1. Prepare Your Equipment and Materials
- Heat Press Machine: Ensure it's clean and in good working condition.
- DTF Transfer Film: Your printed and cured DTF transfer film.
- Garment or Material: The item you want to transfer the design onto (e.g., T-shirt, hoodie).
- Heat Resistant Tape (optional): To hold the transfer in place.
- Teflon Sheet or Parchment Paper: To protect the transfer and garment during pressing.
2. Preheat the Heat Press
- Set your heat press to the recommended temperature for DTF transfers, typically around 270°F to 300°F (132°C to 149°C).
- Set the pressure to medium-firm and the timer to 10-15 seconds.
3. Pre-Press the Garment
- Place the garment on the heat press.
- Pre-press the garment for 5-10 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles. This ensures a smooth surface for the transfer.
4. Position the DTF Transfer Film
- Place the DTF transfer film with the printed side facing down onto the garment.
- Align it as desired, ensuring the design is centered and straight.
- Use heat-resistant tape to hold the transfer in place if necessary.
5. Apply the Teflon Sheet
- Place a Teflon sheet or parchment paper over the transfer film to protect it during the heat press process.
6. Press the Transfer
- Close the heat press and apply pressure for 10-15 seconds.
- Ensure even pressure across the entire design.
7. Remove the Film
- After the pressing time is up, open the heat press and carefully remove the Teflon sheet.
- Allow the transfer to cool slightly (cold peel) or cool completely, depending on the film manufacturer's instructions.
- Slowly peel the transfer film off the garment. If it’s a cold peel, ensure it has completely cooled before peeling.
8. Post-Press (Optional)
- For added durability, you can cover the transferred design with the Teflon sheet again and give it a final press for 5-10 seconds.
9. Inspect the Transfer
- Check the transfer for any areas that might have not adhered properly. If necessary, re-press those areas.
10. Care Instructions
- Advise on proper care for the garment: wash inside out in cold water, tumble dry on low heat, avoid bleach and harsh detergents to maintain the longevity of the transfer.
By following these steps, you can achieve vibrant, durable DTF transfers on a variety of materials.
