🧺 1. Prep Your Shirt

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  Choose a clean, flat cotton or cotton-blend T-shirt (like Comfort Colors 1717 or similar).
  
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  Lay it on a hard, heat-safe surface — like a countertop with a thick towel or a wooden board underneath.
  
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  Run the iron over it for 5–10 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
  
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  Use a lint roller to remove dust and lint (important for good adhesion).
  

🖨️ 2. Position Your DTF Transfer

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  Place the DTF print film facing up (ink side up, film side down on the fabric).
  
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  Align it in the center or where you want the design.
  
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  Optional: tape the edges down with heat-resistant tape so it doesn’t move.
  

🧰 3. If You’re Using a Regular Iron

👉 Make sure it has no steam — dry heat only.

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  Temperature: “Cotton” or highest setting (usually 300–320 °F / 150–160 °C).
  
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  Place parchment paper or baking paper on top of the transfer.
  
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  Press the iron firmly over the design for 15–20 seconds at a time.
  
  → Don’t slide the iron — press down and lift, working in sections.
  
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  Cover the entire design evenly (especially edges).
  

⚠️ Pro Tip: Put your body weight into it to mimic the pressure of a heat press.

🧲 4. Peel the Film

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  Let the shirt cool down completely (DTF is usually cold peel).
  
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  Start peeling the film from a corner slowly.
  
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  If part of the design lifts, lay the film back down and re-press that spot for a few more seconds.
  

💪 5. Final Press (Important!)

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  Place parchment paper or a Teflon sheet over the peeled design.
  
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  Press with the iron again for 5–10 seconds.
  
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  This step seals the design and makes it last longer in the wash.
  

🧼 6. Aftercare at Home

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  Let the T-shirt rest at least 24 hours before washing.
  
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  Wash inside-out in cold water on gentle cycle.
  
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  Air dry or tumble dry low.
  
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  Don’t iron directly on the design — use parchment if needed.
  

✅ Home DTF Tips:

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  If you can invest in a small heat press, you’ll get more consistent pressure and better results than an iron.
  
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  Avoid pressing on soft surfaces like beds or ironing boards — they reduce pressure and ruin the adhesion.
  
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  A second press after peeling is what makes the design feel soft and professional.