Our setting: 285°F · 12 seconds ·
medium pressure · hot peel. This is what we run in our own shop
on the transfers we print.
Fabric notes
- Cotton is the most forgiving fabric — our standard setting just works.
- Polyester is heat-sensitive: too hot and the shirt's dye gasses into your white ink (a red shirt turns white prints pink). Ease the temperature down, keep the press time short, and peel cold.
- Blends behave like their polyester content. When in doubt, treat them like polyester.
- Unsure? Cold peel is always safe, and a scrap-garment test press costs you 12 seconds.
Technique notes from our floor
- Pre-press the garment for 3-5 seconds to drive out moisture and flatten seams before laying the transfer.
- Medium pressure means the platen closes firmly but doesn't require body weight. Too little pressure is the #1 cause of edge lifting.
- Second press: after peeling, cover with parchment and press another 5-10 seconds for wash durability and a softer hand.
- First wash: wait 24 hours, wash inside-out in cold water, and skip the dryer's high-heat cycle when you can.
Common questions
What temperature do you press DTF transfers?
For our transfers: 285°F for 12 seconds with medium pressure, then hot peel. That is the setting we run on our own presses and the one we recommend starting from.
Hot peel or cold peel?
Our film is hot-peel at our recommended setting. If you are pressing polyester or anything you are unsure about, letting it cool and peeling cold is always the safe choice — it never hurts adhesion.
Why did my white print turn pink on a red polyester shirt?
Dye migration: at higher temperatures, polyester dye turns to gas and tints the white ink. On polyester, keep the temperature down, keep the dwell short, and use a cold peel.
Should I press again after peeling?
Yes — a 5-10 second second press with a parchment or teflon cover sheet after peeling improves washability and gives a softer matte finish.