Pressing Instructions
How to Press Your Transfers
Every press is a little different. Test on a scrap or spare blank first, and adjust time and pressure if needed.
DTF Transfers
Works on: cotton, polyester, blends, canvas, and denim, in any color.
| Cotton & blends | Polyester / synthetics | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 320–330°F | 275–285°F |
| Time | 10–15 seconds | 10–15 seconds |
| Pressure | Medium | Medium |
- Pre-press the garment for 5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
- Place the transfer ink side down, film side up.
- Cover with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper and press.
- Peel: [COLD PEEL: let it cool completely, about 30–60 seconds, then peel slowly / HOT PEEL: peel immediately in one smooth motion]
- Finishing press: cover with Teflon or parchment and press again for 5 seconds. This locks the transfer in and gives a softer, more durable finish.
Tip: if the film starts lifting the design while you peel, stop, lay it back down, and press again for 5–10 seconds.
Sublimation Transfers
Works on: white or light-colored polyester (65% or more) and polyester-coated sublimation blanks like tumblers, mugs, coasters, and mousepads. Will not work on cotton or dark fabrics.
| Shirts & fabric | Hard blanks (mugs, tumblers, coasters) | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 385–400°F | Follow your blank’s instructions |
| Time | 45–60 seconds | Usually 60–180 seconds |
| Pressure | Light to medium | Per blank |
- Pre-press the shirt for 5 seconds and use a lint roller to remove fibers.
- Place a sheet of paper inside the shirt to stop the ink bleeding through.
- Place the transfer ink side down and tape it with heat-resistant tape so it can’t shift. Any movement causes ghosting.
- Cover with protective paper (butcher paper or parchment) and press.
- Peel hot, immediately, lifting straight up.
Tip: your transfer prints looking dull and faded. That’s normal. The colors come alive when pressed.
Care Instructions (both types)
- Wait 24 hours before the first wash.
- Wash inside out in cold or warm water with mild detergent.
- No bleach or fabric softener.
- Tumble dry low or hang dry.
- Don’t iron directly on the design.
Questions or having trouble? Contact us with a photo, and we’ll help you troubleshoot.