Application Instructions
How to apply your transfers
DTF and UV DTF use very different application techniques. Pick your transfer type below.
DTF · For Fabric
Heat-pressing DTF onto cotton, polyester & blends
Cotton
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Set your press
300°F (149°C) for 10-15 seconds using medium to heavy pressure.
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Cold peel
Allow the product to cool to the touch, then peel the film off in one smooth motion.
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Second press with teflon
Using a teflon sheet, do a second press for 10 seconds. This ensures the edges of the designs are seated.
Polyester
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Set your press
285°F (140°C) for 10 seconds using medium to heavy pressure.
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Cold peel
Allow the product to cool to the touch, then peel the film off in one smooth motion.
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Second press with teflon
Using a teflon sheet, do a second press for 10 seconds. This ensures the edges of the design are seated.
Neck tags
Neck tags require a smaller press, or a way to manipulate the shirt so you can get the appropriate pressure on the collar. Done with a standard full-size press, the collar will cause pressure issues and the tag will not seat properly.
Extra tips
Fine designs: apply the appropriate pressure when your design has fine lines. Thin strokes and small details need firm contact to seat correctly.
Teflon pillows & sheets: a must-have to apply even pressure across your design. The main culprit for DTF not transferring properly is a lack of pressure.
UV DTF · For Hard Surfaces
Applying UV DTF to tumblers, glass, wood, and more
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Clean the surface
Wipe with isopropyl alcohol and let it air-dry. Any oil, dust, or moisture will cause the transfer to peel later.
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Peel the bottom carrier
Lift the transfer off its bottom paper carrier. The design should stay on the clear top laminate.
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Press onto the surface
Position the design on your tumbler/glass/wood and press it down. Smooth from the center out to push out air bubbles.
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Rub firmly with a card
Rub firmly across the entire design with a credit card or squeegee. This is what bonds the transfer, so don’t skimp on pressure.
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Slowly peel off the top laminate
Peel the clear top film off slowly, pulling at a low angle. The design stays on your surface. If any part lifts, lay it back down and rub again.
Troubleshooting
If something goes wrong
Transfer is peeling or lifting
Almost always pressure. Re-press at the correct temp (300°F for cotton, 285°F for polyester) for 10 seconds with a teflon sheet using medium to heavy pressure. The most common cause is too little pressure on the second press.
Colors look faded after pressing
Usually too little pressure, or the press isn’t actually hitting target temp. Confirm with an external thermometer (300°F cotton, 285°F polyester) and apply firm, medium-to-heavy pressure across the entire design. A teflon pillow helps spread pressure evenly.
The film is hard to peel
DTF is a cold peel. Let the garment cool to the touch (not hot, not warm) before peeling the film in one smooth motion. If you started peeling too early and part of the design lifted, lay the film back down, let it cool fully, then peel.
Fine details didn’t transfer fully
Fine lines and small details need extra pressure. Use a teflon pillow or sheet inside the press so the design gets even contact across the whole design, not just the high spots. Lack of pressure is the #1 cause of DTF not transferring properly.
Edges are lifting after the first wash
The second press wasn’t long enough, or didn’t use a teflon sheet. Re-press the entire design for 10 seconds at the correct temp with a teflon sheet on top. Wash inside-out in cold water and tumble dry low for best longevity.
Neck tag didn’t seat properly
A full-size press has trouble getting even pressure at the collar. Use a smaller press, or fold and manipulate the shirt so the collar isn’t in the way of your press platen. Even pressure on the tag itself is what makes it stick.
UV DTF is bubbling on the tumbler
Air trapped underneath. Lift it gently from one side and squeegee outward. On curved surfaces, work from the center out and apply firm pressure as you go.
UV DTF edges are lifting after applying
Either the surface wasn’t clean enough or it didn’t get enough pressure when applying. Wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol before applying, then rub firmly across the whole design with a card. Let it cure 24 hours before exposing to water, and hand-wash only after that.
Still not working?
Reach out through our contact page with photos of the issue and we’ll get back to you.
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