Step-by-Step: How We Print, Cure, and Ship DTF Transfers

Md Abdur Rahman

Step-by-Step: How We Print, Cure, and Ship DTF Transfers

DTF Transfers Plug – Tyler, Texas

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing has transformed the apparel world, making it easier than ever for small businesses, custom brands, and print shops to create beautiful, durable designs with fast turnaround times. But have you ever wondered exactly how your DTF transfers are made?

At DTF Transfers Plug, we follow a professional, fully controlled production workflow to ensure every sheet is sharp, vibrant, consistent, and ready to press the moment it arrives at your door.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain and giving you a step-by-step, behind-the-scenes look into how we print, cure, and ship your DTF transfers — from artwork to final packaging.

If you want to place an order after reading this guide, you can do so here:
👉 Build Your Gang Sheet — https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/products/build-your-dtf-gang-sheet
👉 Upload Your DTF Artwork — https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/products/upload-your-dtf-gang-sheet

Step 1: You Upload Your Artwork or Build a Gang Sheet

Your order begins the moment you upload your design or build a custom gang sheet through our website.

We offer two options:

1. Upload Your DTF Gang Sheet (Ready-to-Print)

If you already designed your sheet in Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, or Canva, simply upload it here:
👉 https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/products/upload-your-dtf-gang-sheet

2. Build Your Own Gang Sheet Online (Drag & Drop)

Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to fit multiple designs on one sheet.
👉 https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/products/build-your-dtf-gang-sheet

We recommend uploading artwork as:

  • PNG (300 DPI, transparent background)

  • PDF, SVG, or AI (best for vector designs)

Once your file is uploaded, our team performs an automatic and manual artwork check to ensure print-ready quality.

Step 2: Our Team Reviews Your Artwork (Quality Check)

Every file goes through a careful review before printing.

We check for:

✔ Correct file resolution
✔ Clean edges and no unwanted pixelation
✔ Transparent backgrounds
✔ Proper sizing
✔ Color profile compatibility (RGB recommended)
✔ Missing fonts or broken layers
✔ White underbase accuracy

If anything needs correction, we fix small issues automatically. For major problems, we contact you before printing.

This prevents mistakes, wasted sheets, and delays — saving you time and money.

Step 3: Preparing the Printer for Production

Our high-end DTF printers are calibrated daily for maximum accuracy.

Before printing, we:

  • Run nozzle checks to ensure perfect ink flow

  • Shake and agitate white ink for smooth, even coverage

  • Warm up the print heads

  • Clean the capping station

  • Load premium PET film rolls

  • Verify color accuracy and print alignment

These steps ensure your transfers print sharp, vibrant, and consistent from the first sheet to the last.

Step 4: Printing Your DTF Transfers

Now the real magic begins.

Your artwork is sent through our RIP software, which handles:

  • Ink layering

  • Color channel separation

  • Underbase control

  • Dot placement

  • Print resolution

  • Color mapping

Your sheet prints in two layers:

  1. CMYK Color Layer – prints first

  2. White Ink Underbase – prints second, providing opacity and vibrancy

Because of this technology, your colors stay bold on ANY fabric color — black, white, red, or neon.

We print at high resolution (up to 3000 DPI) for crisp detail and smooth gradients.

Step 5: Applying the Adhesive Powder

Once printed, your design needs adhesive powder to bond the ink to the garment during pressing.

We use high-quality DTF hot melt adhesive powder, evenly applied using a professional automatic shaker.

The shaker ensures:

✔ Even coating
✔ No clumps
✔ Perfect adhesion
✔ Clean edges (no powder “halo effect”)

Cheap powder = cracked prints.
We use only premium-grade adhesive for the strongest, longest-lasting results.

Step 6: Curing the Transfers

Next, the coated sheets go into our curing oven, where the adhesive powder melts and bonds to the ink.

Our curing process is controlled and precise:

  • Temperature: 105–125°C

  • Curing Time: 2–3 minutes

  • Ventilation System: Removes moisture and preserves ink quality

Once cured, the sheets develop that signature matte or glossy finish depending on the film type.

Curing is the step that determines long-term durability — and we take it seriously.

Step 7: Cooling and Final Quality Inspection

After curing, the sheets need a brief cooling period.
Then our team performs a final visual and physical inspection.

We check for:

✔ Solid, smooth adhesive coverage
✔ No exposed powder
✔ No banding or streaks
✔ No scratches or fiber contamination
✔ Crisp edges and clean lines
✔ Bold, accurate color representation

If a sheet does not meet our standards, we reprint it immediately.
Only flawless sheets leave our production floor.

Step 8: Cutting and Sorting Your Order

If you ordered multiple designs or gang sheets, we trim and prepare them carefully.

You can choose:

  • Full uncut gang sheets

  • Precision-cut single transfers

  • Bulk packs for large orders

We label orders clearly so you know exactly what each sheet contains.

Step 9: Secure Packaging to Prevent Damage

DTF transfers are sensitive to moisture and pressure, so we package them professionally:

Packaging includes:

  • Moisture-resistant poly bags

  • Flat rigid mailer or box (no bending)

  • Powder-free environment

  • "Do Not Bend" labeling

  • Instructions for pressing

Your transfers arrive flat, clean, and ready to press.

Step 10: Fast Shipping from Tyler, Texas

We ship daily throughout Texas and the entire United States.

Our customers love:

✔ Fast turnaround
✔ Same-day printing when possible
✔ Reliable shipping
✔ Local pickup options (for Tyler customers)

Your sheet goes from our printer → to your doorstep → ready to press.

Why DTF Transfers Plug Is Trusted by Texas Apparel Brands

We’re a local Texas DTF supplier powered by quality, consistency, and customer service.

What makes us different:

🔥 We use professional-grade film and adhesive powder
🔥 Every sheet is reviewed twice for quality
🔥 Colors are bold, vivid, and accurate
🔥 Transfers work on any fabric and last through many washes
🔥 You get fast turnaround without losing quality
🔥 Our gang sheet builder saves you time
🔥 You get real support — not automated replies

Learn more about who we are:
👉 About Us: https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/pages/about-us

Ready to Order Your Next Batch of DTF Transfers?

Start your order in seconds:

✔ Build Your Gang Sheet Online
https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/products/build-your-dtf-gang-sheet

✔ Upload Your Ready Artwork
https://www.dtftransfersplug.com/products/upload-your-dtf-gang-sheet

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

Your prints deserve a professional process.
We deliver it — every single time.

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