DTF TRANSFERS

Easy, Fast & Simple!

DTF transfers have become immensely popular in our crafting community thanks to the easy and fast application each transfer has to offer! Welcome to an apparel decorating technique that requires no weeding, no designing, and very little time to your finished product!

What is a DTF Transfer?

DTF transfers are a type of garment transfer that has been printed using a water-based DTF ink printed onto a clear release paper. This allows the end user the flexibility of when the transfer is applied and what the transfer is applied to. DTF transfers can be made in single color or full color images. Keep in mind that full color transfers will feel slightly thicker than single color transfers simply because more ink is used to create the transfer itself but we do pride ourselves with having some of the thinnest full color DTF transfers on the market. DTF transfers from KW can be applied to any cotton, polyester, or cotton-poly blend materials. 

Application Instructions*

All KW DTF transfers require the use of a commercial grade heat press due to the high, even pressure that is needed for correct application. Home irons will not work.

While not necessary, Teflon sheets or parchment paper can be used as a protective covering when pressing. If you are pressing your DTF transfer without the clear transfer paper (such as a second press) be sure to use a teflon sheet or parchment paper to protect your heat press. Be advised that pressing pillows can negatively effect the application and these should be used at your own risk

• Pressing Temperature: 300°F-325°F*
• Pressing Time: 20-25 seconds*
• Pressure: HIGH
• Peel: Read the following information carefully.
• Press a second time for 15 seconds.

SUBLIMATION TRANSFERS

The Sublimation Process

Sublimation is a little more complicated than other transfer types. But don’t let that scare you! Sublimation ink, when heated, turns into a gas that actually embeds itself into anything with a polyester coating. This creates a cleaner, more professional look while allowing for a much more detailed image than what heat transfer vinyl can offer. Shading, gradients and a rainbow of colors are huge benefits to using sublimation transfers. There is no difference in feeling between the image and the shirt.

Sublimation must be used with at least 50% polyester (white or light colored garment) but will show better results the closer to 100% polyester your garment is (white or light colored garment). The higher the polyester content, the brighter and clearer your image will be. The lower the polyester content, the more vintage, faded or aged your image will be. Also, with a lower polyester content, you may see your image fade slightly with the first wash.

Sublimation printing, also referred to as dye sublimation printing, is a printing method for transferring images onto a substrate (usually a cloth material such as polyester). Sublimation refers to a process where a substance moves from a solid to a gas state without ever being in a liquid state. Sublimation printing normally involves the use of a digital printer to produce mirrored images on paper that has been specially coated with a transfer material.

THE HEATING PROCESS

The transfer paper typically is placed into a heat press with the substrate and exposed to temperatures from 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the ink and transfer material to move into the gas state. Once the ink and transfer material are in a gas state, they permeate the fibers of the substrate material.

INK TRANSFER AND BONDING

When the heat is removed from the transfer paper and substrate, the ink that has permeated the substrate fibers solidifies and is locked permanently into place by the transfer material. Assuming the procedure has been performed correctly, the image should never be subject to deterioration beyond that of the substrate itself.
*The above information was sourced from https://bizfluent.com

Application Instructions*

• Set temperature on heat press to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Set timer to 60 seconds.
• Set Pressure at medium.
• Place paper face down on garment. The garment needs to be at least 50% polyester and white or light color fabric.
• Press at 400 degrees F for 60 seconds with medium pressure
• Remove paper immediately and peel hot. Allow garment to cool.

*These settings are recommendations only and will greatly depend on your heat press. If you are not familiar with pressing DTF transfers from KW, we recommend completing a few test presses to ensure the correct temperature, time and pressure for your heat press.

Tips & Suggestions

• Calibrating the heat press is recommended to ensure an accurate temperature. For this procedure, temperature test strips are more accurate than the use of infrared temperature guns.
• If desired, you may trim the non-printed media around the printed image before transferring to garments. Leaving a ¼" margin around the printed area is highly recommended for light-colored garments.
• If possible, avoid pressing any zippers, buttons or other plastic decorations attached to the garment. The heat and pressure needed to bond the ink to the cotton fabric may cause these to crack or melt.
• If immediately after pressing, the paper is not easily peeled from the garment and resists removal because the transfer is somewhat tacky, increase the amount of cure time.
• If immediately after pressing, the transferred image has a slick or shiny appearance, increase the amount of pressure used.
• Different cotton fabrics will exhibit slightly different results. Please test your fabric before pressing your final design to ensure desired results.