling too early, uneven press contact, moisture in the garment, or not pressing long enough.

READY TO PRINT?

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