Pressing Instructions

Follow these instructions to get the best results from your Tri-State DTF transfers. Proper pressing technique makes a significant difference in adhesion, color vibrancy, and wash durability. Read through the full guide before pressing your first transfer.

Note: Press settings may vary depending on your specific heat press equipment, platen size, and garment material. These are recommended starting points. Always test on a sample garment before pressing a full production run.

General Press Settings

Setting	Specification
Pre-Press Time	3–5 seconds (garment only, no transfer)
Temperature	300°F – 325°F
Pressure	Medium to Firm
Press Time	12–15 seconds
Cover Sheet	Parchment paper or Teflon sheet
Peel	Warm Peel
Final Press	5–10 seconds with parchment paper after peeling

Step-by-Step Pressing Process

Pre-press your garment for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
Position your transfer on the garment with the printed side facing down against the fabric.
Cover with parchment paper or a Teflon sheet. Do not press directly onto the transfer film without a cover sheet.
Press at 300°F–325°F with medium to firm pressure for 12–15 seconds.
Remove the platen and allow the transfer to cool slightly until it is warm but not hot to the touch.
Peel warm. Peel the film back slowly and evenly at a low angle. Do not peel cold and do not peel immediately while still very hot.
Final press: Place parchment paper over the pressed design and press again for 5–10 seconds.

Cotton

Pre-press to remove all moisture before applying the transfer
Use medium to firm pressure
Press at 310°F–325°F for 12–15 seconds
Peel warm, then final press with parchment paper

Polyester

Start at the lower end of the temperature range: 300°F–310°F
Use medium pressure — avoid excessive pressure on synthetic fabrics
Press for 12–15 seconds and monitor carefully
Peel warm and final press with parchment paper
Test on a sample piece before pressing a full run
Dye migration can occur on some polyester fabrics — this is a fabric characteristic, not a transfer defect

Blended Fabrics (Cotton/Polyester)

For 50/50 blends, start at 305°F–315°F
Use medium to firm pressure
Press for 12–15 seconds
Peel warm and final press with parchment paper

Troubleshooting

Transfer is not adhering: Increase pressure slightly and ensure full, even platen contact. Try pressing for the full 15 seconds.

Transfer looks dull after pressing: Perform the final press with parchment paper after peeling.

Film is tearing during peel: Allow it to cool to warm — not hot, not cold — before peeling. Peel slowly at a low angle.

Edges lifting after washing: Pressure may have been uneven, or the final press was skipped.

Fabric scorching: Temperature is too high. Lower it, especially on polyester. Always pre-test on a sample.

Design cracking after washing: Insufficient pressure, skipped final press, or incorrect washing. Review washing instructions below.

Washing Instructions

Wait at least 24 hours after pressing before washing
Turn the garment inside out before washing
Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle
Do not use bleach or fabric softener
Tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry
Do not iron directly on the transfer
Do not dry clean

Storage Recommendations

Store flat in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight
Keep transfers away from humidity and heat sources
Do not stack heavy objects on top of transfers
Keep transfers in their original packaging until ready to press

Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the pre-press — moisture prevents proper adhesion
Pressing without a cover sheet — always use parchment paper or a Teflon sheet
Peeling cold — warm peel only
Skipping the final press — this step is not optional
Using too little pressure — DTF requires firm, even contact
Pressing polyester too hot — start low and test first
Washing immediately after pressing — wait at least 24 hours