DTF Pressing Instructions

How to Apply Your DTF Transfers for Perfect Results Every Time

At Affordable DTF, we want your transfers to look as amazing on fabric as they do on screen. Proper heat pressing is the key to achieving vibrant colors, strong adhesion, and long-lasting durability.
Follow these simple steps to ensure your DTF prints look professional and stay beautiful — wash after wash.

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1. What You’ll Need

Before pressing, make sure you have the right tools:

• ✅ Heat Press Machine (swing-away or clamshell preferred)

• ✅ Teflon Sheet or Parchment Paper

• ✅ Lint Roller (to remove debris from garment)

• ✅ Flat, Clean Surface

• ✅ Your DTF Transfer Film from Affordable DTF

(A home iron or Cricut EasyPress can work for small items, but a professional heat press provides the best, most consistent results.)

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2. Prepare the Garment

1. Lay your garment flat on the press surface.

2. Use a lint roller to remove dust, lint, or loose fibers.

3. Pre-press the garment for 5 seconds at 280°F to remove moisture and wrinkles.

4. Let it cool for a few seconds before placing your transfer.

Pre-pressing is important — it ensures the transfer adheres evenly and prevents bubbles or lifting later.

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3. Place the Transfer

• Position your DTF transfer film-side down (design facing up) on the garment.

• Align it carefully using a ruler or straight edge for even placement.

• Cover the transfer with parchment or a Teflon sheet to protect the film and press.

Tip: For hoodies or thick fabrics, adjust pressure to be slightly firmer for full adhesion.

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4. Pressing Temperature, Time & Pressure

Use the settings below for best results:

⚡ Pro Tip: Always test one small print before a full run, since heat presses vary slightly by brand and calibration.

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5. Peeling the Film

After pressing, allow the garment to cool completely before peeling the film.

• Do not rush this step — peeling too early can cause design lifting.

• Once cool, slowly peel from one corner at a steady angle.

• If any edge starts to lift, stop, press for a few more seconds, and let it cool again.

This cold-peel method ensures your DTF transfer bonds perfectly to the fabric.

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6. Post-Press for a Professional Finish

After removing the film:

1. Cover the print again with parchment or Teflon paper.

2. Press for an additional 5–8 seconds at the same temperature.

3. This “final cure” step enhances durability and gives the print a soft, matte finish.

Your transfer is now fully cured and ready to wear!

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7. Washing & Care Instructions

To keep your DTF prints looking new:

• Wash inside-out in cold or warm water (under 90°F).

• Use mild detergent — no bleach or fabric softeners.

• Tumble dry low or hang dry for best longevity.

• Avoid ironing directly over the design.

Proper care will keep your prints vibrant and flexible for 50+ washes without cracking or fading.

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8. Common Pressing Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Peeling the film while still hot
🚫 Using too little pressure or uneven heat
🚫 Forgetting to pre-press garments
🚫 Pressing too long (can dull colors or flatten texture)
🚫 Not post-pressing for final curing

If your print doesn’t look right, it’s usually because of temperature, pressure, or timing — adjust one at a time until you find the sweet spot.

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9. Quick Summary (Cheat Sheet)

Keep this handy when working with multiple transfers or large production runs!

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10. Need Pressing Support?

If you’re new to DTF printing or your design isn’t applying correctly, don’t stress — we’re here to help.
Email us at affordabledtf@gmail.com with photos of your press setup or results, and our team will troubleshoot with you.

We’ve helped hundreds of creators and small brands master pressing — and we’ll make sure you get perfect prints too.