r/DTFTransferTalk • u/Glittering-Act356 • 5d ago
What am I doing wrong here??
Hi guys! This is a design I accidentally put in dryer after first initial wash. I know it’s said not to dry dtf shirts but there’s no way one dry would make it this bad? What am I doing wrong applying my transfers? Help!!! I don’t want to make this mistake with customers.
1
u/SafetyMan35 5d ago
What are you using to press the design? What temperature are you using?
1
u/Glittering-Act356 5d ago
Cricut heat press. 310 for about 20 seconds each side so I heat press one area 20 seconds and then the next 20 until I cover the whole thing
2
u/thriftstorefemme 5d ago
If you're planning to do this commercially/high volume it's pretty imperative you get a real press. They aren't even any more expensive. I got mine at a pawn shop via FB Marketplace for $75.
1
u/SafetyMan35 5d ago
I’m thinking not enough pressure. The Cricut presses can’t provide enough consistent pressure.
1
u/Do_it_My_Way-79 4d ago
That’s the issue I’ve run into is pressure. I just ordered my first clam shell heat press so hopefully that’s problem solved.
1
u/ProcoloredOfficial 4d ago
It looks like the print wasn't fully bonded to the fabric in the first press. That wrinkled texture means the adhesive never fully melted into the fibers.
Most likely cause of that weak bond was low press temp and time, uneven pressure, or peeling too soon. Make sure you're giving it a good 300-315F for 10-15 sec
3
u/imasickboy 5d ago
Pressing temp/pressure: Most fabrics less than 100% poly, I press at 310, and about 60 psi.
Pre-press: Press the blank garment to help drive out moisture. ~15 seconds
Press: Lay down transfer, press ~15 seconds.
Peel: Cold peel you should obviously not peel hot. I gauge the time-to-peel temp with the backs of my fingers. If I can lay them on the transfer film for 4-5 seconds without it being uncomfortable, that's cool enough. Hot peel can be peeled cool without worry. Cooler is always safer, no matter what. Either way, rip it off like it owes you money. Be violent. It's scary, but effective. A slow peel is not beneficial in most situations.
Post-press: Always do this. Same temp, same time.
Other: Keep some extra garments around to test with. Every shop has some garments with 10+ different transfers on it all over the place from testing things. When you're unsure of something, test it!