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What are DTF Transfers?

DTF transfers are a type of garment transfer that has been printed using a water-based DTF ink printed onto a clear release paper. This allows the end user the flexibility of when the transfer is applied and what the transfer is applied to. DTF transfers can be made in single color or full color images.

**Our transfers work the best using a heat press**

DIRECT TO FILM TRANSFER (DTF) INSTRUCTIONS

Heat Press Instructions:

  1. Set heat press to 320°
  2. Pre-press the garment for 3-5 seconds
  3. Place transfer (ink side down) on the garment – recommended to use heat transfer tape to hold in place if needed
  4. Press for 12 seconds with heavy pressure
  5. Peel transfer sheet immediately (hot peel)
  6. Press a second time for 3-5 seconds using (1) parchment paper if you want a matte finish or (2) a teflon sheet if you want a glossy finish

Cricut Heat Press Instructions

  1. Set heat press to 320°
  2. Pre-press the garment for 3-5 seconds if using fabric garment
  3. Once cooled, place transfer (ink side down) on the garment, wood cutout, metal sign or canvas board
  4. Press for 30 seconds with heavy pressure
  5. Peel transfer sheet immediately (hot peel)
  6. Press a second time for 3-5 seconds using (1) parchment paper if you want a matte finish or (2) a teflon sheet if you want a glossy finish

DTF Transfer Tutorials

Fall DTF Pressing Party Replay

Watch the replay here where we made fall craft using the DTF Bundles found here! This replay is from the September 27, 2024 Handmade Happy Hour. 

Ornament Pressing Instructions

Watch the replay below where we made acrylic Christmas ornaments using DTF transfers. 

Watch the replay below where we made Grinch ornaments using DTF transfers. 

Ornament Pressing Instructions

Watch the replay below where we made acrylic Christmas ornaments using DTF transfers. 

Watch the replay below where we made Grinch ornaments using DTF transfers. 

Other DTF Tutorials:

Troubleshooting Tips for Ornaments

  • Press on a hard dry surface like  a wood cutting board or some surface that can take the heat. If you try to do a soft squishy surface then you might not get even pressure and that can possibly have spots that don’t adhere to the acrylic.

  • I find it best to use a travel mini iron set right below stream setting – this MUST be a dry iron no water in it.
  • Place one hand on half the ornament holding it in place lined up over the acrylic circle – then using other hand to hold the mini travel iron to press STRAIGHT down on acrylic   If you have any pressure where your hand is at an angle it can cause the transfer to move.  Straight down pressure is best. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Lift up and rotate ornament and press down on other side.

  • Use the tip of the mini iron to rub along the edges to make sure it is stuck to the ornament.

  • Let it cool COMPLETELY. THEN CAREFULLY PICK A CORNER UP AND SEE IF THE PLASTIC SHEET EASILY RELEASES. IF NOT, then stop and try a different corner.

  • If you see some ink pulling and stretching when you try to lift up the plastic sheet put it back down – it needs more pressing time or press around 7-10 seconds where you see it sticking. Let cool and try again.

  • It is easiest to start pulling the plastic sheet up on am area that doesn’t have any ink design overhanging the edge of the ornament. If you want to start where there is ink overhanging then I would take your finger nail and scrape the ink that is overhanging off of the plastic sheet and gently pull to see if that starts releasing from the plastic sheet. Then once the plastic sheet is off take a sander and sand the edges to knock off the extra transfer that is overhanging.
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