You’ve just pressed a new design, and while the colors are vibrant and the lines are crisp, something about the finish isn't quite right. Maybe it’s too glossy and looks like a sticker, or perhaps it’s more matte than you intended. The final sheen of a Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfer plays a huge role in its professional appearance and feel, but many apparel decorators don't realize they have complete control over it.
The finish of your DTF print—whether it's glossy, satin, or perfectly matte—is not random. It's a direct result of your tools and technique, specifically the type of cover sheet you use during the final press. Understanding how to manipulate this variable is a simple yet powerful way to elevate the quality of your products and deliver a consistent, retail-ready look every time.
This guide will demystify the factors that determine the finish of your DTF transfers. We’ll explain how you can easily achieve your desired look, from a soft matte to a slight sheen, simply by changing one inexpensive tool in your workflow.
What Determines the Finish of a DTF Transfer?
The final sheen of your DTF print is determined during the second, final press—the quick 6-second press you perform after peeling the carrier film. During this step, the surface of the ink is still pliable. The texture of the material you place between your heat press and the transfer will imprint itself onto the design, defining its final finish.
While several factors can subtly influence the look, one stands out as the primary controller: the protective cover sheet. Let's break down the key variables.
The Deciding Factor: Your Cover Sheet
This is the most important element for controlling the finish. The texture of the cover sheet you use for your final press directly transfers to the print.
- For a Matte Finish: Use a sheet of parchment paper, butcher paper, or kraft paper. These materials have a slightly porous, textured surface. During the press, this texture imprints onto the ink, breaking up the flat surface and scattering light. This results in a soft, non-reflective matte finish that is highly desirable for a premium, integrated look.
- For a Glossy or Satin Finish: Use a Teflon sheet. Teflon is extremely smooth and non-porous. When used as a cover sheet, it creates a very flat, smooth surface on the ink, which reflects light more directly. This results in a shinier, more satin-like or glossy appearance.
The Supporting Roles: Other Influencing Factors
While the cover sheet is the main star, a few other elements play a supporting role in the final look.
- Peel Method (Hot vs. Cold Peel): The temperature at which you peel the carrier film can have a minor effect. A hot peel can sometimes result in a slightly more matte finish, as the ink is pulled while still molten. A cold peel allows the ink to set against the smooth carrier film for longer, which can lead to a shinier initial appearance before the final press.
- Pressure and Time: Extremely high pressure or extended dwell times can sometimes increase sheen by further flattening the ink. However, it's best to stick to the recommended settings to ensure durability and use your cover sheet as the primary tool for controlling the finish. Our tested instructions, found on the FAQ page, call for a 6-second final press with medium-heavy pressure.
How to Achieve Your Desired Finish: A Step-by-Step Guide
Controlling the sheen of your DTF prints is easy once you incorporate it into your standard workflow. Here is the process:
The First Press and Peel
Begin by applying your transfer according to the standard instructions.
- Pre-press your garment for 3-5 seconds to remove moisture.
- Position your DTF transfer and press at 280°F (138°C) for 10 seconds with medium-heavy pressure.
- Peel the carrier film away. You can do this hot or cold, depending on your preference and the film type. For a deeper dive into peel methods, explore our DTF Q&A blog.
At this point, the finish is not yet locked in. The final step is what matters.
Choose Your Cover Sheet and Perform the Final Press
Now, select your tool based on the finish you want to achieve.
To Get a Matte Finish (Recommended for a Professional Look):
- Take a sheet of parchment paper or uncoated butcher paper.
- Place it completely over the exposed DTF design.
- Press again at 280°F for 6 seconds using the same firm pressure.
- Remove the paper, and you'll have a soft, non-reflective matte finish that feels integrated with the fabric.
To Get a Satin or Glossy Finish:
- Take your reusable PTFE sheet.
- Place it over the design.
- Press again at 280°F for 6 seconds with firm pressure.
- Remove the Teflon sheet to reveal a design with a noticeable sheen.
Creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Consistency
In a professional print shop, consistency is key. Your customers expect the shirts they order today to have the same look and feel as the ones they ordered last month. To ensure this, you should decide on a standard finish for your brand and make it part of your official workflow.
Choose Your Finish: Most high-end apparel brands prefer a matte finish, as it looks more like a premium screen print and less like a "plasticky" transfer. We highly recommend standardizing on a matte finish using parchment or butcher paper.
Stock the Right Supplies: Make sure your pressing station is always stocked with your chosen cover sheet material. Since parchment and butcher paper are disposable, ensure you have a roll or a stack ready to go.
Train Your Team: If you have employees, ensure everyone is trained to use the same cover sheet and follow the exact same final pressing procedure on every garment.
Document the Process: Add this simple step to your written instructions: "After peeling, cover with parchment paper and press for 6 seconds." This removes any guesswork and guarantees consistency.
Get the Quality You Control
The ability to control the final sheen of your DTF transfer is a simple yet powerful skill that separates amateurs from professionals. It allows you to define the look and feel of your products, deliver consistent quality, and create apparel with a premium, retail-ready finish. By making the choice of cover sheet a deliberate part of your process, you take one more step toward mastering your craft.
At Southeast Prints, we provide the high-quality transfers you need to create products you're proud of. Our transfers are engineered to work flawlessly with these finishing techniques, giving you the control you need to achieve the perfect look. And with our unmatched 24-hour turnaround and same-day shipping on orders placed by 1 PM EST, you can get the supplies you need to start perfecting your finish right away.