What You Need
- A heat press machine (clamshell or heat-press style)
- Printed, powdered DTF film (cold-peel or hot-peel)
- Your garment, pre-pressed and lint-free
- Hot melt powder already cured on the print (done during printing)
Step-by-Step Application
1. Pre-press the garment
Press the empty garment for 3-5 seconds at ~150°C to remove moisture and wrinkles. This prevents bubbling.
2. Position the transfer
Place the film face-down on the fabric. Use heat-resistant tape if the design is large.
3. Press
Typical settings:
| Peel type | Temperature | Time | Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold peel | 150-160°C | 10-15 s | Medium-high |
| Hot peel | 160-170°C | 8-12 s | Medium-high |
Always test on a scrap first; fabric and press vary.
4. Peel
Cold-peel film: let it cool fully, then peel smoothly. Hot-peel film: peel immediately while warm. Using the wrong peel for your film causes incomplete release.
5. Repress (optional but recommended)
Cover with parchment and press 3-5 seconds to flatten the film edge and boost wash durability.
Cold Peel vs Hot Peel
Cold-peel films give a slightly softer hand and are more forgiving; hot-peel films speed up production. Stock both by choosing the right DTF PET film for each job.
Troubleshooting
- Powder not sticking: powder was under-cured or fabric was damp — confirm cure and pre-press.
- Hollow / missing areas: uneven pressure or low temperature — raise pressure and re-test.
Get Wholesale DTF Supplies
We manufacture cold-peel and hot-peel DTF film, heat press machines and hot melt powder for factories and print shops. Orders ship DDP with MOQ from 50 pcs / 20 rolls. Request a quote today.