Custom DTF Transfers by Size

A DTF transfer is a printed design on PET film using CMYK + white inks. While the ink is still wet, a TPU hot-melt powder is applied and cured; the film is then heat-pressed onto a garment so the adhesive bonds to the fibers. You peel the carrier (hot or cold—depends on film), then typically repress for durability/finish.

DTF transfers work on: cotton, polyester, blends, canvas, denim and, with testing and the right settings, tricky substrates like nylon and leather. Always test specialty items and watch heat sensitivity.

Heat press DTF Transfers at 300–320°F (149–160°C), 7–15 seconds, medium-firm pressure, peel per film type (hot or cold), then repress 5–10 seconds with parchment/silicone for durability and finish. Always calibrate your press and test on your exact garment.

A home iron can sometimes work for small logos, but consistent heat and pressure are hard to achieve. Many pro vendors do not recommend consumer presses for production reliability. If you must, apply extra-firm, even pressure and verify temp with an IR gun. A clamshell/swing-away heat press is strongly preferred.

When applied and cured correctly—and laundered per care guidelines—DTF widely tests in the ~50–100 wash range without major cracking or fading, comparable to many screen prints. Results vary by materials, curing, press quality, and care.

Typical causes and fixes:

• Under-pressure or too little time/heat → increase pressure; re-check platen temp.

• Over-press/over-bake → rubbery, flattened hand; reduce temp/time and avoid over-curing.

• Moisture/wrinkles → brief pre-press; let cool before placement.

• PNG (transparent), vector (SVG/PDF/AI), or high-res TIFF/PSD are the most reliable.

• Aim for 300 DPI at print size; avoid upscaling tiny, compressed images.

• Flatten transparencies/effects; expand strokes; embed fonts or outline text.

No need to mirror images for DTF Printing. 

• Hot peel: remove the carrier right after pressing (fast workflow).

• Cold peel: let the print cool completely before peeling (often “safer” bond on tricky fabrics).
  Many shops still do a second press 5–10s to lock in durability and achieve matte/gloss as desired.

Yes. Use a cap press (or accessories that provide even pressure), secure with heat tape, press ~300–320°F ~15s, peel per film, then quick repress. Curved surfaces demand alignment care and firm, even pressure.