How to apply DTF transfers
Indicative parameters based on our day-to-day production. Always run a test if the fabric is delicate or unknown.
The application process, in order
Six steps for a clean, long-lasting application. Stick to the order: most failures come from pressing with moisture or with too little pressure.
Pre-press
Press the garment for 5 seconds without the transfer to remove moisture and creases. Don't use steam: moisture ruins adhesion.
Position
Place the transfer with the film facing up over the dry area. Measure and centre before pressing, as it won't move once applied.
Press
Press for 8 seconds at 130 °C with the pressure the fabric requires (see table). Firm, even pressure is key.
Don't wait
Open the press and go straight to peeling the film while it's still hot. Don't let it cool: it comes off instantly.
Remove the film
Peel while hot, in one continuous, firm movement. If the design lifts, stop, press again for a few seconds and peel again straight away.
Re-press
Cover with silicone paper or Teflon and press for a further 5 seconds. This fixes the design and leaves an even matte finish.
Our film is peeled hot only, instantly: 130 °C, 8 seconds, open the press and peel. For home application we also recommend a final 5-second re-press.
Pressing by fabric type
Reference temperature, time and pressure for the most common fabrics. Adjust to your heat press and run a test on technical or delicate fabrics.
Never use steam during application.
Synthetic fabrics: don't go above 130 °C; that's all it takes.
| Fabric | Temperature | Time | Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton | 130 °C | 8 s | Medium-high |
| Polyester | 130 °C | 8 s | Medium |
| Cotton/polyester blend | 130 °C | 8 s | Medium |
| Piqué / Polo | 130 °C | 8 s | High |
| Fleece | 130 °C | 8 s | Medium-low |
| Performance / technical | 130 °C | 8 s | Low-medium |
100% cotton
- Temp.
- 130 °C
- Time
- 8 s
- Pressure
- Medium-high
Polyester
- Temp.
- 130 °C
- Time
- 8 s
- Pressure
- Medium
Cotton/polyester blend
- Temp.
- 130 °C
- Time
- 8 s
- Pressure
- Medium
Piqué / Polo
- Temp.
- 130 °C
- Time
- 8 s
- Pressure
- High
Fleece
- Temp.
- 130 °C
- Time
- 8 s
- Pressure
- Medium-low
Performance / technical
- Temp.
- 130 °C
- Time
- 8 s
- Pressure
- Low-medium
Indicative values. The actual pressure depends on the heat press model and the garment weight.
Care to last 50+ washes
The matte film withstands more than 50 washes at 30 °C if you follow these basic care steps from day one.
Wait 24 hours
Let the transfer cure for a full day before the first wash. Adhesion finishes settling in that time.
Maximum 30 °C
Always wash cold or warm. Hot water speeds up wear and shortens the design's lifespan.
Inside out
Turn the garment inside out before washing and drying. Avoid the design rubbing directly against the drum and other garments.
No fabric softener
Fabric softener leaves a film that weakens adhesion. Avoid it and don't tumble dry at high temperature.
Application questions
We answer the most frequent questions about pressing, durability and DTF care.
How much does DTF by the metre cost?
DTF by the metre costs €7/m ex VAT from 1 metre. VAT and delivery are shown before you pay.
Is VAT included in the price?
No. The headline trade price is excluding VAT: €7/m ex VAT.
What's the minimum order?
The minimum order for DTF by the metre is 1 metre. You can also order A4 and A3 formats as sheets.
What usable width does the DTF have?
The usable width is 60cm for textile DTF and 56cm for UV DTF stickers, both for ready-made files and in the online builder, using the full printable width with no margins.
Can I fit several designs on one metre?
Yes. You can group several logos or designs, leaving enough space between them for cutting.
Which file formats do you accept?
We recommend transparent PNG, PDF/X-4, AI, PSD, PSB or TIFF. The file should have no background and be at full size.
Do you check the file?
We include a basic check of format, size, transparency and obvious errors. It doesn't include vectorising, redesign or advanced layout work.
Can I send the file later?
Yes. You can buy now and send the file afterwards by email or WeTransfer, quoting your order number.
When does my order go out?
Dispatch is scheduled after payment is confirmed and all files are received and approved before 12:00, subject to the working calendar and capacity. Carrier transit starts at dispatch.
Do you ship to Ireland and across Europe?
Yes. We ship from our workshop in Spain to Ireland and to the other EU countries you can choose at checkout, delivered to your door by FedEx. Checkout shows the shipping cost and the estimated delivery time before you pay.
How is DTF applied?
With a heat press, no steam, adjusting temperature and time to suit the fabric. We recommend a test first on delicate fabrics.
Can a DTF order be returned?
As it's a personalised product, it can't be returned except in the case of our own error, damage, a defect or a manufacturing fault.
I'm an EU business: do I pay VAT?
If your business is in the EU outside Spain, has a valid intra-community VAT number in VIES and the order is delivered to an EU country other than Spain, no: we invoice at 0% VAT under the reverse charge and check the number instantly at checkout. For delivery in Spain, or without a valid number, the VAT of the destination country applies.
Your transfers, ready to apply
Upload your design, check the quantity and price, and send us a print-ready file.
- Basic check of every file before printing
- Reprint or refund if there's a defect
- Secure payment: card, PayPal or bank transfer
- Invoice with full tax details