

Hey Bestie!
Welcome to your go-to spot for all things printing! Here you’ll find quick tips, artwork guidelines, pressing recommendations, and helpful tricks to get the best results from your transfers. Whether you’re brand new or already a printing pro, we’re here to make the process a little easier. ✨
More bestie tips!
Here you’ll find answers to most of your DTF questions, from artwork and pressing to gang sheets and care. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Your Print Bestie is always happy to help! 💕
DTF Design Size Guide
How big should my design be?
Recommended design sizes:
- Adult Full Front: 10–12" wide
- Adult Left Chest: 3–4" wide
- Youth Full Front: 8–10" wide
- Toddler Full Front: 6–8" wide
- Pocket Design: 2.5–3" wide
Always measure the garment before ordering or pressing your design for the best results.
DTF Pressing Guide
Every heat press is slightly different, but these are our general recommendations:
- Temperature: 310–325°F
- Time: 10–15 seconds
- Pressure: Medium to firm
- Peel: Hot or cold, depending on the transfer
- Repress: 3–5 seconds using a Teflon sheet or parchment paper
We recommend doing a test press whenever you are using a new garment or heat press.
Design Placement Guide
For most adult shirts, place your design approximately 4 inches below the collar.
Center the design vertically and horizontally on the garment.
Using a ruler, T-square, or shirt alignment tool can help you achieve consistent placement every time.
Is My Artwork Print-Ready?
Before uploading your artwork, make sure:
- The background is transparent
- The file is saved as a PNG
- The artwork is high resolution
- The file is approximately 300 DPI at the desired print size
- Colors are correct
- Spelling and details have been checked
- The artwork is not blurry or pixelated
Higher-quality artwork will always produce better transfers.
Why Does My Image Look Blurry?
Low-resolution artwork can become blurry or pixelated when enlarged.
For the best results, use artwork that has:
- High resolution
- Large pixel dimensions
- Clean, crisp edges
- A transparent background
Avoid using:
- Screenshots
- Images downloaded from Facebook or Google
- Small images that have been enlarged
- Blurry or pixelated artwork
Always start with the highest-quality file available.
Gang Sheets 101
A gang sheet is one large sheet containing multiple designs.
Gang sheets are great because you can:
- Mix different designs
- Mix different design sizes
- Maximize the printable area
- Get more transfers from one sheet
Leave enough space between each design so they can easily be cut apart after printing.
Please note that we do not automatically resize or modify uploaded artwork unless otherwise stated.
How to Choose Your Gang Sheet Size
Choose your gang sheet based on how many designs you need and how large they are.
Common sizes include:
- 22" × 12" – Small logos, left-chest designs, names, or drops
- 22" × 24" – Multiple small to medium designs
- 22" × 48" – Multiple medium to large designs
- 22" × 60" – Larger designs, sleeves, or backs
- 22" × 120" – Large orders or many designs
Try to arrange your designs as efficiently as possible to get the most value from your sheet.
RGB vs. CMYK
RGB is primarily used for digital screens, while CMYK is commonly associated with printing.
Colors can appear different on your screen than they do once printed.
Very bright colors, neon shades, and exact color matches may not reproduce exactly as they appear on a phone or computer monitor.
Screen settings can also affect how colors appear.
Avoid White Backgrounds
Always upload artwork with a transparent background unless you intentionally want a white box printed around your design.
For best results, use a transparent PNG file.
A white background visible in your artwork may print as part of the transfer.
Tiny Details & Fine Lines
Very small details may not transfer as cleanly as larger elements.
Be cautious with:
- Very thin lines
- Tiny text
- Small dots
- Fades and transparency
- Highly intricate details
For the best print quality, make important elements slightly larger and bolder whenever possible.
Tiny Details & Fine Lines
Very small details may not transfer as cleanly as larger elements.
Be cautious with:
- Very thin lines
- Tiny text
- Small dots
- Fades and transparency
- Highly intricate details
For the best print quality, make important elements slightly larger and bolder whenever possible.
How to Wash DTF Shirts
To help your DTF print last as long as possible:
- Wait 24–48 hours before the first wash
- Turn the garment inside out
- Wash in cold water
- Use mild detergent
- Avoid bleach
- Avoid fabric softener
- Tumble dry on low or hang dry
- Do not iron directly over the design
Proper care can significantly extend the life of your print.
My Transfer Didn’t Stick — What Happened?
If your transfer did not adhere properly, check the following:
- Make sure your temperature is correct
- Use firm, even pressure
- Press on a flat, stable surface
- Avoid seams, zippers, collars, and thick areas
- Follow the recommended peel instructions
- Repress the transfer if needed
Most adhesion problems are caused by incorrect temperature, pressure, or pressing time.
Heat Press vs. Household Iron
For DTF transfers, a heat press is strongly recommended.
A heat press provides:
- Consistent temperature
- Even pressure
- More predictable results
- Better adhesion
Household irons typically have uneven heat and do not provide consistent pressure, which can cause parts of the transfer to lift or fail.
How to Store DTF Transfers
Store unused DTF transfers properly to protect them before pressing.
For best results:
- Keep transfers flat
- Store them in a cool, dry place
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Keep away from heat and humidity
- Store them in their original bag, folder, or protective packaging
For best quality, we recommend using transfers within approximately 12 months.
What Can I Put DTF On?
DTF works well on many materials, including:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Cotton/poly blends
- Canvas
- Denim
- Spandex
- Leather
- Wood and other compatible surfaces
DTF may not be ideal for:
- Nylon
- Silicone
- Waterproof-coated materials
- Certain specialty fabrics
Whenever you are unsure about a material, we recommend doing a test press first. For best quality, we recommend using transfers within approximately 12 months.

