How to Care for Your DTF Transfer Start to Finish

From the start of printing the transfers to the finished substrate, the quality of care that a DTF transfer receives will greatly impact the life of your transfer. We use the highest quality inks and film to ensure the best print quality, but once it's in your hands how do you ensure that same quality? This page will walk you through what you need to know from receiving your transfers, to printing, substrate care, and even storage. 

What to do when you receive your transfers

 When you first receive your transfers they will be rolled for shipping. Unroll them so that you can inspect them and let them flatten out before pressing them. 

How to press

1. Set your heat press to the recommended temperature for your specific substrate, typically around 265-325 degrees Fahrenheit . Allow the press to reach this temperature before proceeding to the next steps. We do not recommend using irons or other methods outside of heat presses that are designed for this application.

2. Lay the substrate flat, making sure the substrate is wrinkle free. 

3. Position the transfer and apply heat tape. Taping is optional but you can use heat-resistant tape to prevent the transfer from shifting during the pressing process. 

4. Once you have the transfer positioned, press the substrate. Even temperature should be applied over the entire transfer for the duration of the pressing time.

Note: Pressing temperatures, time, and pressure will be dependent on the fabric of your substrate. Not all heat presses are calibrated in temperature or pressure so your settings will need to be tweaked to your equipment.

Cotton - 325 degrees for 15 seconds at a pressure of 60psi

Poly - 265 degrees for 10 seconds at a pressure of 60 psi

5. Allow the transfer to cool. This takes about 30-45 seconds. (Tip: Sit the substrate to the side and press your next one while you wait for the cooling process.)

6. Carefully peel the film. Watch as you peel for any areas that may not have adhered to the substrate. If the transfer is trying to lift from the substrate, you will need to press again.

7. After removing the film, do a 2nd press with the same parameters as the first press. Make sure to cover the print before pressing. For a matte finish, use kraft or butcher paper. We use a silicone pressing sheet in-house. If you want your finish to be more glossy, use a teflon sheet.

8. Let the substrate cool completely and you are ready to proudly display it.

Garment Care

Once your substrate is completed, continued care will give you the longest lasting transfer. Substrates should be washed inside out in cold water and hung to dry. If you have to use a dryer use the delicate cycle with the lowest possible heat setting . Do not ever use a commercial dryer (i.e. laundromat) as their temperature dries hotter than the ink cures and will cause it to detach, peel, and/or crack.

Storing unused transfers

If you are not planning to press your transfers immediately, they must be stored properly to ensure the quality of the print last. There are several factors that can affect the transfers but when stored properly can last for extended periods of time. 

Factors

Humidity – the humidity plays a major role in transfer storage as it can affect the coating that allows the transfer to adhere to the substrate. The transfers should be stored in a room with humidity levels close to 50%

Light & Moisture – A cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight could cause fading and moisture could build affecting the inks and coating.

Position – The best position is to store the transfer flat. You may want to place a thin piece of paper between them as well to prevent possible sticking if moisture were to get into the container.

Dust & Debris - Dust and debris can stick to the back of the transfer making it difficult to get a good even press. Make sure to cover your transfers in a container or ziplock bag.

Storage Methods

• Ziplock bag
• Mylar bags
• Airtight plastic bins
• Parchment paper can be used with each of the above methods in between each transfer to prevent sticking in non-optimal environments.