How to Press DTF Transfers

by Winnie Li Updated on March 06, 2025

DTF is becoming a popular apparel printing technique due to its ease of use and printability across various fabrics. The making of DTF transfers is largely automated, thanks to machines like the xTool Apparel Printer, which readily prints any complex designs on film without any manual hassle. Pre-made DTF transfers are easily available, too.

However, one aspect that’s still challenging for many is heat pressing DTF transfers. Since it’s a manual process, and everyone tries to add their own touch, the results may not be as great as expected.

This blog explains the right way to heat press DTF transfers, covering all the tools and supplies needed. We will be addressing some common DTF pressing issues, their causes, and remedies.

Supplies and Tools Needed

To move forward with heat pressing DTFs, you’ll have to gather these few supplies:

Prepared DTF Transfer

We are considering that you already have a prepared DTF transfer film for the job. If you haven’t made it yet, you can learn how to make DTF transfers through our detailed blog.

Heat Press

A dedicated heat press is key to the heat transfer process. We recommend neither the regular iron nor any bulky industrial heat presses. A more portable and user-friendly option is the xTool Heat Press. For user convenience, it’s already offered in two variants, a miniature press and a smart press.

Teflon Sheet

A Teflon sheet is needed to cover the transfer during pressing. This prevents the film from sticking to the heat press and the possibility of burn marks on the fabric, especially delicate ones.

Blank Garments

T-shirts, hoodies, bags, or other fabric items to press onto. DTF works on virtually any fabric type (cotton, polyester, blends, etc.) and even unconventional materials like leather.

Other Optional Accessories

You may need a lint roller (to remove dust/lint from garments before pressing), heat-resistant tape (to hold a detailed small DTF transfer), and heat transfer pillows (for shirts with seams or buttons).

DTF Pressing Instructions: Step-by-Step

After gathering all supplies and tools, here’s the right approach to apply DTF transfers on shirts.

Step 1: Preheat the Garment and Press

Turn on your Heat Press and set it to the appropriate temperature and time. Set it to 320°F (for cotton) or 280°F (for polyester) and preheat the shirt for 5 seconds. This removes any moisture and wrinkles, providing a plain ground for heat transfer.

Step 2: Place DTF Transfer on the Garment

Lay the cured DTF transfer film such that the printed design touches the fabric and the blank side of the film faces up. Small designs can shift during the pressing phase, we recommend using a heat-resistant tape for securing them.

If you’re printing on the backside of the shirt, or if your garment has thick seams or buttons nearby, you might insert a heat-pressing pillow inside the shirt to ensure even pressure.

Step 3: Press the Transfer

Cover the transfer film with a Teflon sheet to protect it. The temperature, pressure, and time need to be set based on the fabric.

For cotton or its fabric blends, set the temperature between 320°F to 350°F, pressure at medium, and heat press for 8 to 10 seconds. For synthetic ones, lower the temperature to 275°F to 280°F and heat press for 10 to 15 seconds.

In cases when the design has sharp details, rub the design (film intact) with a squeegee and heat press again for about 5 seconds.

Step 4: Cool and Peel the Film

The transfer film can be both hot and cold film; peel off accordingly. Since most of the DTF films are cold, wait until the transfer is no longer hot to the touch, about 30 seconds to a minute.

The design should now be transferred to the garment. Take your time to ensure no parts of the design lift with the film. If you notice any part of the design is still stuck to the film or not adhered to the fabric, lay it back down, cover it, and press again for a few more seconds.

Some experts perform a second press after peeling. For that, cover the design area (no film) with a Teflon sheet and press it one more time at the same temperature.

Troubleshooting Common DTF Pressing Issues

If you adhere to the standard procedures we have outlined, you’re unlikely to encounter significant issues.

However, should problems arise, refer to the table below for common DTF pressing issues, their potential causes, and suggested fixes:

Sr No.	Issue	Possible Reason(s)	Fix
1	Pixelated, Blurry Prints	Low-resolution images printed on DTF film	Ensure the design is at least 300 dpi resolution.
2	Premature Wrinkling, Air Pockets After Washing	Inadequate press	Press at medium pressure for the recommended duration for each type of fabric.
3	A Plain line on Prints	Printing with the side color bar on the gang sheet	Remove the color bar from pre-made DTF transfers on gang sheets.
4	Transfer Sheet Lifts with the Heat Press	Small transfers,Loose DTF film	Use heat-resistant tape to secure small transfers, and always use a Teflon sheet.
5	Visible Neckline Marks	Printing on shirt back without padding; Shirt with thick seams and buttons	Insert a heat press pillow inside the shirt before heat pressing.
6	Parts of the Image Stay on Film or Lift Off the Fabric	Peeled off too early; Design too detailed and required secondary press	Apply adequate temperature and pressure, rub the film with a microfiber cloth, and perform a second press for 5 seconds.
7	Scorching or Press Marks on the Garment	Temperature too high for the fabric; Pressing too long	Adjust the temperature according to the fabric type. For polyester, set to 275°F and press for 10-15 seconds.
8	Edges Lift up After Transferring	Film peeled too early (before it cooled); Not enough pressure or time during a press	Allow the transfer to cool completely before peeling and apply medium pressure.
9	White Cloudiness Around Design	Printing a gradient image on a darker garment	Avoid using gradients in the border design to prevent a shadowy effect around the design.

FAQs

How long do I press DTF transfers?

On average, it falls between 8 to 15 seconds, but the exact time depends upon the type of fabric you’re heat pressing. For cotton or its fabric blends, you need to press DTF transfers for 8 to 10 seconds and a secondary press for 5 seconds. For polyesters, lower the temperature to 275°F and heat press for 10 seconds.

Can I use a regular iron for DTF transfers?

It’s not recommended to use a household iron for DTF transfers. Although in theory, an iron can reach similar temperatures, there are two main problems: uneven heat and lack of pressure. DTF needs consistent, even heat across the whole image to bond properly. Iron may work for smaller designs, but large ones require a heat press that applies uniform heat throughout.