How to apply a DTF transfer: the step-by-step guide

Have you received your DTF transfers and want to apply them yourself? Here is the method, step by step, for a neat and lasting result.

The equipment

• A heat press (a flat press gives the best result).
• Your DTF transfers, cut out.
• A sheet of baking paper.
• The textile, clean and dry: cotton, polyester or a blend.

Applying the transfer, step by step

1. Preheat the press to 140-150 °C.
2. Press the empty textile for a few seconds to remove moisture and creases.
3. Place the transfer, printed side against the textile.
4. Press for 10 to 15 seconds, with medium to firm pressure (3 to 5 bars).
5. Peel off the film, hot or cold, after a few seconds.
6. For maximum hold, press again for 5 seconds with a sheet of baking paper.

Heat press or iron?

The heat press remains the best solution: it heats and presses evenly across the whole surface, which guarantees wash resistance. An iron can help out for a trial on a small logo (no steam, pressing hard, on a hard surface), but the heat and pressure are less even: the result is not guaranteed. For a run of items, a flat press is strongly recommended.

Preparing your file

Send a transparent-background PNG at 300 dpi (4134 × 4724 px for a full 35 × 40 cm sheet) or a PDF. Anything transparent will not be printed; very fine lines (under 1 mm) may not hold well. We check every file free of charge before printing.

How many logos on one sheet?

A 35 × 40 cm DTF sheet holds as many designs as you want, in different sizes. For example: about 12 heart-side logos of 8 × 8 cm with 1 cm between each, or 1 large back design of 28 × 35 cm, or a mix of both. Remember to leave a small gap around each design so that it is easy to cut out.

Common sizes and placements

• Heart (left chest): 7 to 10 cm wide, about 15 to 20 cm below the shoulder.
• Centred front: 20 to 28 cm wide, top of the design 7-10 cm below the collar.
• Back: 25 to 30 cm wide, top of the design 8-12 cm below the collar.
• Sleeve: 5 to 8 cm wide.
• Child: reduce by about a third.

Care

Wait 24 hours after applying before the first wash. Wash at up to 40 °C, garment inside out; no tumble dryer or bleach, and do not iron directly on the design.

Mistakes to avoid

• A temperature that is too low or a time that is too short: the transfer peels off in the wash.
• Pressure that is too light: the edges lift.
• A damp or creased textile: the adhesive does not stick well.

Frequently asked questions

Which textiles can a DTF transfer be applied to?

On cotton, polyester and blends, in light or dark colours. Always test first on an offcut or a trial piece for technical fabrics.

Why is my transfer peeling off?

Most often, the temperature, time or pressure was too low. Press again for 10 seconds with a sheet of baking paper: the adhesive reactivates.

Can the garment be washed straight away?

No: wait 24 hours, then wash at up to 40 °C, garment inside out.

Everything about DTF (file, textiles, durability): see our DTF transfer guide. No press? We can also print directly on your garments in our workshop in Paris 20e.

Order DTF sheets · Bulk DTF quote

Take action: customise your garment online from 1 item, or request a quote for a bulk order.

Everything about DTF printing in Paris.

Before printing: which file to send for printing and what logo size on a T-shirt.