Transferring a DTF Print

Last updated: April 22, 2024
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Transferring a finished print to a garment is simple and can be done immediately after DTF printing and curing, or up to a month later. Longer storage times may be possible if carefully stored in an air-tight container and in a climate-controlled environment.

  1. Prepare your heat press for a DTF image transfer.
Some materials may transfer best using parameters outside of these guidelines. Use the settings that bring the best results for your materials.
Fabric TypeTemp (F)PressureTransfer Press TimePeel Delay (cold peel film)Finish Press Time
Cotton 300 to 32050-70 PSI
Stahl’s 5-7
20 sec60-90 sec10-20 sec
Polyester260 to 28050-70 PSI
Stahl’s 5-7
20 sec60-90 sec10-20 sec
If you experience the film coating itself transferring to polyester or poly blend fabrics (example photo), try increasing the temperature to 300 and the transfer press time to 30-45 seconds.
  1. Cut out the image that you want to transfer to a garment from the film roll or sheet.
  2. Place the garment to receive the image transfer onto the heat press.
An initial pre-press of the garment prior to the transfer press can be helpful to remove any wrinkles and slight moisture in higher humidity environments.
  1. Place the DTF print on the garment, with the ink & glue side of the film directly against the fabric, positioned exactly where you want it transferred.
    • Verify that the collar, shoulders, and any seams are draped off the side of the heat press to ensure proper pressure at the transfer location
  2. Place a silicone sheet or kraft paper on top of the film.
  3. Press the transfer onto the fabric using the above table for temperature, pressure, and duration.
  4. Remove the garment from the heat press, and lay it on a clean, flat, hard surface.
  5. When using cold peel film, delay this step for a minute or so, until the inked area of the garment has cooled down to room temperature. Carefully peel the film away from the garment at a moderate rate.
  6. Place the shirt back on the heat press with a sheet of parchment or Kraft Paper or a white silicone sheet between the shirt and the top of the heat press, then perform a final “finish” press for the duration shown above at the same temperature and pressure as the transfer. This further cures the surface of the print and creates a smoother transition between ink & fabric.

The transfer process is now complete!

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