We have been extensively testing cotton garments and we have revised the "How to Press A Garment" spec sheet.  On the sheet, we have added a section regarding pre-pressing any garment that has cotton in it. Recent manufacturing of cotton garments has had an increase in silicone, and lubricants in the manufacturing process, along with the cotton holding moisture. We strongly suggest that this part of the pre-press process is one of the MOST IMPORTANT PARTS of application on anything with cotton. 

e recommend pre-pressing only on 100% cotton garments for 35 seconds with 60psi to 5 seconds with 120psi based on the style and pressure of your heat press you are using. 50/50 and Tri-blends maybe different see below. Firm pressure at 300 to 305 degrees is key to a long-lasting bonding transfer which will imbed into the weave and texture of the fabric. This will burn off all the silicon and lubricant that were trapped in the fibers during the manufacturing process. Also removing excess moisture that the cotton has absorbed. During the pre-press process, if you notice a lot of steam coming off the garment once the heat press releases, it is possible that the cotton has absorbed too much moisture and the process might need to be repeated. If this is the case, we recommend reheating the garment one more time for a few more seconds. Once again, every situation, location, and garments differ so test the garment before going into the pressing stage of production.    

Next, you are ready to move on to the transfer application stage. On the attachment, are some recommended heating times and pressing times. Test all garments to make sure the temp and times are not damaging the garments. Please do you your own testing as this document is only a benchmark. 

100% Cotton

STEP 1

Pre-Press from 300 to 305 degrees depending on your environment and heat press   |  Firm pressure 60psi-120psi (Recommended 1 1/2" silicone pad base)  |  60psi 35 seconds 120psi 3 seconds But please always do your own testing!

•   The Pre-Press step is very important to achieve the best adhesion. Pressing the garment first without the transfer will help extract moisture, silicone, and any other products out of the fabric.

STEP 2

Transfer-Press: from 300 to 305 degrees depending on your environment and heat press   |  Firm pressure 60psi-120psi (Recommended 1 1/2" silicone pad base)  |  60psi 15-20 seconds  120psi 3 seconds But please always do your own testing!

•   Place the transfer on the warm pre-pressed garment and apply the DTF transfer. 

STEP 3

Removing Transfer: 

• Depending upon the type of film, Cool or Warm peel. When ready to remove the transfer film off the garment, peel at a 45-degree angle SLOW until completely off. But please always do your own testing!

STEP 4

Post-Press: 300 to 305  degrees  |  Firm pressure 60psi-120psi (Recommended 1 1/2" silicone pad base)   |  60psi 5 seconds  120psi 1 seconds But please always do your own testing

• Use a Teflon sheet and cover the transfer then repress.

Tri-Blends & 50/50 

STEP 1

Pre-Press from 305  degrees depending on your environment and heat press   |  Firm pressure 60psi-120psi (Recommended 1 1/2" silicone pad base)  |  60psi 20 seconds 120psi 10 seconds But please always do your own testing!

•   The Pre-Press step is very important to achieve the best adhesion. Pressing the garment first without the transfer will help extract moisture, silicone, and any other products out of the fabric.

STEP 2

Transfer-Press: from 305 degrees depending on your environment and heat press   |  Firm pressure 60psi-120psi (Recommended 1 1/2" silicone pad base)  |  60psi 25 seconds 120psi 10 seconds But please always do your own testing!

•   Place the transfer on the warm pre-pressed garment and apply the DTF transfer

 STEP 3

Removing Transfer:  

• Depending upon the type of film, Cool or Warm peel. When ready to remove the transfer film off the garment, peel at a 45-degree angle SLOW until completely off. But please always do your own testing! 

STEP 4

Post-Press: 305 degrees  |  Firm pressure 60psi-120psi (Recommended 1 1/2" silicone pad base)   |  60psi 5 seconds 120psi 2 seconds But please always do your own testing

• Use a Teflon sheet and cover the transfer then repress.

100% Polyester

Pre-Press:  Not Necessary 

************************USE TEFLON TO COVER ENTIRE SHIRT WHEN PRESSING******************************

STEP 1

Transfer-Press: from 260 to 275 degrees depending on your environment and heat press   |  Firm pressure 60psi-120psi (Recommended 1 1/2" silicone pad base)  |  60psi 12-10 seconds 120psi 3 seconds But please always do your own testing! USE TEFLON

•   Place the transfer on the warm pre-pressed garment and apply the DTF transfer.

STEP 2

Removing Transfer: 

• Depending upon the type of film, Cool or Warm peel. When ready to remove the transfer film off the garment, peel at a 45-degree angle SLOW until completely off. But please always do your own testing! USE TEFLON

  
  

  
  STEP 3

Post-Press: 260 to 375 degrees  |  Firm pressure 60psi-120psi (Recommended 1 1/2" silicone pad base)   |  60psi 3 seconds  120psi 1 seconds But please always do your own testing! USE TEFLON

• Use a Teflon sheet and cover the transfer then repress.