Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using DTF Transfers
One of the most versatile, durable and vibrant output available in the custom apparel industry are DTF Transfers.
If you've ever had an issue with your DTF transfers or heard from other printers about the common mistakes done in the process we want to help you get the best results for your DTF transfers.
In this blog post we will go over the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Poor Image Quality
Perhaps the most important factor for creating a high-quality DTF transfer is starting with a high-resolution image. Printing from low-resolution, pixelated images will yield a blurry or distorted printed image.
How to Avoid:
• Resolution: Make sure the images you choose have a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) or more. If your images are low-resolution, transferring them will result in pixelation.
• Check Image Quality Before Printing: Inspect the image carefully before printing. Zoom in on it to check for pixelation and blurriness.
2. Incorrect Printer Settings
The ink has to be applied to the film at a specific speed for it to dry and then to adhere to the fabric once it is transferred over. If the printer isn't set up right, the prints won't come out as good.
How to Avoid:
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Use the settings recommended by the printer and film manufacturer in their reference manual. This includes settings for ink density, colour profiles, and print speed.
• Do test prints: You can save time and materials later on by printing small samples or test pieces to establish the correct settings.
3. Improper Film Handling
DTF transfer films are sensitive: they must be handled carefully because any contamination by dust, fingerprints or smudges will affect the printed image.
How to Avoid:
• Handle with Care: Always handle the film by the edges, never the print area. Wear gloves if necessary to keep your skin oils from touching the film.
• Keep Film Dry and Dust-free: Store the film in a clean, dry environment. Avoid contamination with moisture or dust. Keep the film in an airtight protective cover or sleeve.
4. Incorrect Temperature and Pressure Settings
Those are the heat press settings for the DTFF (DTF) transfer process, which is known for its high-quality output and durability. The key to achieving good results is adhering to the right temperature and pressure, anything less and the print will fade or not stick, while too much pressure can cause damage to the fabric.
How to Avoid:
• • • Correct Temperature and Pressure: Use the settings recommended by your film manufacturer. For most DTF transfers, a temperature between 320-350°F and medium to high pressure works well.
• Test presses: Press scrap fabric first using the temperature and pressure you plan to use for the final piece to make sure that those settings are correct.
5. Inadequate Pre-Pressing
Without pre-pressing before the transfer, moisture or wrinkles could go into the fabric, which can affect transfer quality.
How to Avoid:
• Pre-Press Fabric: Press the fabric for 5 to 10 seconds before applying the transfer. This removes moisture in the fabric and flattens the fabric for perfect transfer.
6. Not Peeling the Film Correctly
If the film is peeled too early, or the wrong way, the transfer is ruined. With some films, it is a hot peel, and others, a cold peel.
How to Avoid:
• Peel according to Peel Instructions: Peel as instructed by the manufacturer. Peel hot peel film as soon as pressing is done. Peel cold peel film after cooling down completely.
Smooth and consistent peeling, however, will lead to more successful transfers. Smooth and consistent peeling is my mantra when immersed in the action.
Doo: Peel smooth and consistent. Don’t lift!3. Peel Smooth and Consistent: Peel in a smooth, consistent motion without lifting to avoid lifting and damaging transfer.
7. Ignoring Fabric Type
The wrong fabric will not stick to the DTF stickers and can even damage the fabric.
How to Avoid:
• Pick Cotton, Polyester or Cotton-Poly Blends: DTF transfers work best on cotton, polyester and cotton-poly blends. Avoid fabrics with lots of stretch or texture.
• Try a Fabric Test: If in doubt, do a fabric test on a variety of fabrics, and adjust the settings accordingly.
8. Overloading the Heat Press
There will be transfers that do not get a full amount of pressure or temperature if you put too many transfers into the heat press at a time.
How to Avoid:
• Press One Transfer at a Time: Pressing one transfer at a time ensures a consistent even pressure and temperature making for a great transfer every time.
• Quality Heat Press: It is worth to invest in a quality heat transfer press that can maintain consistent pressure and temperature across the platen.
9. Skipping the Post-Pressing Step
The garment is then ready for post-pressing, also called re-pressing, which helps the transfer to stick to the fabric and makes it last longer.
How to Avoid:
• Always Post-Press: After you peel the film, place a parchment paper or Teflon sheet over the transfer and press for 5-10 seconds to permanently adhere the transfer and remove any bumps in the image.
10. Not Allowing Proper Cooling Time
Handling the transfer too soon after pressing can cause smudging or peeling.
How to Avoid:
• Proper Cool Down Time: Allow Post-Press Transfer to cool completely before handling. This cool down process will allow for proper set and adhesion.
11. Incorrect Storage of DTF Transfers
Storing DTF transfers incorrectly can lead to damage or loss of quality.
How to Avoid:
• Store in A Cool, Dry Place. Keep transfers in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and moisture.
• Protective Sleeves: Agitators can be stored in protective covers or containers to avoid exposure to dust and physical damage.
12. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Maintain your DTF printer and your heat press regularly, to achieve constant, top-notch outcomes.
How to Avoid:
• Perform regular maintenance: Clean your printer heads; replace your ink cartridges when needed; make sure your heat press is in working order.
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to the maintenance schedule recommended by the equipment manufacturers.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common pitfalls, your DTF transfers will be of the highest quality and consistency every time. The mission at DTFCenter.com is to provide you with the best products and resources so that you can run a thriving custom apparel business. Whether you're new to DTF printing or a seasoned pro, we hope these tips and best practices help you achieve that professional-quality DTF transfer every time. Happy printing!
For more tips and high-quality DTF transfer products, visit DTFCenter.com
If you've ever had an issue with your DTF transfers or heard from other printers about the common mistakes done in the process we want to help you get the best results for your DTF transfers.
In this blog post we will go over the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Poor Image Quality
Perhaps the most important factor for creating a high-quality DTF transfer is starting with a high-resolution image. Printing from low-resolution, pixelated images will yield a blurry or distorted printed image.
How to Avoid:
• Resolution: Make sure the images you choose have a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) or more. If your images are low-resolution, transferring them will result in pixelation.
• Check Image Quality Before Printing: Inspect the image carefully before printing. Zoom in on it to check for pixelation and blurriness.
2. Incorrect Printer Settings
The ink has to be applied to the film at a specific speed for it to dry and then to adhere to the fabric once it is transferred over. If the printer isn't set up right, the prints won't come out as good.
How to Avoid:
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Use the settings recommended by the printer and film manufacturer in their reference manual. This includes settings for ink density, colour profiles, and print speed.
• Do test prints: You can save time and materials later on by printing small samples or test pieces to establish the correct settings.
3. Improper Film Handling
DTF transfer films are sensitive: they must be handled carefully because any contamination by dust, fingerprints or smudges will affect the printed image.
How to Avoid:
• Handle with Care: Always handle the film by the edges, never the print area. Wear gloves if necessary to keep your skin oils from touching the film.
• Keep Film Dry and Dust-free: Store the film in a clean, dry environment. Avoid contamination with moisture or dust. Keep the film in an airtight protective cover or sleeve.
4. Incorrect Temperature and Pressure Settings
Those are the heat press settings for the DTFF (DTF) transfer process, which is known for its high-quality output and durability. The key to achieving good results is adhering to the right temperature and pressure, anything less and the print will fade or not stick, while too much pressure can cause damage to the fabric.
How to Avoid:
• • • Correct Temperature and Pressure: Use the settings recommended by your film manufacturer. For most DTF transfers, a temperature between 320-350°F and medium to high pressure works well.
• Test presses: Press scrap fabric first using the temperature and pressure you plan to use for the final piece to make sure that those settings are correct.
5. Inadequate Pre-Pressing
Without pre-pressing before the transfer, moisture or wrinkles could go into the fabric, which can affect transfer quality.
How to Avoid:
• Pre-Press Fabric: Press the fabric for 5 to 10 seconds before applying the transfer. This removes moisture in the fabric and flattens the fabric for perfect transfer.
6. Not Peeling the Film Correctly
If the film is peeled too early, or the wrong way, the transfer is ruined. With some films, it is a hot peel, and others, a cold peel.
How to Avoid:
• Peel according to Peel Instructions: Peel as instructed by the manufacturer. Peel hot peel film as soon as pressing is done. Peel cold peel film after cooling down completely.
Smooth and consistent peeling, however, will lead to more successful transfers. Smooth and consistent peeling is my mantra when immersed in the action.
Doo: Peel smooth and consistent. Don’t lift!3. Peel Smooth and Consistent: Peel in a smooth, consistent motion without lifting to avoid lifting and damaging transfer.
7. Ignoring Fabric Type
The wrong fabric will not stick to the DTF stickers and can even damage the fabric.
How to Avoid:
• Pick Cotton, Polyester or Cotton-Poly Blends: DTF transfers work best on cotton, polyester and cotton-poly blends. Avoid fabrics with lots of stretch or texture.
• Try a Fabric Test: If in doubt, do a fabric test on a variety of fabrics, and adjust the settings accordingly.
8. Overloading the Heat Press
There will be transfers that do not get a full amount of pressure or temperature if you put too many transfers into the heat press at a time.
How to Avoid:
• Press One Transfer at a Time: Pressing one transfer at a time ensures a consistent even pressure and temperature making for a great transfer every time.
• Quality Heat Press: It is worth to invest in a quality heat transfer press that can maintain consistent pressure and temperature across the platen.
9. Skipping the Post-Pressing Step
The garment is then ready for post-pressing, also called re-pressing, which helps the transfer to stick to the fabric and makes it last longer.
How to Avoid:
• Always Post-Press: After you peel the film, place a parchment paper or Teflon sheet over the transfer and press for 5-10 seconds to permanently adhere the transfer and remove any bumps in the image.
10. Not Allowing Proper Cooling Time
Handling the transfer too soon after pressing can cause smudging or peeling.
How to Avoid:
• Proper Cool Down Time: Allow Post-Press Transfer to cool completely before handling. This cool down process will allow for proper set and adhesion.
11. Incorrect Storage of DTF Transfers
Storing DTF transfers incorrectly can lead to damage or loss of quality.
How to Avoid:
• Store in A Cool, Dry Place. Keep transfers in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and moisture.
• Protective Sleeves: Agitators can be stored in protective covers or containers to avoid exposure to dust and physical damage.
12. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Maintain your DTF printer and your heat press regularly, to achieve constant, top-notch outcomes.
How to Avoid:
• Perform regular maintenance: Clean your printer heads; replace your ink cartridges when needed; make sure your heat press is in working order.
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to the maintenance schedule recommended by the equipment manufacturers.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common pitfalls, your DTF transfers will be of the highest quality and consistency every time. The mission at DTFCenter.com is to provide you with the best products and resources so that you can run a thriving custom apparel business. Whether you're new to DTF printing or a seasoned pro, we hope these tips and best practices help you achieve that professional-quality DTF transfer every time. Happy printing!
For more tips and high-quality DTF transfer products, visit DTFCenter.com