Common DTF Transfer Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Md Abdur Rahman

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is one of the most reliable and profitable options for apparel decorators today. But even with a powerful process like DTF, beginners — and even experienced print shops — can run into issues that affect print quality.

The good news?
Most DTF problems are extremely easy to fix once you understand what’s causing them.

Whether you're a brand owner in Tyler, Texas, a small business printing shirts at home, or a growing apparel line, this guide will show you the most common DTF transfer mistakes and how to fix them fast.

If you want the highest-quality DTF transfers without the stress, order from us anytime:
👉 Build Your Gang Sheet — https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/products/build-your-dtf-gang-sheet
👉 Upload Your Artwork — https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/products/upload-your-dtf-gang-sheet

1. Blurry or Fuzzy Edges After Pressing

❌ Common Cause: Low-resolution artwork or incorrect file format.

DTF printing can only reproduce the quality of the file you upload. If your edges look fuzzy or pixelated, it usually means the file isn’t sharp enough.

✅ Fix:

  • Always use 300 DPI or higher

  • Save as PNG with transparent background

  • Avoid screenshots or photos of artwork

  • Use vector files for logos and text (AI, SVG, PDF)

Need help with artwork prep?
👉 Contact Us: https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/pages/contact-us

2. Dull or Faded Colors

❌ Common Cause: Artwork saved in CMYK or low saturation settings.

DTF printers output the best colors using RGB color profiles, not CMYK.

✅ Fix:

  • Always design in RGB

  • Boost saturation for neons or pastels

  • Avoid low-opacity layers

  • Make sure your monitor brightness isn’t misleading your color choices

We use premium inks and calibrated color profiles to ensure bold colors every time.

3. Prints Not Sticking to the Shirt

❌ Common Cause: Incorrect heat press settings or uneven pressure.

Even the best DTF transfers will not adhere properly if pressed incorrectly.

✅ Fix:

Use these settings for the best results:

  • Temperature: 285–305°F

  • Pressure: Medium to firm

  • Press Time: 10–15 seconds

  • Peel: Hot or cold depending on design

  • Final Press: 5 seconds to lock in durability

If the print lifts, press again with higher pressure.

4. Cracked Prints After Washing

❌ Common Causes:

  • Under-pressed transfer

  • Over-pressed transfer

  • Too much heat

  • Fabric stretched during pressing

✅ Fix:

  • Keep the shirt relaxed — do not stretch it on the platen

  • Follow time and temperature guidelines

  • Use a final 5-second post-press

  • Wash inside-out in cold water for best longevity

Our transfers at DTF Transfers Plug are engineered to resist cracking for long-term durability.

5. Ink Smudging or Bleeding

❌ Common Cause: Poor-quality film or overheating.

Cheap DTF film allows ink to spread or bleed, especially around small details.

✅ Fix:

  • Use premium PET film (we use only high-grade sheets)

  • Press with proper temperature

  • Avoid overly long press times

Bleeding is almost always a materials issue — not your fault.

6. White Underbase Showing Through the Design

❌ Common Cause: File not flattened or improper transparency layers.

When the white base layer peeks through, the file likely has:

  • Hidden layers

  • Low-opacity elements

  • Unclean edges

✅ Fix:

  • Merge all layers before exporting

  • Remove leftover white pixels

  • Clean edges with a 1–2px outline (optional)

If you upload artwork with issues, we review it before printing so you don’t waste money.

7. Film Hard to Peel Off

❌ Common Cause: Incorrect peel timing (too hot or too cold).

Some designs peel better cold, others hot.

✅ Fix:

  • Try both cold peel and warm peel

  • Peel slowly and consistently

  • If small pieces lift, press again for 5 seconds

When in doubt, cold peel gives the most reliable results.

8. Colors Not Matching Your Screen

❌ Common Cause: Screen brightness and monitor color differences.

Monitors show colors differently than printers produce.

✅ Fix:

  • Lower screen brightness

  • Design in RGB

  • Use solid colors instead of extremely subtle gradients

  • Keep your saturation strong for bold prints

We maintain calibrated machines to ensure color consistency for every order.

9. Sheets Printed Too Small or Too Large

❌ Common Cause: Improper scale when uploading artwork.

If you upload art without sizing it correctly, it may print incorrectly.

✅ Fix:

Correct sizing = perfect final product.

10. Mistakes When Building a Gang Sheet

❌ Common Mistakes:

  • Not aligning designs properly

  • Missing transparency

  • Not filling the sheet fully

  • Uploading designs with hidden backgrounds

✅ Fix:

Use our gang sheet builder for perfect results:
👉 https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/products/build-your-dtf-gang-sheet

Or upload a pre-made sheet:
👉 https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/products/upload-your-dtf-gang-sheet

We also offer free layout assistance.

11. Pressing Over Seams or Wrinkles

❌ Common Cause: Uneven pressure.

If the shirt has wrinkles or seams under the print, it creates uneven adhesion.

✅ Fix:

  • Pre-press the shirt for 2–3 seconds

  • Smooth out wrinkles completely

  • Adjust the platen to avoid seams

Smooth fabric = perfect transfers.

12. Using the Wrong Heat Press

❌ Common Cause: Cheap presses with inconsistent heat.

If your heat press doesn’t maintain even temperature, you will get:

  • Patchy transfers

  • Dull spots

  • Incomplete adhesion

✅ Fix:

Use a press with:

  • Even heat distribution

  • Adjustable pressure

  • Accurate temperature readings

We cover the best presses here in another blog.

13. Not Following Curing Recommendations

Though DTF transfers come pre-cured from us, some cheap suppliers under-cure or over-cure.

Under-cure → powder flakes
Over-cure → rough rubbery feel

With our shop in Tyler, Texas, every sheet is fully cured, inspected, and ready to press.

Final Thoughts — DTF Mistakes Are Easy to Fix When You Know the Cause

Most DTF issues come down to artwork setup, pressing technique, or materials quality. By understanding what causes each problem, you can eliminate errors and achieve perfect prints every time.

At DTF Transfers Plug, we remove the guesswork by providing:
✔ Premium PET film
✔ Vivid inks
✔ Sharp edges
✔ Durable, crack-resistant prints
✔ Daily-calibrated printers
✔ Fast Texas turnaround
✔ Local customer support

Start your next flawless print run today:
👉 Build Your Gang Sheet
https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/products/build-your-dtf-gang-sheet

Have questions?
👉 FAQ: https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/pages/faq
👉 About Us: https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/pages/about-us
👉 Contact: https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/pages/contact-us

Back to blog