Method
DTF transfer settings
Direct-to-film puts a full-colour design on cotton as well as polyester. The press temperature is not universal: published examples run from about 140°C to 160°C, and the powder cure is a separate step.
| Source | Temperature | Time | Pressure | Peel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xpres DTF information sheet | 160°C (320°F) | 15 seconds, then 15 seconds again | Light to medium | Cold, off the platen |
| Xpres how-to guide | 150–160°C (302–320°F) | 10–15 seconds | Medium | Cold |
| Garment Films FAQ | 140–150°C (284–302°F) | 8–10 seconds | Medium | Follow the film’s data sheet |
Fahrenheit here is the usual conversion, except the Garment Films FAQ, which prints 284–302°F itself. Xpres say heavier cotton may need a slightly higher temperature. They do not give the new number, so creep up on a spare rather than jumping past the sheet.
The cure and the shirt press are different heats. Do not cure powder at the shirt temperature just because both jobs use a heater. Under-cured powder feels grainy and lets go in the wash. That can look like a peeling problem when the press was never the fault.
Where DTF fits
Choose DTF when the design is photographic or full colour and the shirt is cotton, poly-cotton or polyester. Sublimation is the better fabric dye on light polyester, and it cannot print cotton. Cut HTV is simpler for names and one-colour designs.
Nylon is not given a DTF time in the Xpres guides. Do not borrow the cotton row. Children’s polyester may scorch at 160°C; the cooler published example is the Garment Films FAQ range, and it still needs a seam test. Keep poppers and zips off the platen.
Xpres also say room temperature, humidity, design size and ink load all change the result. A setting that worked in a dry room can shift on a damp British afternoon. Pre-press, and test the first shirt of the day.
How to press it
- Print, powder and cure before you press. Xpres describe coating the wet ink with hot-melt powder and curing until it looks like orange peel. Their product sheet says 120°C for 3–5 minutes in their curing unit. Their later guide talks about 150–160°C for a few minutes. Use the sheet with your powder.
- Pre-press the garment. The Xpres guide says to pre-press so the fabric is dry and flat. Thread the shirt onto the platen when you can.
- Press adhesive side down. Xpres product sheet: 160°C for 15 seconds, light to medium pressure. Their general guide: 150–160°C for 10–15 seconds, medium. Garment Films’ FAQ: 140–150°C for 8–10 seconds, medium, and follow the film’s data sheet.
- Peel cold, then repress. On the Xpres sheet, take the garment off the hot platen, peel cold, cover with a silicone sheet and press again for 15 seconds. They say the second press gives a softer finish and helps it last.
- Keep powder away from the printer. Xpres say masks, gloves and eye protection are essential with hot-melt powder, that curing can give off hazardous fumes, and that powder should not be used on or near the printer.
Common questions
Why are there three DTF temperatures?
They belong to different instructions. The Xpres product sheet is 160°C for 15 seconds. The Xpres general guide is 150–160°C for 10–15 seconds. Garment Films’ FAQ gives 140–150°C for 8–10 seconds and tells you to follow the technical data sheet. Use the sheet for the film you bought.
The powder looks grainy, or full of pinholes.
Xpres say under-curing leaves a grainy finish and over-curing leaves pin pricks. Both can spoil the look and the wash. Fix the cure before you change the shirt press.
Will DTF work on a cotton tote?
Xpres describe DTF on cotton, polyester and blends. They do not print a separate canvas row. Pre-press the panel and keep seams out of the platen. Ordinary cotton canvas will not sublimate; DTF is the full-colour route.
Sources
- Xpres DTF information sheet (PDF) — 160°C, 15 seconds, light to medium, cold peel, then repress
- Xpres, how to DTF — 150–160°C for 10–15 seconds, medium, cold peel
- Garment Films FAQ — basic DTF figure, 140–150°C for 8–10 seconds, medium