DTF transfers · ready to press

How to press your transfers

Seven quick steps, about a minute. A heat press gives the best result, but a handheld press, a mini press or even an iron will do.

Heat

150–160°C

300–320°F

Time

10 s + 10 s

two presses

Pressure

Medium–firm

press down hard

Peel

Hot or warm

don't wait for it to cool

You'll need

Heat up
Set your press to 150–160°C (300–320°F) and let it reach temperature.
Pre-press the garment5–10 s
Press the empty garment first. It dries out moisture and flattens creases, so the transfer sticks properly.
Position the transfer
Lay the transfer printed side DOWN on the fabric, clear film on top. Check it's straight and centred.
First press10 s
Close the press with medium to firm pressure for 10 seconds.
Rub the transfer
Open the press and rub firmly all over the film with your fingers or a cloth, pushing the design into the fabric.
Peel hot or warm
Peel the film off straight away while it's still hot or warm — low and slow, flat along the fabric, from one corner.
Second press10 s
Cover the design with butcher paper or a Teflon sheet and press for 10 seconds more. This locks it in for the wash.
Done. Leave it 24 hours before the first wash so the glue fully sets.

The steps stay the same — only the way you apply heat and pressure changes.

Recommended

Works well

Set it to 150–160°C and work on a hard, flat surface — a pressing mat or a towel on a table, not an ironing board.
Lean on it with both hands and keep it still. Press for 15–20 seconds, as a handheld gives less pressure than a heat press.
Design bigger than the plate? Press it in sections, overlapping slightly. Then rub, peel warm, and do the 10-second second press.

Small designs

Good for pocket logos, kids' sizes, hats and awkward spots.
Same 150–160°C. Press firmly for about 15 seconds, then rub, peel warm and second press.

Last resort

Empty the water and turn the steam OFF. Use the cotton (hottest) setting.
Work on a hard table with a thin towel, not an ironing board. Cover the transfer with butcher paper.
Press straight down hard — don't slide — about 30 seconds on each part of the design, overlapping, so every bit gets heat.
Lift one corner to check. If any part lifts with the film, lay it back down and press again before peeling.

Cotton. Perfect. Use 150–160°C.
Polyester & blends. Great. Use the low end, 150°C.
Canvas, denim, tote bags. Great. Press a little longer if the fabric is thick.
Nylon, waterproof or coated fabric. Test on a hidden spot or scrap first — some coatings melt.

The design lifts up with the film: Lay the film back down, press for another 5 seconds with firmer pressure, then peel again.
The film won't come off cleanly: Let it cool a few seconds more, then peel low and slow, flat along the fabric, from a corner.
It looks shiny: That's the Teflon sheet. Use butcher paper for the second press if you want a matte finish.
Press marks around the design: Too hot or too much pressure for that fabric — drop to 150°C. Marks usually fade after the first wash.
Edges lifting after washing: Do the second press, wait 24 hours before the first wash, and wash inside out.

Stuck? Email hello@quidpress.co.uk with a photo and we'll help you sort it.