10
Jun
Your heat press machine needs to be perfectly calibrated to the right settings in order to get proper adhesion for your prints:
Temperatures that are too low fail to melt the adhesive in a uniform manner.
Temperatures that are too high may burn the film or ruin the ink, leaching out its key ingredients.
Pressure too high or too low leads to weak adhesion.
All DTF supplies vary in quality. Cheap or expired transfer films and adhesive powders often result in incomplete or weak transfers. Getting high-quality materials is very important to achieve the desired results.
Moisture can be a silent transfer killer. Even a slightly damp surface can interfere with how the adhesive bonds during the pressing process. A moist film can also mess up the bonding of your print.
Lint, oils, dust, or other residues on the fabric can act as a barrier between the adhesive and the material, causing a disrupted transfer of your design.
If the layer of ink and adhesive powder are not cured properly before pressing, they will fail to stick or may easily peel after washing.
Cotton, polyester, or blends are the ideal choice for DTF printing. However, applying them on certain nylon or waterproof fabrics may lead to poor results.
Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, this is how to address it properly:
As always, check your transfer film manufacturer’s instructions for heat press settings. As a rule of thumb:
Temperature: 150°C – 160°C. 300°F – 320°F
Duration: 15 – 20 seconds
A simple and intelligent solution to problems of this sort is to perform a test on a scrap piece, using your parameters, to ascertain that it is operating correctly.
Use quality materials. Invest in good quality DTF brands for your transfer film, ink, and adhesive powder. Using cheaper materials can save you money but will cost you wasted time and destroyed clothing and will end up costing you more than what you saved.
Prior to applying the transfer, you will want to press your fabric for 5 seconds to eliminate moisture and smooth out any wrinkles. Doing this step generally helps the adhesion to the fabric.
Before applying heat use a lint roller or press gently to remove any dirt or oil. The fabric should appear to be pristine before beginning printing operations. Make sure that you don’t contaminate the area after cleaning it.
Ensure that the ink and powder layer is completely dry and melted before pressing. If you are utilizing a curing oven or heat gun, make sure the film is at an even temperature throughout so that the materials are evenly heated.
Check to make sure that your DTF product is compatible with the fabric that you are using. Some DTF films are designed for specific substrates.
Below are some of the most common errors that result in unsuccessful DTF prints:
Do not skip pre-press: Moisture and wrinkles will ruin your transfer.
Peeling at the wrong time: Be sure to peel according to the specifications of your transfer film.
Forgetting to use a Teflon sheet or parchment paper: This helps avoid scorching and ensures even heating.
It’s difficult at times to know if you should repress the transfer or begin anew. Here’s a quick reference:
Repress if: The edges are peeling or the image is partially adhered.
Reprint if: Large areas are not transferring or the ink is bleeding.
Try repressing with slightly higher pressure or a few more seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, too much heat can ruin the print entirely.
A correct application doesn’t only adhere; it remains adhered to. Below are some tips to help ensure your DTF transfers continue looking great after many washes:
Wash in cold water, inside out.
Do not use bleach or other strong detergents.
Do not iron directly on the design.
The steps taken after the care application process are just as important and can have a dramatic effect on the longevity of your transfer.
Problems with DTF transfers can be very frustrating, but most are caused by things that you can control such as heat, quality of materials, or prepressing your fabric. If you are able to identify and rectify these, your success will vastly improve.
So what’s the takeaway? Don’t cut corners, test everything, and use good materials. By taking into consideration all the important points and tips, you can ensure that your DTF transfers are flawless and stick perfectly. Good luck!
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Our company has over 30 models of printers with independent intellectual property rights and patents. Marketed under the esteemed brands of Skycolor, Stormjet, and Fedar brands, these printers cover a wide range, including digital textile printers, UV printers, eco-solvent printers and more. Known for their exceptional quality and performance.
