Pressing, artwork & production guides
Everything you need to get consistent, professional results from your DTF transfers. Written for print shops, not hobbyists.
Popular articles
The most referenced guides by our trade customers.
Quick reference
Keep these numbers handy when you're at the press.
Fabric temperature guide
| Fabric | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Cotton | 140–150°C | 8–12s | Pre-press 5–10s. Hot peel, then re-press. |
| Polyester | 130–140°C | 8–12s | Lower temp to avoid dye migration on darks. |
| 50/50 Blend | 135–145°C | 8–12s | Treat like poly if in doubt. |
| Tri-blend | 130–140°C | 8–10s | Lighter fabric — avoid over-pressing. |
| Nylon / DWR | Test first | Test first | Coatings can resist adhesion — always proof. |
Artwork preflight checklist
PNG with transparency for cutouts (no white background)
Minimum 300 DPI at final print size for logos and text
sRGB colour profile embedded in the file
Zoom to 400% — check for halos, jaggies, compression
Outline or bold small text (thin fonts vanish at small sizes)
Avoid screenshots, web images, or heavily compressed JPEGs
Hot peel pressing at a glance
Five steps to a consistent, professional press every time.
Pre-press the garment
Press for 5–10 seconds to remove moisture and flatten fibres. This is non-negotiable.
Position the transfer
Place the transfer film-side up on the garment. Cover with parchment or a Teflon sheet.
Press with firm, even pressure
Use the recommended temperature and time for the fabric type. Consistent pressure across the platen is critical.
Hot peel
Wait 2–3 seconds after opening, then peel the carrier film in one smooth, confident motion.
Re-press for durability
Cover with parchment and press again for 5–10 seconds. This locks adhesion and improves wash resistance.
Don't have a heat press?
We can press your transfers onto garments for you. Send us your blanks or choose from our stock — we'll handle the pressing so you don't have to.
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