How-to Guide

📚 Southeast Prints How-To Guides

Welcome to the Southeast Prints How-To Guides! Here you'll find step-by-step instructions, artwork tips, and helpful resources to ensure your orders come out exactly as expected.

Whether you're creating DTF transfers, UV DTF stickers, custom apparel, or engraved products, these guides will help you prepare your files and get the best results.


🚀 We Build Your Gang Sheet (Recommended for Beginners)

The easiest way to order DTF transfers!

If you're new to DTF transfers or simply don't want to build your own gang sheet, this is the perfect option. Just upload your artwork, select the shirt size your design will be applied to or enter a custom transfer size, and choose the quantity you need.

Our team will determine the appropriate transfer size (when using a garment size), professionally arrange your artwork, and optimize your gang sheet to make the best use of the available space. Once your gang sheet is complete, we'll print it using the same high-quality process as all of our DTF transfers.

This option takes the guesswork out of sizing and gang sheet building, making it the fastest and easiest way to order.

Perfect for:

  • First-time customers

  • Beginners

  • Customers ordering multiple designs

  • Anyone who wants us to handle the sizing and layout



📐 Online Gang Sheet Builder

Love building your own gang sheets? This option is for you!

Our Online Gang Sheet Builder gives you complete control over your layout. Upload your artwork, enter the size and quantity for each design, and use our Auto Build feature to automatically arrange your images—or manually move and position them exactly how you want.

Before adding your gang sheet to your cart, review your layout to ensure your artwork is the correct size, has transparent backgrounds, and that no designs are overlapping or extending outside the printable area.

Perfect for:

  • Customers who enjoy building their own gang sheets

  • Experienced DTF users

  • Custom layouts

  • Maximizing every inch of your gang sheet


📤 Upload a Premade Gang Sheet

Already have a gang sheet ready to print? This option is for you!

If you've already created your gang sheet using your own design software, simply upload the finished file and we'll print it exactly as submitted. This option is perfect for customers using Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, CorelDRAW, Affinity Designer, or other graphic design programs.

Please ensure your gang sheet is the correct size, your artwork has transparent backgrounds where needed, and all designs are positioned exactly as you want them printed. We do not edit, resize, or rearrange premade gang sheets.

Perfect for:

  • Experienced users

  • Graphic designers

  • Print shops and resellers

  • Customers with print-ready gang sheets



🎨 Artwork Preparation

Getting the best DTF transfer starts with high-quality artwork. We recommend uploading PNG files with transparent backgrounds, as they provide the best results for DTF printing and work seamlessly with our ordering system.

If your artwork isn't quite ready, don't worry! The guides below will help you prepare your files, choose the correct transfer size, and avoid common issues before placing your order.

In This Section

  • Print-Ready File Guidelines – Learn our recommended file type, image resolution, and artwork requirements.

  • Recommended Transfer Sizing Chart – Find the right transfer size for your garment.

  • Transparent Backgrounds – Why they matter and how to remove unwanted backgrounds.

  • Cropping Empty Space – Ensure your design prints at the correct size.

  • Image Resolution (300 DPI) – Avoid blurry or pixelated prints.

  • PNG vs. SVG – Understand why we recommend PNG files for DTF transfers.

  • Color Matching – Learn how printed colors may vary from what you see on your screen.

For the best results: Upload a 300 DPI PNG with a transparent background that has been cropped tightly around your design. This helps ensure accurate sizing and the highest print quality.


🖼️ How to Remove a Background & Make Your Image Transparent

For the best DTF printing results, all artwork should be uploaded as a PNG file with a transparent background. This ensures that only your design prints and prevents unwanted white or colored backgrounds from appearing on your transfer.

Important

Southeast Prints does not remove backgrounds or edit customer artwork. All files are printed as they are received, so it's important to make sure your artwork is print-ready before placing your order.

How to Create a Transparent Background

You can use many popular design programs and online tools to remove backgrounds, including:

  • Canva Pro

  • Adobe Express

  • remove.bg

  • Adobe Photoshop

After removing the background, be sure to download your artwork as a PNG with Transparent Background enabled.

Before Uploading Your Artwork

Please verify that your file:

  • ✅ Is saved as a PNG file.

  • ✅ Has a transparent background.

  • ✅ Is cropped tightly around the design.

  • ✅ Is high resolution (300 DPI recommended).

Please Note: Artwork with white, black, colored, or patterned backgrounds will print exactly as submitted. We do not edit or modify customer artwork before printing.


🎨 How to Remove a Background in Canva

Removing the background from your artwork ensures that only your design is printed. If your image has a white, black, or colored background, it will print exactly as it appears.

Note: The Background Remover feature requires Canva Pro.

Step 1: Open Your Design

Open your design in Canva and click on the image you want to edit.

Step 2: Open the Background Remover

Click Edit Photo, then select Background Remover.

Step 3: Let Canva Remove the Background

Canva will automatically remove the background from your image. This usually takes just a few seconds.

Step 4: Inspect Your Artwork

Zoom in and carefully check your design for any leftover background, especially around:

  • Hair

  • Text

  • Small details

  • Shadows

  • Inside letters and logos

If needed, use the Erase and Restore brushes to clean up the image.

Step 5: Download as a Transparent PNG

  1. Click Share.

  2. Click Download.

  3. Select PNG as the file type.

  4. Check Transparent Background.

  5. Click Download.


📐 How to Resize Your Artwork in Canva

Need a larger or smaller transfer? Canva makes it easy.

Resize Your Design

  1. Open your design.

  2. Click Resize (Canva Pro) or create a new design with your desired dimensions.

  3. Adjust your artwork to fit the new canvas.

  4. Download as a PNG with a transparent background.

Tip: Enlarging low-quality artwork won't improve its print quality. Always start with the highest-resolution image possible.


✂️ How to Crop Empty Space Around Your Artwork

Extra transparent space can cause your transfer to print smaller than expected.

To Crop Your Design

  1. Select your artwork.

  2. Click Crop.

  3. Remove as much empty space as possible while leaving your design intact.

  4. Download your artwork as a transparent PNG.

Tip: Cropping closely around your artwork helps ensure the transfer size is accurate when uploaded.

🖼️ How to Check Your Artwork Before Downloading

Before downloading, take a moment to inspect your design.

Make Sure Your Artwork

  • ✅ Has a transparent background.

  • ✅ Is centered on the page.

  • ✅ Doesn't have unwanted shadows or leftover background.

  • ✅ Has no blurry or pixelated areas.

  • ✅ Is cropped closely around the design.

Taking a few extra seconds to review your artwork can help prevent printing issues.


📏 Recommended Transfer Sizing Chart

Not sure what size transfer to order? Use this chart as a general guide.

Large Adult (2XL & Larger)
 Up to 12" Wide × 14" Tall

Adult (Small–XL)
 Up to 11" Wide × 13.5" Tall

Small Adult (XS & Smaller)
 Up to 9" Wide × 11" Tall

Youth (All Sizes)
 Up to 8" Wide × 9.5" Tall

Infant
 Up to 5" Wide × 6.5" Tall

Adult Pocket
 Up to 3.5" Wide × 4.5" Tall

Youth Pocket
 Up to 3" Wide × 4" Tall

Custom Sizes

Need a different size? No problem! You can enter a custom transfer size when ordering if you already know the exact dimensions you need.


👕 How to Apply DTF Transfers

Applying your DTF transfer correctly is essential for achieving a vibrant, durable print that lasts wash after wash. Follow the instructions below for the best results.

Recommended Heat Press Settings

  • Temperature: 280°F

  • Press Time: 10 Seconds

  • Pressure: Medium to Firm

Application Instructions

  1. Pre-Press the Garment
     Press the garment for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.

  2. Position the Transfer
     Place the transfer on the garment with the printed side facing down against the fabric.

  3. Press the Transfer
     Press at 280°F for 10 seconds using medium to firm pressure.

  4. Peel the Film
     Allow the transfer to cool slightly if desired, then peel the carrier sheet. Our transfers can be peeled hot or cold.

  5. Final Repress (Recommended)
     Cover the design with parchment paper, butcher paper, or a Teflon sheet and repress for 5–10 seconds. This helps improve durability, gives the print a softer feel, and creates a more professional finish.



🏷️ How to Apply UV DTF Stickers

UV DTF stickers are designed for hard, smooth surfaces and require no heat.

Best Surfaces

  • Glass

  • Metal

  • Plastic

  • Acrylic

  • Tumblers

  • Wood (smooth and sealed)

Application Steps

  1. Clean the surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol.

  2. Allow the surface to dry completely.

  3. Peel the white backing from the sticker.

  4. Carefully place the design onto the surface.

  5. Firmly rub the entire design using a squeegee or your fingers.

  6. Slowly peel away the clear carrier sheet.

Tips

  • Apply only once—UV DTF stickers cannot be repositioned.

  • Avoid applying to textured or silicone surfaces.

🧺 Washing & Care Instructions

Proper care helps your custom apparel look great wash after wash.

We Recommend

  • Wait 24 hours before washing.

  • Turn garments inside out.

  • Wash in cold water with mild detergent.

  • Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry.

  • Do not bleach.

  • Do not dry clean.

  • Do not iron directly on the transfer.

Following these instructions will help maximize the life of your DTF transfer.


🔧 Troubleshooting Common Pressing Issues

My transfer is peeling.

This is usually caused by insufficient pressure or an incorrect press temperature. Verify your heat press is set to 280°F, apply medium to firm pressure, and repress the transfer for 5–10 seconds using parchment paper or a Teflon sheet.

The edges are lifting.

Lifting edges are typically caused by uneven pressure or skipping the final repress. Make sure your press is applying even pressure across the entire design, then complete a final repress for 5–10 seconds.

My transfer isn't sticking.

Ensure you're pressing at 280°F for 10 seconds with medium to firm pressure. Always pre-press the garment for a few seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles before applying the transfer.

My print looks dull after pressing.

A dull finish is normal after the first press. Cover the transfer with parchment paper, butcher paper, or a Teflon sheet and repress for 5–10 seconds to achieve a softer feel and a more vibrant finish.

The transfer shifted during pressing.

If your transfer moves while closing the heat press, use heat-resistant tape to secure it before pressing.

My garment has scorch marks.

Some fabrics are more heat-sensitive than others. Always test new garment types before production and avoid pressing longer than necessary. Lower the temperature slightly if recommended by the garment manufacturer.

My heat press temperature seems incorrect.

Not all heat presses are perfectly calibrated. If you're experiencing inconsistent results, check the platen temperature with an infrared thermometer or temperature strips to ensure it is reaching the correct temperature.


❓ Need More Help?

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact the Southeast Prints team before placing your order. We're happy to answer your questions and help you get the best possible results.