ORDER TRANSFERS     MY ACCOUNT     INSTRUCTIONS & FAQs

DTF instructions, FAQ and Troubleshooting Tips for High-Quality Transfers

Follow these DTF instructions to ensure your direct-to-film prints look vibrant, feel soft, and last long. We’ve also included a troubleshooting guide to help you avoid common DTF heat press issues, so your DTF transfers adhere perfectly to garments without lifting, fading, or peeling.

A close-up of a detailed DTF-printed design featuring a stylized portrait of a woman with bold red lips, dramatic eye makeup, and golden highlights in her hair. The artwork has a realistic, high-contrast look with graffiti-style elements in the background, showcasing the vibrant colors and fine detail achievable with DTF printing.

DTF Instructions for direct to film transfers

  1. Set Heat Press: 330°F
  2. Adjust Pressure: High
  3. Prepress Garment: Remove moisture before applying transfer
  4. Place DTF Transfer: Align on garment and press for 15 seconds
  5. Cooling: Allow garment to cool completely
  6. Peel Transfer: Cold peel only
  7. Optional Final Press: Repress for 5 seconds for extra durability

 

Troubleshooting & DTF FAQ

 

DTF (direct to film) Print is lifting or not releasing from the film

✔ Increase temperature: Raise by 10°F as some heat presses may have inaccurate temperature readings.
✔ Increase pressure: Ensure even contact across the platen.
✔ Cold Peel Only: The garment must be fully cooled before peeling. The adhesive needs to be completely set to release properly.

 

DTF (direct to film) Print has watermarks after pressing

✔ Check the transfer before pressing: If it feels oily, slimy, or wet, it needs curing.
✔ Cure the transfer: Place it under the heat press to evaporate moisture or run it through a conveyor dryer.
✔ If already pressed: Wipe the print with a clean cloth and repress.

 

Small details or fine lines are not transferring

✔ Check the film: Ensure small details have white ink behind them. If not, they won’t transfer properly.
✔ Adjust design: Increase the size of fine details and reprint.

 

DTF Instructions: How to Place a DTF or UV DTF Order

✔ Select the correct image size: Your design will be automatically downsized to fit the selected size.

📌 Example: If you order a 2” x 2” transfer, but your image is 2.25” x 2.25”, we will resize it to 2” x 2” without notification.

✔ Accepted file formats:

  • .PNG, .TIFF, .EPS, .AI

✔ Color Requirements:

  • RGB or CMYK only
  • ❌ We do NOT accept Index, Pantone, or Grey color space files.

 

Arizona Ink writen in blue marker font.

 

Understanding DTF Printing

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is a cutting-edge method for transferring high-quality, full-color designs onto garments with exceptional durability and flexibility. Unlike traditional heat transfer vinyl or screen printing, DTF prints use a specialized water-based ink and adhesive powder that bonds seamlessly to fabric fibers. This process allows for vibrant colors, crisp details, and a soft feel without the need for weeding or cutting. DTF printing works on a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even darker fabrics without requiring a pretreatment. With superior washability and stretch resistance, DTF transfers maintain their look and feel over time, making them a preferred choice for custom apparel businesses, small-scale production, and on-demand printing services.

UV DTF sticker transfers applied to a black portable charger and a white swivel USB flash drive. The stickers feature a vibrant blue

Ready to learn more about UV DTF transfers and what makes them so amazing? This video explains what UV DTF is and why you need it.

Learn more about us and what we think about DTF printing and UV DTF printing in this great video that dtfprinting.com made when they took a tour of our shop in Tempe, Arizona.