How Do I Press Direct-to-Film (DTF)?

DTF Transfer Pressing Guide for Minneapolis, MN and Surrounding Areas

If you're in Minneapolis, MN 55441 or the surrounding cities and looking to perfect your Direct-to-Film (DTF) application process, this guide will help you press DTF transfers the right way—every time. With state-of-the-art equipment like the CobraFlex Dual Pneumatic Heat Press, you can ensure consistent results on cotton, polyester, and blended garments. Below is a full walkthrough of the DTF pressing process, from freshly printed film to final application.

Step 1: Print and Cure the Transfer Film

Your DTF transfer begins with printing onto high-quality DTF film using a CobraFlex DTF printer equipped with industrial i3200 printheads. The film is loaded and printed in mirror mode with white ink printed last to ensure proper opacity. The design is then coated with hot melt adhesive powder and passed through a curing oven or integrated CobraFlex shaker-dryer system to fully dry and fuse the adhesive onto the film. Once cooled, your transfer is ready to press.

Step 2: Prepare the Garment and Heat Press

Pre-press your garment for 5-10 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles. Set your CobraFlex Dual Pneumatic Heat Press to the correct pressure and temperature settings. A firm, evenly distributed pressure is critical—especially with textured garments. Pneumatic heat presses offer consistency and force that manual presses cannot. Without enough downward force, the transfer may bridge across the weave of the fabric and result in poor adhesion or cracking after washing.

Recommended Press Settings (General)

• Temperature: 300°F to 320°F
• Time: 10 to 15 seconds
• Pressure: High (pneumatic recommended)

Step 3: Press the Transfer

Align the cooled transfer on the garment with the film side facing up and design side down. Apply heat and pressure based on your fabric type. The adhesive melts and binds to the surface fibers of the fabric. When the timer ends, lift the press and allow the transfer to cool down if using cold peel film. For hot peel film, peel immediately after pressing.

Cold Peel vs. Hot Peel

Hot peel films can be removed right after pressing, offering speed advantages for high-volume shops. Cold peel films require a cool-down period, which can result in a slightly softer finish and cleaner edges. The CobraFlex printers and DuPont Artistri ink systems support both types of film.

Step 4: Post-Pressing With Poly Mesh Flag Material

For garments like polyester, fleece, or textured blends, lay a poly mesh flag material or Teflon sheet over the design and apply a second press for 5–8 seconds. This technique:

• Softens the texture of the print
• Reduces visible press marks
• Helps embed the ink deeper into the fibers
• Provides a matte or natural finish on shiny polyester

Using a post-press step ensures the transfer feels softer and prevents the film from leaving gloss marks or edge impressions.

Garment-Specific Tips

• Cotton: Works great with hot or cold peel. Use high pressure and 10-15 seconds.

• Polyester: Use cold peel to prevent dye migration. Always use a second press with mesh overlay.
• Tri-blends: Apply cold peel with moderate heat to protect fabric structure.
• Canvas/Tote Bags: Hot peel works fine, but increase dwell time to ensure full adhesion.

Why Choose CobraFlex Printers and Heat Presses

CobraFlex Printers offer unmatched efficiency, quality, and throughput. Their pneumatic heat presses guarantee even pressure, which is critical when applying transfers to garments with seams, zippers, or textured surfaces. Combined with DuPont P1600 series inks and engineered film/powder systems, you get long-lasting, vibrant results every time.

Buckets of Ink is proud to support the Minneapolis printing community and ship CobraFlex systems, inks, and films nationwide. Whether you're a small shop in Plymouth, a fulfillment center in Maple Grove, or an apparel startup in Bloomington, we deliver the tools and supplies you need for DTF success.

Explore CobraFlex Heat Presses and Inks Here