How to Heat Press Direct-to-Film (DTF) Warm Peel Heat Transfers

Follow these steps to heat press DTF warm peel heat transfers:

1. Prepare your workspace

• Ensure your heat press machine is clean and in good working condition.
• Set up a flat, heat-resistant surface for the heat press.

2. Preheat the heat press

• Turn on the heat press and set the temperature according to the DTF transfer manufacturer's instructions. Our recommended temperature is around 275-300°F (135-149°C), but it may vary.

3. Prepare the garment

• Place the garment on the heat press, ensuring it is flat and wrinkle-free. You may want to pre-press the garment for a few seconds to remove any moisture or wrinkles.

4. Position the DTF transfer

• Place the DTF transfer on the garment with the printed side facing down, ensuring it is properly aligned and centered.

5. Apply the heat press

• Cover the DTF transfer with a protective sheet, such as a Teflon sheet or parchment paper, to prevent the film from sticking to the heat press. This is sometimes optional.
• Close the heat press, applying high even pressure, and start the timer. The recommended pressing time is usually around 7-10 seconds.
• Once the timer goes off, open the heat press and carefully remove the protective sheet.

Optional Step

• Rub the DTF transfer down with a microfiber towel to press the ink into the garment. We like to go around the edge design and work your way, just one to two times would do. We only do this step for designs with extra fine details.

6. Allow DTF transfer to cool for 10-15 seconds, then peel

OPTION A (Single Orders)

• Allow the garment to cool down for 10-15 seconds, but not completely. The transfer should still be warm to the touch.

OPTION B (Bulk Orders)

• Pile up multiple shirts and peel them later. Our warm/cold DTF heat transfers give you the ability to peel warm or cold.

• Carefully and slowly peel the transfer film from the garment, starting from one corner to the opposite corner of the design.

  • Pro peel tip: choose to peel from the corner with the most solid area of ink helps.

7. Post-press the garment (optional, but not really for our standards)

• For added durability, you can place the protective sheet back over the design and press it again for a 5-10 seconds.
  • Pro cover/protective sheet tip: You can choose your type of cover sheet/protective sheet for a desired finish. This step is reserved for the pickiest artists. Starting from matte to glossy finish try the following materials: kraft paper, parchment paper, the other side of the same DTF transfer, silicone sheet, teflon paper (let us know if you discover other materials).

8. Allow the garment to cool

• Let the garment cool completely before folding, wearing or washing.

Key Takeaways:

• Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal results.
• Preheat the heat press and set the temperature according to the DTF transfer manufacturer's instructions.
• Use a protective sheet when applying the heat press to prevent the film from sticking to the heat press.
• Allow the DTF transfer to cool for 10-15 seconds before peeling.
• Optionally, post-press the garment for added durability and desired finish.

Please note that the instructions may vary depending on the specific DTF transfer and heat press machine you are using. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal results.