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Translation missing: en.general.drawers.wishlist

Pressing Instructions

Pressing instructions for DTF transfers, glitter transfers, chenille patches, spangle transfers and leather patches
Instant Peel DTF Glitter DTF Chenille Patch Spangle Transfer Leather Hat Patch
Peeling the clear film off an instant peel DTF transfer while it is still hot, steam rising from the shirt

Instant Peel DTF Transfers

280°F · 10 seconds · medium to heavy pressure

  1. Pre press the garment for 10 seconds to drive out the moisture.
  2. Lay the transfer on the garment where you want it, glue side down.
  3. Press at 280°F for 10 seconds.
  4. Peel instantly while hot, or let it cool and peel cold. Either works.
  5. Cover the design with parchment paper and press again at 280°F for 10 seconds, which cures it into the shirt.
  6. Do not wash or stretch the garment for 24 hours.
A glitter DTF transfer on a black shirt with the clear film still over it, cooling before it is peeled

Glitter DTF Transfers

280°F · 10 seconds · medium to heavy pressure

Same time and temperature as our standard film. The only difference is the peel, and it matters: glitter film has to cool fully and be peeled cold, never hot. A hot peel separates the ink from the adhesive and ruins the print.

  1. Pre press the garment for 10 seconds to drive out the moisture.
  2. Lay the transfer on the garment where you want it, glue side down.
  3. Press at 280°F for 10 seconds.
  4. Let it cool completely, then peel the film away.
  5. Cover the design with parchment paper and press again at 280°F for 10 seconds, which cures it into the shirt.
  6. Do not wash or stretch the garment for 24 hours.
Lifting the Teflon sheet off a chenille letter patch pressed onto a black shirt

Chenille Patches

310°F · 20 seconds · medium pressure

  1. Pre press the garment for 3 to 5 seconds.
  2. Position the patch on the garment.
  3. Cover the patch with a Teflon sheet.
  4. Press for 20 seconds.
  5. Turn the shirt inside out and press for another 20 seconds.
  6. Let it cool for at least 60 seconds.

If any part of the patch has not adhered, run through the steps again.

A finished sequin spangle bow transfer on a black shirt under an open heat press

Spangle Transfers

325°F · 15 seconds · medium pressure

  1. Pre press the garment for 3 to 5 seconds.
  2. Position the transfer on the garment.
  3. Press for 15 seconds.
  4. Let it cool briefly, then peel warm or cold.
Lifting the cover sheet off an engraved leather patch pressed onto the front of a grey cap in a curved hat press

Leather Hat Patches

300°F · 50 to 60 seconds · medium pressure

  1. Warm the hat on its own for 5 to 10 seconds.
  2. Peel the backing off the patch and position it. The tack underneath holds it still while you line it up.
  3. On a standard press with one heated plate, press at 300°F for 50 to 60 seconds. Go to 60 on thick or structured crowns.
  4. On a hat press with a heated bottom platen, 280°F on top and 320°F on the bottom for 45 seconds, with a silicone or foam pad over the patch.
  5. Let it cool on its own before handling. The adhesive sets permanently as it cools, so press one and check it before doing a batch.

Pro tips

On your second press, lay a single layer of t shirt material over the design. It softens the design, adds durability and takes the shine off. If you want a shiny finish instead, cover it with a protective guard sheet or butcher paper for that final press.

It is good practice to verify the actual platen temperature with an infrared heat gun. It is common for household heat presses to show inaccurate temperatures.

If this is your first order with us, add a few extra designs so you have something to dial your settings in on.

Whatever you are pressing, give it 24 hours before the first wash or before stretching the garment.

Before you press anything

We recommend applying our transfers with a clamp style or pneumatic heat press, because they are able to provide the constant and even pressure that ensures good adhesion. While it is possible to transfer these with irons, Cricut heat presses and similar, we do not recommend it and cannot guarantee the results of those methods.

Pressing FAQ

Can I use an iron or a Cricut press?

You can, but we do not recommend it and cannot guarantee the results.

Those tools struggle to hold constant, even pressure across the whole design, and even pressure is what makes a transfer adhere properly. A clamp style or pneumatic heat press is what we recommend.

Do I really need to press it a second time?

Yes. The second press is what cures the design into the fabric. Cover it with parchment paper and press again for 10 seconds. Skipping it is the most common reason a design lifts later.

Can I peel the film while it is still hot?

On our standard film, yes. Hot or cold both work. Glitter film is the exception and has to cool first. Peeling glitter hot separates the ink from the adhesive and ruins the print.

How soon can I wash it?

Give it 24 hours before the first wash, and do not stretch the garment before then either.

What can I press these onto?

Cotton, polyester and blends, in any color. They also go onto cooler sleeves, pillows, canvas, wall art, cardboard boxes, wood, leather and plenty more.

Trying something we have not listed? Let us know what you try, we would love to hear how it turns out.

Can I press a leather patch onto something other than a hat?

Yes, but the settings change. On shirts, jackets, totes and anything else in thin fabric, press at 220°F for 10 to 12 seconds.

Lay the patch on the press with the adhesive side up, lay the garment over it with the patch where you want it, and press from the back of the patch, never the front.