Pressing instructions
Press like a pro. These settings work with most clamshell and swing-away heat presses.
DTF transfers
These are the settings for BeeDTF transfers. Every press heats a little differently, so do one test press on a scrap garment first.
275°F is about 135°C. Never go above 300°F (150°C) or 10 seconds on the first press.
Pre-press the garment
Press the blank for 5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles. Let it cool for a few seconds.
Position the transfer
Place the transfer film side up on the garment. Cover it with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper.
First press
275°F for 7 seconds at medium pressure. Do not exceed 300°F or 10 seconds.
Peel hot
Open the press and peel the film off right away, while it is still hot. Pull in one smooth motion, starting from a corner and keeping the film low and close to the garment. If any part of the design lifts, lay the film back down, press 2–3 more seconds and peel again.
Second press
Cover with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper and press again for 5 seconds. Do not exceed 300°F or 5 seconds.
Over-pressing scorches the transfer and is the #1 cause of cracking after the first wash. Stick to 275°F and 7 seconds. Wait 24 hours before the first wash.
Fabric guide
The same settings work on cotton, polyester and blends. Synthetic fabrics are the most heat-sensitive, so never go hotter or longer.
On polyester and dark blends, too much heat can make the shirt color bleed into the print (dye migration). Keep it at 275°F.
Troubleshooting
The edges are lifting after washing
The transfer usually needed even pressure, or it was washed too soon. Do the 5-second second press with a Teflon sheet, check your pressure is medium and even, and wait 24 hours before the first wash. Don't add more heat or time.
The print looks shiny
That's normal right after a hot peel. The 5-second second press under a Teflon sheet or parchment paper gives a softer, matte finish.
The shirt color is bleeding into the print
This is dye migration, common on polyester and some dark blends. Make sure you are at 275°F, not higher, and don't press longer than 7 seconds.
Can I use a household iron?
We don't recommend it. An iron can't give even heat and pressure, so the print may peel early. A heat press set to 275°F for 7 seconds gives the best result.
UV DTF stickers
No heat needed. For cups, tumblers, glass, metal, plastic and other hard, smooth surfaces.
Clean the surface
Wipe it with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. Dust and oil stop the sticker from bonding.
Peel the backing
Peel off the bottom paper. The design stays on the clear top film.
Apply and press
Place it, then rub firmly over the whole design with a squeegee or your fingers for 30 seconds.
Remove the top film
Peel the clear film slowly at a low angle. If any part lifts, lay it back down and rub again.
Wait 24 hours before washing. Hand wash only for the best results.