Heat Press Instructions for DTF Transfers

Equipment Needed to Get Started:

Heat Press Machine: A high-quality clamshell or swing-away heat press is recommended for even pressure and temperature distribution.
DTF Transfer Film: Your printed design on a specialty PET film.
Protective Sheets: Teflon (PTFE) sheets or parchment paper to protect the garment and the heat platen.
Heat-Resistant Tape (Optional): Helpful for securing small designs or precise placements.
Thermometer (Optional): To verify that your heat press is reaching the accurate temperature.

Note: In order to achieve the best results when applying Specialty Transfers (Glitter, Gold/Silver Foil, Glow in the Dark), it's important to remember that they are COLD peel, not hot peel.

Step-By-Step Pressing Instructions

1. No Need to Pre-Press or Pre-Iron

Unlike traditional HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) or Screen Print Transfers, DTF technology is designed to handle residual moisture efficiently. You do not need to pre-press the garment to remove moisture or wrinkles. Simply place your garment onto the lower platen and move straight to alignment.

2. Position Your Design

Place your DTF transfer onto the garment with the printed side facing down (the white adhesive layer should be in contact with the fabric).

Centering: Use a ruler or alignment tool if necessary.
Coverage: Place a Teflon sheet or parchment paper over the transfer to prevent direct contact between the heating element and the film.

3. Press & Peel After a Few Seconds

Set your heat press to the following standard settings:

Temperature: 300°F – 320°F ( $150\text{°C} – 160\text{°C}$ )
Pressure: Medium to Firm (approx. 40–60 PSI)
Time: 10–15 seconds

The Peel: Most modern DTF transfers are "Instant Hot Peel" or "Warm Peel." Once the timer goes off, lift the press and peel the film away in one smooth, steady motion. If using "Cold Peel" film, wait until the transfer is completely cool to the touch before removing the backing.

4. Final Press & Wash Instructions

The Final Press (or "Finishing Press") is the most important step for durability.

Cover the design again with a Teflon sheet or a piece of parchment paper.
Press for an additional 5–10 seconds. This "locks" the ink into the fibers of the fabric.

Wash Instructions: Wait at least 24 hours before washing the garment. For maximum longevity, wash inside out in cold water and tumble dry on low heat or hang dry.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Transfer Not Adhering Properly

If the design lifts with the film or doesn't stick to the fabric, it is usually due to low pressure or low temperature.

Fix: Increase your pressure setting so the press is difficult to close with one hand. Ensure your heat press is actually reaching the temperature shown on the digital display.

2. Design Cracking/Peeling After Washing

This is almost always a result of skipping the Final Press or using a temperature that was too low during application.

Fix: Ensure you perform the second 5–10 second press. This ensures the adhesive powder has fully liquefied and bonded with the garment threads.

3. Transfer Shifting During Application

If the design looks "ghosted" or blurry, the film likely shifted when you opened or closed the press.

Fix: Use heat-resistant tape to secure the corners of the film to the garment. Additionally, open the heat press slowly to prevent the rush of air from lifting the film prematurely.