Applying Direct to Film (DTF) transfers to your garments is a fantastic way to add vibrant, long-lasting designs. However, achieving perfect results requires precise control over temperature, time, and pressure. Here's a step-by-step guide tailored for Total Promotion Company's DTF heat applied transfers, considering specific settings for temperature, time, and the crucial step of verifying your heat press's accuracy.

Required Materials

• DTF transfer print
• Garment for the application
• Heat press machine
• Teflon sheet or parchment paper
• Infrared temperature reader (recommended)

Heat Press Calibration

Before starting, understand that not all heat presses provide accurate temperature readings, which can affect the quality of your DTF transfers. If you experience issues or inconsistencies, we strongly recommend using an infrared temperature reader to verify the actual temperature of your heat press platen. This ensures that you're working with the correct settings and prevents damage to your garments or transfers.

Setting Up Your Heat Press

1. Temperature: Set your heat press to 285 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is optimal for a wide range of fabrics, including delicate ones.
2. Pressure: Adjust the pressure to high. A firm pressure ensures the transfer fully adheres to the fabric.
3. Time: For the initial press, set the timer to 12 seconds. This is sufficient to transfer the design effectively.

Applying the DTF Transfer

1. Pre-Press the Garment: Place the garment on the heat press and pre-press it for 3-5 seconds. This step removes any moisture and wrinkles, providing a smooth surface for the transfer.
2. Position the Transfer: Lay the DTF transfer print on the garment, design side up. Ensure it's correctly aligned to your desired placement.
3. Protect Your Design: Cover the transfer and garment with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper. This barrier protects the design and your heat press from any adhesive leakage.
4. Press: Close the heat press and apply the transfer for 12 seconds under high pressure.
5. Instant Hot Peel: Immediately after lifting the heat press, carefully peel the film off the transfer while it's still hot. This step should be done swiftly to ensure the best quality of the transferred image.
6. Second Press: Place the Teflon sheet or parchment paper back over the design and press for an additional 7 seconds. This secondary press helps to solidify the bond between the transfer and the garment, ensuring durability.
7. Cooling: Allow the garment to cool down before handling further. This pause lets the adhesive cure and ensures the transfer's longevity.

Final Tips

• Test Your Settings: Always do a test press on a scrap piece of fabric or a less visible section of your garment to ensure the temperature, time, and pressure settings are appropriate for your material.
• Infrared Temperature Reader: Utilize an infrared temperature reader to confirm your heat press's accuracy regularly. This tool is invaluable for troubleshooting and preventing application issues.
• Care Instructions: To preserve the quality of your DTF transfer, wash the garment inside out on a gentle cycle and avoid direct ironing over the design.

By following these instructions carefully and paying special attention to the calibration of your heat press, you can achieve professional-quality DTF transfers that are vibrant, durable, and accurately represent your designs.