How to Store DTF Transfers

Besides material versatility, one of the biggest pros of DTF printing is the flexibility of DTF transfers. You can conveniently print them first and apply them later. For businesses, this flexibility also creates an additional revenue stream – selling pre-made DTF transfers.

But most people (whether preparing or buying transfers) are often concerned about how these DTF sheets should be stored. Should you stack them? Wrap them? Fold them? And most importantly, how long can they endure?

This blog answers all these queries regarding the lifespan of DTF transfers and shares proven ways to store them effectively.

How Long Can You Store DTF Transfers?

This is one of the most burning questions, especially for those worried that their pre-made stock won’t last. There isn’t a definite answer. It all depends on how carefully you store them.

If you follow the storage methods (we share) and protect your DTF sheets from moisture, dust, and UV exposure, they can easily last from 6 months to a year or even longer. Provided that you’ve properly cured the adhesives and used high-quality DTF inks.

Factors Affecting DTF Transfer Shelf Life

DTF transfers are basically inked designs coated with cured powder adhesive. Environmental variables like temperature, humidity, or even dust can easily mess up their quality, affecting shelf life. Here’s why:

Temperature

DTF transfers are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Excessive heat can reactivate the cured adhesive, causing transfers to stick together. Conversely, extremely cold conditions may make the adhesive brittle, leading to cracks. For DTF transfer storage, an ambient room temperature of about 25°C (77°F) is ideal.

Humidity

Moisture in the air can weaken the adhesive, cause clumping of powder residue, or damage the transfer film itself. For best results, humidity levels need to be in the normal range, between 30% and 50%. You can also use silica gel packets or other desiccants to keep things dry.

Light Exposure (UV light)

Prolonged exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) rays, can fade inks and degrade the film and adhesive over time. To safeguard against this, DTF transfers need to be stored in closed spaces, away from direct sunlight.

Dust and Debris

Dust particles can stick to the adhesive, causing imperfections during transfer. DTF sheets need a sealed environment, away from dust and debris. 

Quality of Materials

Although storage is the key to shelf life, the quality of materials also has some influence. High-quality PET films, inks, and adhesive powders contribute to a longer shelf life and more durable end products.

Best Ways to Store DTF Transfers

The basic idea behind storing DTF transfers is to protect them from dust, moisture, and UV exposure. There are multiple effective ways to achieve this.

We have compiled a list of different methods that several printing businesses have adopted and got the best results.

Method 1: File Folder System

This is an old-school method, best for small businesses that want to keep things organized and accessible. 

• Collect the DTF transfer sheets related to one client/group and stack them with parchment paper or simple paper in between. 
• Insert these protected transfers into individual file folders. ​
• Label each folder with important details such as client/group name, size, and date of creation for easy identification.
• Store the folders horizontally stacked in a closed drawer. Make sure the drawer is dedicated to DTF transfers.
• Insert some silica packets into the drawer to prevent moisture. 

Method 2: Airtight Containers

Airtight containers are another good way to protect transfers from moisture and dust. This is best when you’ve got open shelves instead of closed cabinets/drawers.

• Select appropriately sized airtight containers that allow transfers to lay flat without bending.
• Place the transfers inside, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.​
• Seal the container tightly to shield the contents from moisture, dust, and air exposure.​
• Store the containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Method 3: Ziplock Bags and Silica

This method is handy for small-sized DTF transfers, which would be hard to manage in files or containers. 

• Place each DTF transfer inside a ziplock bag. For multiple ones, place a paper in between. 
• Insert a silica gel pack into each bag to absorb any residual moisture.
• Seal the bags securely to prevent air and moisture from entering. 
• Store the bags in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Things to Avoid When Storing DTF Transfers

When storing DTF transfers, special emphasis should be on avoiding these common mistakes that often ruin transfers:

• Curling or rolling transfers.
• Storing them upright (vertically).
• Stacking sheets under heavy weight.
• Storing transfers in open spaces exposed to dust and humidity.
• Keeping transfers near windows or direct sunlight.
• Using rubber bands or clips directly on sheets, creating permanent creases.
• Stacking sheets without protective paper in between.

We have explored some top methods to safely store DTF transfers. Give these methods a try, and let us know your experience. If you’ve any other helpful ideas that we might have missed, feel free to share them with the xTool DTF community on Facebook.