Pressing & Care

Pressing & Care Guide

Proper pressing is just as important as quality artwork. Follow these instructions to get the best adhesion, durability, and finish from your Southeast Prints DTF transfers.

Recommended Press Settings

For our DTF transfers, we recommend:

Temperature: 280°F
Time: 10 seconds
Pressure: Medium to firm

Every heat press can vary slightly, so adjustments may be necessary depending on your equipment and garment.

Before Pressing

Before applying your transfer:

  • Make sure the garment is clean and dry.
  • Lay the garment flat on the heat press.
  • Make sure seams, collars, buttons, or zippers are not interfering with pressure.
  • Pre-press the garment for a few seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
  • Position your transfer with the printed side facing the garment.

Consistent pressure across the entire design is extremely important.

Pressing Your Transfer

  1. Pre-press the garment for a few seconds.
  2. Position the DTF transfer.
  3. Press at 280°F for 10 seconds using medium-firm pressure.
  4. Open the press and peel the film.
  5. Cover the transfer with parchment paper, a finishing sheet, or similar protective material.
  6. Repress for 5–10 seconds.

The second press helps improve adhesion and gives the transfer its finished feel.

Peeling

Our transfers can be hot or cold peeled.

If the transfer does not release cleanly, lay the film back down and press again. Do not continue pulling if part of the design is lifting from the garment.

Pressure Matters

Many pressing problems are actually caused by incorrect or uneven pressure, not temperature.

If parts of the design are not sticking, check that:

  • Your press is providing medium-firm pressure.
  • The entire design is receiving even pressure.
  • Seams, collars, pockets, or other raised areas are not preventing contact.
  • Your heat press is reaching the temperature shown on its display.

A pressing pillow or pad can help when working around seams or other raised areas.

Heat Press Recommended

For the best results, we recommend using a commercial-style heat press.

Household irons and handheld presses may not provide consistent temperature and pressure across the entire transfer, especially with larger designs.

Washing & Care

For the best longevity:

  • Wait 24 hours before washing.
  • Turn the garment inside out before washing.
  • Machine wash in cold or warm water.
  • Use a mild detergent.
  • Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.
  • Tumble dry on low or hang dry when possible.
  • Do not iron directly over the transfer.

Proper washing and drying will help extend the life of your finished garment.

If Your Transfer Isn't Sticking

If part of the transfer lifts during peeling, stop peeling.

Lay the film back into position and press again for a few additional seconds using firm, even pressure.

Common causes include insufficient pressure, uneven pressure, an inaccurate press temperature, moisture in the garment, or seams interfering with the pressing area.

Important

Heat presses vary. The settings above are our recommended starting settings based on our transfers, but your equipment and garment material may require slight adjustments.

When using a new heat press, unfamiliar garment, or large production run, we recommend performing a test press first.

Recommended starting point: 280°F • 10 seconds • Medium-Firm Pressure • Repress 5–10 seconds.