
DTF Heat Press Instructions – HighRez Transfers
Application Steps:
-
Position Your Substrate
Place your garment or other material flat on the lower platen of your heat press. -
Align the Transfer
Position your DTF transfer design-side down (film facing up) in the desired location. -
Cover
Cover the transfer with parchment paper or a Teflon sheet. -
Press
Use the temperature, time, and pressure settings listed in the guide below. -
Peel
Follow the peel method listed for each transfer type (cold, warm, or hot).
DTF Film Type & Press Settings Guide
| Transfer Type | Temp | Time | Pressure | Peel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Transfers | 302–320°F | 12–15 seconds | Medium | Cold Peel (Warm for small prints) |
| Glitter DTF Film | 329°F | 10–15 seconds | Medium–Firm (5kg) | Cold Peel |
| Luminous (Glow-in-the-Dark) | 329°F | 10–15 seconds | Medium–Firm (5kg) | Cold Peel |
| Gold / Silver DTF Film | 329°F | 10–15 seconds | Medium–Firm (5kg) | Cold Peel |
| Gold / Silver DTF Foil | 329°F | 10–15 seconds | Medium–Firm (5kg) | Cold Peel |
| Silver Reflective DTF Film | 329°F | 10–15 seconds | Medium–Firm (5kg) | Cold Peel |
| 3D Cube DTF Film | 329°F | 10–15 seconds | Medium–Firm (5kg) | Cold Peel |
| Colorful Reflective DTF Film | 329°F | 10–15 seconds | Medium–Firm (5kg) | Cold Peel |
6. Perform a **final press** after peeling using **parchment paper** for **5 seconds** to lock in the artwork.
Sublimation Printing Instructions – Garments & Substrates
1. Heat Press Settings – Garments
- Temperature: 400°F (204°C)
- Time: 45–60 seconds
- Pressure: Medium to Firm
- Peel: Immediate (hot peel)
- Material: 100% polyester garments or at least 65% polyester blend for vivid results
- Pre-Press: 5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles
- Protective Sheet: Use parchment paper or blowout paper on top of the sublimation print
2. Heat Press Settings – Hard Substrates
- Temperature: 400°F (204°C)
- Time: 60 seconds (adjust based on substrate thickness)
- Pressure: Light to Medium (firm for metal or ceramic)
- Peel: Varies – most are hot peel but some require cool peel (check substrate instructions)
- Material: Only use polyester-coated blanks (e.g., mugs, tumblers, metal panels, phone cases)
- Taping: Use heat-resistant tape to secure print to substrate
- Protective Sheet: Use parchment or Teflon to protect press surface
3. Pro Tips & Reminders
- Avoid using cotton – sublimation ink will not bond properly
- Always test print before full production to verify color accuracy
- Keep your sublimation paper dry and stored in a cool, dust-free environment
- Don’t reuse parchment or blowout paper to avoid ghosting
- Double-check your heat press temperature with a surface thermometer