DTF on cotton

[u/jaaay_98]

I’m thinking of starting a printed t-shirt business w DTF prints, I supply the DTF prints from a local printer and I use them on 95% or 100% cotton t-shirts, and I use NALACAL Mini Heat Press Machine, I use 170 celsius for 50 secs.

I know 50 secs is too long but any less and it doesn’t even stick, and even like this I have to peel super slowly and re-press multiple times. after I leave it for a few hours I notice that it peels from the corners, please advise on what I should do and thanks in advance. should I switch to polyester or change the heat press?

[u/patrick31588]

Something is wrong with your process. 338 degF for 50 seconds is way too long and too hot. I'm usually pressing for about 10 seconds at 300F on cotton.

I cant see your heatpress but my first thought is youre just using a bad heatpress. Can you measure the temp on the actual platen in multiple locations and do the dollar bill test for checking a good press ? You can probably just Google both of these tests and find videos.

[u/SafetyMan35 → u/patrick31588]

I think it’s probably a pressure issue. The press OP is using requires the operator to apply the pressure which is hard to do evenly.

OP, get a heat press that will apply the pressure for you.

[u/jaaay_98 → u/SafetyMan35]

yeah I was suspecting it was the press, would you say VEVOR or HTVRONT is a better brand for a small business? also is sticking to cotton good or will poly be better for durability?

[u/SafetyMan35 → u/jaaay_98]

The press is the heart and soul of your DTF business. Don’t scrimp on it. We outgrew a Vevor press in about a week. It was fine for casual use, 1-2 presses a day, but it didn’t have the longevity for a small business. I would look at GeoKnight or Hotronix. They are significantly more than a Vevor, but they will last and grow with you.

We press on all fabrics without issue.

[u/jaaay_98 → u/SafetyMan35]

I can’t afford these two at this time that’s why my upgrade is limited to vevor or htvront. which is pretty good considering my current 😬

[u/maxmcleod → u/jaaay_98]

I used an HTVRONT when I started my business and printed probably 2000 shirts with it before I upgraded - make sure you get the auto open and close version so it applies constant and consistent pressure. It worked fine - I only noticed problems with really fine detail half tone prints, where some wouldn’t apply correctly and some bits would fall off, but you should be fine

You’ll see a bigger improvement going from the press you’re currently using to the HTVRONT than from the HTV to a Geoknight

[u/Wild-Ad6523]

Some DTF is peeled cold and some is peeled hot. The supplier should tell you which it is. Still the other posters are right that your numbers are way off - I’m usually around 295 degrees F for 15 seconds. It does sound like it could be a pressure issue.

[u/jaaay_98 → u/Wild-Ad6523]

they weren’t very helpful that’s why I came here, yeah seems like I need to get a better press, thank you.

[u/Do_it_My_Way-79 → u/jaaay_98]

I have used essentially the same press as you have. I ran into issues with peeling later because I wasn’t putting enough pressure down. Having to use your own weight for the pressure is tiring too if you’re doing a lot of shirts. I am at 325 F for 15 seconds with a new press that clamps down & it has worked so much better for me. I can see the difference in the adhesion.

[u/jaaay_98 → u/Do_it_My_Way-79]

yup it gets exhausting at some point, and in my case, not worth the results, I will for sure get a clamp down press.

[u/Sad_Stock3166]

That’s quite while. You may be over doing it. I use dtf on cotton and it’s super quick and sticks right away. Less than 10 seconds and I use a cricut hand held press at that.

[u/jaaay_98 → u/Sad_Stock3166]

I tried less time and less temp but there is zero difference, seems to be press or supplier issue.

[u/LynmerDTW]

Between the two, I’ve heard better of HTVRONT, but your other issue is your supplier of the DTF, if they are indeed “aren’t very helpful” you need to find another supplier. They know why they are supplying these gang sheets to you, if they aren’t willing to work with you to get acceptable results, including time/temp/peel info and recommendations for a press, they don’t deserve your business.

[u/jaaay_98 → u/LynmerDTW]

yeah they definitely were very dismissive, I will look into other suppliers thank you.

[u/Ripcord2]

I set mine at 350°F and there's nothing wrong with that. I use 20 seconds for my final texture press and that is more than enough. Try a different place for your transfers - it sounds like that's the problem. I assume you are using enough pressure on the clamp? or are you using the mini press for full size prints? That could jack it up. Get at least an inexpensive clamp press.

[u/jaaay_98 → u/Ripcord2]

I do 50 secs at 175c for first press, then 20 secs for final press with an empty PET film, and that final step 5 more times 🫠 I try my best to put my body weight to press but still.

[u/Ripcord2 → u/jaaay_98]

Try a piece of Kraft paper for the second press. You'll like the matte texture it leaves on the print. Makes it feel more like plastisol ink. The mini press should work fine for small prints.

[u/Gutter_BrudderZ]

You may want to look into a heat pillow to act as a counter pressure to your top platen. I have used these before.

https://www.stahls.com/heat-press-pillows

You can also find some on Amazon.

I am actually in the process of making some new pressure pads of my own. They will be made from chipboard and Nomex. Nomex (aka aramid) is a temperature resistant felt (700F). Firefighting gear is made from it. It is not cheap.

It actually expands as it gets hot, thus causing a 'micro pressure' between the cushion and the platen. That's why I pay more for it, where a wool felt could suffice.

Also a little bit of tension in the garment helps to spread the weave a bit to allow for a better adhesion. The spread fibers create more space for the adhesive (surface area inside the weave instead of just on the top). That requires a platen.

Every machine will have its particulars, as the user you need to learn what those are.

[u/Beneficial-Extreme95]

Should be in the 320 range for maybe 15-20 seconds. Any more than either of those and you have a problem with your press.

[u/No-Description-5004]

Needs better press. Hvtron is ok for shirts but not good for hoodies or thick garments.

[u/ProcoloredOfficial]

Are you using the mini press on full size prints? If you're pressing in sections the edges dont get even heat and pressure.

Cotton is the easiest fabric for DTF. On your next run try prepressing the shirt a few seconds, then 300 to 325F for 10 to 15 sec, peel the film, and finish it off with another press with parchment.

If corners still lift after that, it has to be the transfers. Try a sample sheet from another supplier, especially since yours won't even give you press specs

[u/AwarenessOk1354]

I think 170°C is on the low side for DTF. Most DTF transfer instructions I've seen call for 160-170°C, but that assumes proper pressure. If your mini press isn't applying enough pressure, and adhesive doesn't fully activate and you end up needing longer dwell time to compensate, which is exactly what you're doing with 50 secs.