WHAT ARE DTF TRANSFERS?

🔥 Why DTF Heat Transfers Are Changing the Game

  • Forget the old-school print drama. Direct to Film (DTF) transfers are the no-nonsense, high-impact solution for creators who want pro-level results without the setup headaches.

    Whether you're running a side hustle or scaling your shop, DTF transfers delivers bold, full-colour prints on nearly any fabric — fast, clean, and cost-effective.


    💡 What Makes DTF a Wild Transfer Favourite?
    • No Setup Costs — Let us print and send your transfers to you. (view the image to the right to see what the transfer looks like in it's sheet form) Ready for you to press with a heat press.
    • Works on Almost Any Fabric — Cotton, poly, blends, nylon, denim… you name it.
    • Flexible & Durable — Stretches, washes, and wears like a champ.
    • Easy Application — Just a heat press and your blanks. That’s it.
    • Budget-Friendly — Big results, small spend. DTF Transfers with us start at just £2!


    ⚡️DTF vs DTG: No Contest
    DTG plays nice only with cotton, and struggles with dark colours. DTF? It’s plug-and-play across the board. No special prep. No fabric drama. Just adjust your heat press settings and go. (settings supplied with your order so your not scrambling for information!)


    🛠️ What You Need
    A solid heat press and your blanks you want to press on. That’s it. No fancy gear, no steep learning curve. Just press, peel, and profit.

    🛠️ What Can You Make?
    T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Pillowcases, Cushions, Tote Bags, Cosmetic Bags, Laptop Cases, Hoodies, Wall Tapestries, Blankets...the options are endless! (Remember DTF is for Fabrics only!)

    Looking to customise hard surfaces like tumblers, mugs, keychains, notebooks, kindle covers etc?

    CLICK HERE!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Does DTF Stand For?

DTF stands for “Direct to Film.” It’s a digital printing method where designs are printed directly onto a special film using pigmented inks, then an adhesive powder is applied. The film is heat-pressed onto your chosen surface, fusing ink and adhesive into a durable, vibrant print.

Which Surfaces Can DTF Transfers Be Applied To?

DTF is for Fabrics:

  • Cotton (t-shirts, hoodies)
  • Polyester (sportswear, performance fabrics)
  • Blended fabrics (cotton/polyester mixes)
  • Denim (jeans, jackets)
  • Canvas (tote bags, art prints)

DTF’s pigmented inks and adhesive layer bond to natural and synthetic surfaces alike, making it one of the most versatile decoration methods.

How Long Do DTF Transfers Last?

When applied to your blanks with proper settings, DTF prints withstand 60–80+ machine washes without significant fading or cracking. Key factors for longevity include correct heat-press temperature and pressure of your heat press. For best results, wash garments inside-out in cold water with a mild detergent; avoid bleaching and tumble-drying. Air dry only.

What Heat-Press Settings Work Best for DTF Transfers?

Recommended baseline settings:
• Temperature: Cotton - 160 °C (≈ 320 °F) Polyester/Cotton Blends - 150 °C (≈ 302 °F)
• Pressure: High/Heavy (≥ 60 psi) (if your heat press does not have pressure setting, just make sure the clamp takes some effort to press down, you may have to experiment to figure out how tight the pressure you need)
• Pressing Time: 15 seconds with a protective sheet (e.g., silicone-coated parchment)
After pressing peel the carrier film off, then perform a second press (5–10 seconds) with a protective sheet (e.g., silicone-coated parchment) to fully seal the design. While devices like Cricut Heat Press and Household Irons can apply heat, they rarely match the consistency of a dedicated heat press.

How Do You Apply DTF Transfers?

1. Preheat your heat press and set high/heavy pressure.
2. Ensure your garment or substrate is clean, lint-free, and flat.
3. Position the DTF transfer (white side of the image facing down onto the fabric) on the item with a protective sheet over the top. (e.g., silicone-coated parchment sheet)
4. Press under high pressure for 15 seconds.
5. Let cool briefly for about 30 seconds, then peel off the clear carrier film.
6. Cover the print with a protective sheet and press again for 5–10 seconds to lock in adhesion.

Can I Use a Household Iron Instead of a Heat Press?

While tempting, irons lack the uniform heat and calibrated pressure required for robust, long-lasting adhesion. They often lead to uneven transfers, poor washability, and edge-peeling. A proper heat press is strongly recommended for consistent, professional results.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE FOR DTF TRANSFERS

DTF Transfer Won’t Adhere to Fabric

Incorrect Heat-Press Settings
• Ensure you’re temperature is 160 °C (≈ 320 °F) for Cotton and 150 °C (≈ 302 °F) for Polyester/Cotton Blends with high/heavy pressure.
• Press for 15 seconds on your first press with a protective sheet on the top of the transfer (e.g., silicone-coated protective sheet)
Surface Contamination
• Pre-press your garment for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture and lint.
• Use a lint roller or micro-fibre cloth right before pressing.
Film Alignment
• Double-check that the white side of the transfer is facing down onto the fabric.
• Secure corners with heat-resistant tape if the film shifts.
Peel Timing
Let the transfer cool down for at least 30 seconds before peeling. Our transfers are COLD PEEL.

Edges Lift or Peel After Wear

Insufficient Seal Press
• After peeling, cover the print with silicone-coated parchment.
• Press again at 160 °C (≈ 320 °F) for Cotton and 150 °C (≈ 302 °F) for Polyester/Cotton Blends for 5–10 seconds under high/heavy pressure.
Aggressive Washing
• Advise washing inside-out on a gentle cycle in cold water.
• Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and high-heat tumble drying. Let garments/items air dry.
Uneven Pressure
• Check that the heat-press platen is level.
• Use a silicone-coated parchment sheet to distribute pressure evenly.

Wrinkles or Inconsistent Coverage

Film Placement
• Smooth the garment on the heat press platen—making sure the fabric is flat and all folds or wrinkles are flattened out.
• Use a roller to flatten the fabric before pressing.
Pressure Distribution
• Increase pressure of heat press slightly to make sure the transfer adheres properly.

Protective Sheet Use
• Always press with a protective sheet to avoid direct contact.
• A silicone-coated parchment sheet works best.

Colors Appear Faded or Dull

Under-Pressing
• Add 2–3 seconds to your first press.
• Maintain consistent temperature within ±5 C° & °F.
Low-Quality Film Storage
• Store transfers flat, in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
• Avoid humidity—use sealed packaging if possible.

Transfer Feels Rigid or Plasticky

Over-Pressing Temperature
• Reduce temperature by 5 C° or F° to soften the hand feel.
• Keep pressing time between 13–15 seconds. Don't over exceed 15 seconds.
Excessive Pressure
• Dial back to medium pressure—too much force compresses the ink layer. All heat presses are different so experimenting with your heat presses pressure will be needed.
Protective Sheet Choice
• Use a silicone-coated sheet or Teflon sheet rather than normal parchment paper to maximise the soft finished feel.

Sticky Residue Left on Fabric

Incomplete Peel
• Peel slowly at a 45° angle to lift the film cleanly.
• If residue remains, lightly brush the area with a soft brush.
Protective Sheet Debris
• Ensure your silicone-coated or Teflon sheet is free of old ink or adhesive buildup.
• Replace protective sheets regularly.