DTF Pressing Guide
Choose your heat source and fabric to get the right temperature, time and pressure, then follow four simple steps for a soft, long-lasting print.
- Heat press, iron or craft press
- Cold peel
- Finish with a second press
Find your press settings
These are starting points. Every press runs a little different, so test on a spare garment first.
Step 1 · Choose your heat source
Step 2 · Choose your material
Quick referenceAll settings
| Heat source · material | Temperature | Time | Pressure | Peel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% CottonHeat press | 300–310°F | 12 sec | Medium–firm | Cold, after 10 sec |
| Cotton/poly blendHeat press | 290–300°F | 10–12 sec | Medium | Cold, after 10 sec |
| 100% PolyesterHeat press | 270–285°F | 10 sec | Medium | Cold, after 10 sec |
| NylonHeat press | 265–275°F | 8–10 sec | Light–medium | Cold, after 10 sec |
| Canvas & denimHeat press | 310–320°F | 15 sec | Firm | Cold, after 10 sec |
| Hats (cap press)Heat press | 300–310°F | 12–15 sec | Medium–firm | Cold, after 10 sec |
| CottonHousehold iron | Cotton, no steam | 30–45 sec | Firm | Cold, fully cooled |
| Polyester & blendsHousehold iron | Synthetic, no steam | 30 sec | Firm | Cold, fully cooled |
| CottonHandheld craft press | 305–315°F | 30 sec | Firm | Cold, after 10 sec |
| Polyester & blendsHandheld craft press | 275–285°F | 30 sec | Firm | Cold, after 10 sec |
Settings are a guide for EON DTF transfers. If your press runs hot or cold, adjust in small steps.
How to press a DTF transfer
Prep the garment
Pre-press the garment for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles, so the transfer lays flat.
Place the transfer
Set the transfer printed side down where you want it. On hats or with an iron, hold it with heat-resistant tape.
Press, then peel
Cover with parchment and press at the settings above. Let it cool, then peel the film slowly at a low angle.
Finish with a second press
Cover the design with parchment and press again for about 5 seconds. It locks the ink in, softens the feel and cuts the shine.
Fix common issues
Even with good technique, a press can need a small adjustment.
The transfer is not sticking
Lay the film back down and press again with more pressure. If it still lifts, raise the heat by about 10–15°F and press again. Pressing again will not damage the transfer.
The film tears or ink stays on the film
It was peeled too soon. Let it cool fully before peeling, peel slowly and keep the film close to the garment.
The transfer moved during pressing
Secure it with heat-resistant tape, close the press gently, and pre-press the garment so the surface is flat.
Cracking or peeling after washing
Make sure you did the second press. Wait 24 hours before the first wash, then follow the wash care below.
How should customers wash it?
Turn inside out, wash cold on a gentle cycle, no bleach or fabric softener, and tumble dry low or hang dry. Do not iron directly on the print.
Need help with a press?
Our Downtown LA team can walk you through your settings.