So, you’ve got your hands on your Picture Perfect DTF Prints and it’s now time to press them on. Depending on whether you’ve purchased our 40cm Cold Peel, or 30cm Hot Peel, we’ll make sure you get Picture Perfect Results! 👇
🌟 What’s the difference between Hot Peel and Cool Peel Film?
The main difference between hot peel and cool peel DTF (Direct to Film) films lies in when you remove the transfer film after pressing and how it affects the finish and workflow.
- Hot Peel DTF Film:
With hot peel film, the transfer is peeled immediately after pressing while still hot. This allows for a faster production process, making it ideal for high-volume work. The finish is typically matte or semi-gloss, and while it saves time, it requires careful handling to avoid lifting the print if peeled too soon or too aggressively. Hot peel works best with larger, more solid design which don’t have fine details.
- Cool Peel DTF Film:
Cool peel film needs to cool before peeling, typically about 30-45 seconds after pressing. This extra step takes longer but results in a smoother, glossier, and more durable finish. Cool peel works best with designs that have fine or intricate elements and is often preferred for premium garments or when maximum print quality and adhesion are most important.
❄️ How to Press Cool Peel DTF Transfers — Step by Step! 👕✨
Cool Peel DTF transfers are all about crisp detail, smooth finishes, and lasting durability! Just follow these simple steps to get perfect, professional results every time.NOTE: The Step by Step guide below assumes you’re pressing onto a plain, 100% Cotton T-Shirt. For other materials, see the Times & Temps Table below.
1. Pre-Press Your Garment 👔
- Heat press your blank garment for 3–5 seconds at 150°C.
- This removes moisture and wrinkles, giving you a flat, dry surface to press on.
2. Position Your Transfer 🎯
- Place your DTF transfer film (print side down) on the garment.
- Use heat-resistant tape if needed to keep it perfectly aligned.
3. Press the Transfer 💪
- Cover your design with parchment or a Teflon sheet.
- Temperature: 150°C
- Time: 10-15 seconds
- Pressure: Medium (5-6 Setting on Galaxy Heat Press / 30–40 psi / 3–4 bar)
👉 Keep the press flat and even for best adhesion.
4. Cool Before Peeling ❄️
- Do not peel while hot!
- Let the garment cool (usually 30–60 seconds).
- Once cool to the touch, gently peel the film in one smooth motion from a corner.
5. Post-Press for Perfection 🌟
- Cover your design with parchment or a Teflon sheet.
- Press again for 5 seconds at the same temperature.
- This gives your print a soft feel and long-lasting finish.
6. Ready to Rock! 🎉
- Allow the print to set for 24 hours before washing for maximum durability.
👕 Fabric & Garment Settings – Cool Peel
| Material | Temp | Time | Pressure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton (T-Shirts, Hoodies) | 150°C | 10-15s | (5-6 Setting on Galaxy Heat Press / 30–40 psi / 3–4 bar) | Use a slightly higher pressure for particularly thick / heavy hoodies |
| Polyester | 130–140°C | 8–10s | (4-5 Setting on Galaxy Heat Press / 30–35 psi / 3 bar) | Reduce heat to avoid shine |
| Elastane / Lycra / Spandex | 140°C | 8–10s | (4-5 Setting on Galaxy Heat Press / 30 psi / 3 bar) | Use light pressure and quick press |
| Cotton-Poly Blends | 145°C | 10–12s | (5-6 Setting on Galaxy Heat Press / 30–40 psi / 3–4 bar) | Lower temp slightly |
💡 Pro Tips:
- Let your press fully heat up before starting for consistent results.
- Avoid stretching the print until it’s fully cooled and set.
- Always test on a spare piece of fabric before your first production run!
- For higher volume production runs using cool peel film, do your initial press of the design, then set aside to cool. Repeat the initial press of the design on each garment and set aside to cool. When all garments have been pressed, peel and do the final press on each garment.
🔥 How to Press Hot Peel DTF Transfers — Step by Step! 👕✨
Hot Peel DTF Transfers are perfect when you want speed and efficiency without sacrificing great results! Follow these simple steps to achieve bold, durable prints every time.
NOTE: The Step by Step guide below assumes you’re pressing onto a plain, 100% Cotton T-Shirt. For other materials, see the Times & Temps Table below.
1. Pre-Press Your Garment 👔
- Heat press your blank garment for 3–5 seconds at 140°C.
- This removes moisture and wrinkles, giving you a flat, dry surface to press on.
2. Position Your Transfer 🎯
- Place your DTF transfer film (print side down) on the garment.
- Use heat-resistant tape if needed to keep it perfectly aligned.
3. Press the Transfer 💪
- Cover your design with parchment or a Teflon sheet.
- Temperature: 140°C
- Time: 10 seconds
- Pressure: Medium (5-6 Setting on Galaxy Heat Press / 30–40 psi / 3–4 bar)
👉 Keep the press flat and even for best adhesion.
4. Peel While Hot 🔥
- As soon as you lift the press, peel the film immediately while it’s still hot!
- Peel smoothly and steadily from one corner — don’t wait for it to cool.
5. Post-Press for Perfection 🌟
- Cover your design with parchment or a Teflon sheet.
- Press again for 5 seconds at the same temperature.
- This gives your print a soft feel and long-lasting finish.
6. Ready to Rock! 🎉
- Allow the print to set for 24 hours before washing for maximum durability.
👕 Fabric & Garment Settings – Hot Peel
Material Temp Time Pressure Notes Cotton (T-Shirts, Hoodies) 140°C 10-15s (5-6 Setting on Galaxy Heat Press / 30–40 psi / 3–4 bar) Use a slightly higher pressure for particularly thick / heavy hoodies Polyester 130–135°C 8–10s (4-5 Setting on Galaxy Heat Press / 30–35 psi / 3 bar) Reduce heat to avoid shine Elastane / Lycra / Spandex 130°C 8–10s (4-5 Setting on Galaxy Heat Press / 30 psi / 3 bar) Use light pressure and quick press Cotton-Poly Blends 135°C 10–12s (5-6 Setting on Galaxy Heat Press / 30–40 psi / 3–4 bar) Lower temp slightly
💡 Pro Tips:
- Let your press fully heat up before starting for consistent results.
- Peel confidently — hesitating can cause lifting.
- Avoid stretching the print until it’s fully cooled and set.
- Always test on a spare piece of fabric before your first production run!
🎉 Ready to level up your custom merch and wear game?
DTF printing is faster, easier, more colorful, and way more fun. Whether you’re a side hustler, full-time maker, or just DTF-curious (we had to 😄), you’re going to love what this method can do.
👉 Check out our Custom DTF Print Service to get your own design printed, or grab some of our Pre-Printed DTF Transfers and get started!
