The Press-Perfect Cheat Sheet
The exact temps, times + placement we use on every transfer — so yours come out smooth, bright, and still perfect after 50 washes.
Save this page. Screenshot the charts. Tape them next to your press if you have to... this is the stuff nobody tells you when you're figuring it out alone.
1. Pressing Settings by Transfer Type
Screen Print Transfers
- Temp: 350–365°F
- Time: 7–10 seconds
- Pressure: Firm (medium-heavy)
- Peel: Hot peel — peel smooth and steady right after pressing
- Finish: Cover with parchment and re-press 3–5 seconds to lock it in
DTF Transfers
- Temp: 300–325°F
- Time: 10–15 seconds
- Pressure: Medium-firm
- Peel: Let it cool before you peel — patience is the whole trick here
- Finish: Re-press 5–10 seconds with parchment for a softer, matte finish
UV DTF Decals (cups, tumblers, hard surfaces)
No heat press needed — these are peel and stick:
- Wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol and let it dry all the way
- Peel the backing off the decal
- Place it, then smooth it down hard with a card or your thumb — get every bubble out
- Peel the clear top film back slowly at an angle
⚠️ UV DTF is hand-wash only — no dishwasher, no soaking. Tell your customers too!
2. Placement + Sizing Chart
| Garment | Design Width | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Adult full front | 10–12" | 2–3" below the collar, centered |
| Ladies fitted tee | 9–10" | 2–3" below the collar, centered |
| Youth tee | 7.5–9" | 2" below the collar, centered |
| Toddler tee | 5.5–7" | 1.5–2" below the collar |
| Infant onesie | 4–5" | 1–1.5" below the collar |
| Left chest / pocket | 3–4" | 3–4" down from shoulder seam, centered on the pocket side |
| Sleeve | 2–3.5" | Centered on the sleeve |
| Hoodie front | 10–11" | Start about 1" above the pocket |
The quick trick: fold the shirt in half vertically and finger-press a light crease — that's your center line every single time.
3. Pro Tips (the ones that save shirts)
- Always pre-press the garment 5–7 seconds first — it pulls out moisture and wrinkles so the transfer actually bonds
- Let pressed shirts cool completely before stacking them
- If edges lift after pressing, your pressure was too light — press again with parchment, firmer
- Do a test press on one blank before you run a whole order... future you says thank you
4. The Care Card (copy this for YOUR customers)
Wait 24–48 hours before the first wash. Wash inside out, cold water. No bleach, no fabric softener. Hang dry or tumble low. Never iron directly on the design.
Put that on a little card in every order — it protects your reviews.
🎁 Your welcome gift
You followed us, so this one's on us:
Use code BESTIE10 for 10% off your first transfer order
Go make something cute, bestie. We'll press the rest. 🫶
— Transfers by TTA