Direct to Film (DTF) Application Instructions

Learn how to apply DTF transfers, including how to check your temperature and pressure!

Applying our DTF heat transfers is quick and easy. All you need is a commercial heat press, 613 Originals transfers, and a product to apply them on! We recommend a post-press for best results. Follow the steps and instructions below to achieve perfect results on your next application!


Getting Ready in 3, 2, 1..

3. First, Check Your Temperature & Pressure

It's important to calibrate your press to the proper temperature and pressure required for quality results. For checking temperature, we recommend using a quality Infrared (IR) Temperature Gun (Contactless) to ensure your heat press is heating evenly and accurately. Extra credit for doing this every time you start a new project. 

When it comes to quality heat pressed garments, pressure is (almost) everything. Not using enough pressure is the most common cause for any application issues we see. Make sure your pressure is set correctly on your machine - refer to your press' manual for how to do this correctly.

2. Remove Teflon Sheets*, Covers or Pillows - You Don't Need Them!

We don't recommend using teflon sheets*, covers, or pillows with any of our DTF heat transfers, as they can compromise the amount of heat getting to the transfer. Less heat means application issues - totally uncool. 

*We do love using teflon sheets with DTF transfers, but only if you want a gloss finish. If that's the case, we recommend covering your applied transfer with a teflon sheet during post-press.

1. Test Before Your Press

We recommend testing a sample transfer on the intended fabric before full production, especially when using a newer transfer formula or fabric. This quick sample will ensure you're ready to go. Just be sure to check the fabric contents before ordering and applying our transfers. Be mindful of any coatings, like waterproofing, that may have been added to the item (for example, a waterproof windbreaker may not be just Polyester).

And if something doesn't work out as expected, you'll have a chance to troubleshoot - saving you time and money. We love that! 


Application Instructions 

Step 1: Adjust Settings & Prepare your Garment

Set your time and temperature to our recommended settings:
Temperature: 300˚F
Pressure: Medium to Heavy Pressure

Step 2: Load Garment, Place Transfer, and Press!

Lay garment down on the lower platen, making sure seams, zippers, etc are off the edge. This ensures even application. Place the transfer print-side down so that the ink is touching the garment - make sure it's not upside down! The clear film is super helpful with making sure you're placing the transfer correctly.

Press the transfer for 7-10 seconds at 300˚F.  Our DTF transfers are now a hot peel. Immediately after the platen opens up, hold the garment steady, grab a corner of the paper, and peel diagonally and quickly in a smooth, deliberate motion.

Don't be nervous! Peeling quickly will yield the best results :)

Step 3: Finish it Off!

A post-press really helps to seal the transfer to the garment. Now it's time to decide what kind of finish you'd like!

For a gloss finish: use teflon paper.
For a matte finish: use parchment paper.

Cover your transfer with the option of your choice, then post-press your transfer for 5-10 seconds.

Pro tip: You can even use scrap fabric to post press! We find this works great in a pinch.


Extra Tips & Tricks

Preparing Your Item

  • We recommend pre-pressing your garment to remove any wrinkles and/or excess moisture from the fabric. Please wait for your garment to cool completely, before applying DTF transfers.
  • Make sure any zippers, seams, buttons, etc are off of the edge of the platen for even application.

Use a Commercial Heat Press

Not sure which one to get? Click here to read more about the presses we love and recommend. 

If you own a heat press which is not one of our recommended brands, you can try these steps:

  1. Increase your temperature +10°
  2. Use the Maximum pressure your machine will allow

Cricut® Easy Press and other low-end Amazon presses aren't built to provide the required pressure needed to apply our transfers correctly. We strongly do not recommend using these types of presses.

Still having trouble applying our transfers? Contact our team here.

Wash & Care Instructions

For long lasting transfers, we recommend washing inside out with cold water. Line dry is strongly recommended, but who really has time for that? Tumble dry with low heat works great too. 

We recommend laying the newly applied garments out for about 24 - 48 hours to allow the garment to completely cure before folding or washing.

Click here for more information about washing your heat pressed garments.

Disclaimer

We can not guarantee heat transfer washability as we're unable to verify our product was applied and washed properly according to our recommended guidelines. Our products are purchased from many major retailers who do their own testing before accepting our products. Many of these clients require a minimum washability test of 60 washes.