Common DTF Mistakes - What NOT to do!

In this video, we'll be discussing some of the most common DTF Direct to Film mistakes - and what you can do to avoid them!
There are a lot of things to consider when making a DTF design, and making the right choices can make all the difference. In this video, we'll be discussing some of the most common DTF mistakes and how you can avoid them. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to making great DTF artwork!
This video will cover:
✅Artwork Resolution
✅Acceptable File Formats
✅Outlining Custom Fonts
✅Mirroring Images
✅Color Profiles
✅Gradients
✅Press Time and Pressure
✅Finishing Sheet
✅Black Knockout Designs
✅Dealing with Fine DTF Details
✅Storage of DTF transfers
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💻⚡️Order a FREE Tester Pack transfersuperstars.com/tester
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Heat Press Recommendations (BUDGET)
PowerPress 15x15 on Amazon amzn.to/3SPWFWj
Geo Knight Digital Knight 16" x 20" Clam Auto-Open Heat Press shrsl.com/49tsz
Hatpress By Stahls' Hotronix 360 IQ Hat Press
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[@3Dprint4you]

For the times you are trying to show when something doesn't work it's just like when you take your car to a mechanic because you heard the car making a weird sound it will never replicate itself while he is around! 😆 Excellent video and fantastic information to help us noobs get going. Subscribed Thanks!

[@transfersuperstars]

We all start somewhere, thanks for subbing! Appreciate the feedback

[@erocmoney8565]

I have 2 Clug ink cartridge what should I do I tried everything

[@ladislaschachignot1701]

pretty interesting; thanks for sharing your knowledge and mistakes to avoid when working with DTF. Very useful and well explained.

[@transfersuperstars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ceciltacayonsarinas1295]

Very detailed, thank you!

[@transfersuperstars]

Glad it was helpful! It look awhile to put together enough samples to make a good video for you guys. Appreciate you checking it out. Thanks again.

[@corkydavis5688]

The information you shared & demonstrated in this video was excellent! Thank you!

[@transfersuperstars]

You are so welcome!

[@kellya8718]

Very detailed. Thank you for the video. New subscriber here and you literally just went over everything I had questions about. I am new to dtf printing and have already ran into some of these situations. Thank you for clearing these up

[@transfersuperstars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SurvivingCollegeLifeMomEdition]

Excellent content. Thank you!

[@transfersuperstars]

You're very welcome!

[@TheSpEdTechTeacher]

I appreciate your thoroughness! It's very helpful getting advice from people who have tried things, learned from their mistakes, and help others to not make the same. Saves us time and money! Also, even thought not everything went wrong as planned, it's a great message and I'll still not take any chances. Subscribed.

[@transfersuperstars]

Thank you! We try our best to share what we can and pay it forward. I've learned a lot from our community as well. Rock On and thanks for the feedback!

[@dbsonlinesales4816]

Very helpful Thank you Phil

[@transfersuperstars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@moarijoewana]

Thanks for your time bro, much appreciated. God bless..

[@transfersuperstars]

Very welcome

[@selmaespinosa27]

Thank you for the video!! I was wondering if you suggest pre-washing tops that have a lot of stretch to them that shrink after the first wash. because my transfers are peeling prematurely and I was wondering if that could be contributing to the issue. Thanks!

[@transfersuperstars]

First thing I would suggest is looking at your press and pressure setting, which heat press are you using?

[@MohamedEnal]

Thanks for sharing great tips but what is the right temp and time for C° heat press?

[@transfersuperstars]

We keep our heat press settings around 150c or 300f for our transfers.

[@Gallofx72]

As someone who’s only been doing this for about 5 months, all the mistakes that didn’t happen on the video have definitely happened to me. Also, now I know why a pillow is useful, ordering mine from Amazon right now.

[@transfersuperstars]

Its definitely a learning experience with DTF! Glad you're still learning a thing or two and picked up something useful.

[@A55A551N420]

Awesome details and knowledge what type of printer do u use

[@transfersuperstars]

Thank you! We used to import our printers from overseas but now we upgrade our our fleet of printers as we continue to upgrade parts.

[@dictent3343]

These are really helpful tips, thanks for educating! I have a question though, how do you get rid of moisture from your prints? We've been having some issues where our prints get this oily residue over time, even after pressing them on the shirts. We know it's the humectant component from the inks. Are we not curing the prints enough? Would love to know how you solve this issue. Cheers!

[@transfersuperstars]

There are several factors that may contribute to oily prints. It is typically excess glycol that is left over from the inks not being cured enough. The curing process should be slow and cure times should be longer so that all the moisture evaporates from the ink. Some shorter shakers are limited in cure time. I’ve also seen that certain film retain moisture more than others. Certain inks like black are more running and may notice moisture more frequently in those prints. Lastly shipping orders with silica packages help.

[@dictent3343]

@@transfersuperstars Thanks for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it. Looks like we have to go back and adjust our settings.

[@ryanjordan6891]

good video

[@transfersuperstars]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobbyramdass7317]

Great information. What about pre-heat and lint roller on the t-shirt?

[@transfersuperstars]

pre press is recommended but not needed. Just like a lint roller, its not necessary but if you are a picky decorator or you have a linty fabric, then using a roller will help. We personally don't use a lint roller for mass production.

[@doubletalkwithme]

Do you have to change the heat setting and pressure if you have the Teflon sheet attached to the heat press like that from the beginning? I thought we'd only use the sheet for the 2nd press...

[@transfersuperstars]

No, you typically don't need to adjust the temperature when using a Teflon sheet from the beginning. The Teflon sheet's non-stick surface serves to protect the transfer and prevents premature release, which could potentially warp the image. So, you can proceed with the same heat setting without any adjustments.

[@stevenberry2554]

Where can we get the DTF prints you are using? Are there any websites you recommend getting premade DTF prints?

[@transfersuperstars]

We print custom designs that are customer's submit, If you don't have access to artwork, we sell premade transfers as well. www.transfersuperstars.com/collections/ready-to-press-transfers

[@alibabalazzo4891]

HI, how much white ink do you need to print, how do you adjust or calibrate that?

[@transfersuperstars]

It depends on a few things. You want to try to print as much white so that it is bright but just enough so that the white ink does not pool and drip. Its the right combination that will get you a perfect transfer that is durable, vibrant, soft.

[@DoubleZClips]

When you're attempting to demonstrate how something might appear messy or chaotic, yet ultimately turns out great

[@transfersuperstars]

haha it happens all the time, when you want replicate an issue and it just doesn't do it.

[@KillbarrackShoppingCentre]

in for the algo , thanks for the knowledge. I ordered some magnets and changed my time/temp settings :-)

[@transfersuperstars]

Excellent! Glad to help

[@123483219]

Great Video but what if my image has to have a white background for a dark T-shirt what do u recommend for image on a gang sheet

[@transfersuperstars]

I'm not sure what you mean but you can definitely print white and even submit white images on our website. We can print the white for you.

[@123483219]

@@transfersuperstars Ok i have submitted a images in a gang sheet put when saving in canva i do the transparent background and the white is gone from the image..

[@transfersuperstars]

Do you have the paid version of canva or free? That may affect some of the exporting features. Canva is very user friendly but we've seen a lot of times there are issues with backgrounds and lower than 300 dpi quality gangsheets. If you have your artwork ready, I recommend using the gangsheet builder on our website, you can check for backgrounds on there. www.transfersuperstars.com/products/dtf-gangsheet-builder

[@123483219]

@@transfersuperstars I do have the paid version..i will check the link thank you

[@transfersuperstars]

Np! Keep us posted.

[@SportsTalpakan]

Hi? How long does DTF last in storage with Silica Gel Pack?

[@transfersuperstars]

I would say 6-1yr is safe. However I would be selective and minimize storing large solid prints. I have some dtf neck tags and pocket logos that are over 3 years old and they press perfect.

[@graphicalsolutions1899]

So what is 'enough pressure' what is the right pressure for cotton or polyester or... you said 300 degrees 7 seconds is fine for most fabrics, but what about the pressure?

[@transfersuperstars]

Heavy pressure or if you have an air pneumatic it is 40lb psi min. The final test should be a wash test. If you have enough pressure you won't see premature wrinkles. Here's a video on pressure. kzbin.info/www/bejne/parNYXSpZaetbLM

[@sobreimpresion]

Why you use a Offset color profile for digital print? For best colors, you need a custom RGB or CMYK profile made for DTF.

[@transfersuperstars]

DTF prints are printed from CMYK values. We calibrate and have profiles for our ink/color combos. With that said when creating artwork to send to us, we ask our customer's to use the same CMYK FOGRA39 profile if they ordered a color chart from us and want to color match. Here's a video explaining our process, everyone has a different process but this is what works for customer's to upload files to us. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpWTm6OFi9ein9k

[@djemil9213]

Is there any way to buy old stock DTF from you from Italy like 100 pieces different size

[@transfersuperstars]

We don't ship internationally at this time. Sorry!

[@FM-wi2jw]

thanks I liked it and it helped me but about the neck U can justturn the t-shirt around and do it easier...thanks

[@transfersuperstars]

Thanks for the tip!

[@cherylshepherd5602]

I was thinking the same thing about hoodies 😊

[@doobiekutzmuzik]

300 degrees ferenheit or celsius for 7 seconds? Out here we mostly do 160-170 celsius for 15 to 20 secs... So im just wondering about that setting...

[@transfersuperstars]

300F is what we press most our garments at. The transfers we make are only pressed for 7s. Cold or Hot Peeled

[@jm4210]

Hi I just bought a dtf printer and heat press. The result is coming out very dark and dull, what could the problem be? It is not the quality I am aiming for. Watching as many KZbin videos as I can still not sure what’s gone wrong. Any advice would be appreciated thanks

[@transfersuperstars]

Dark and Dull sounds like a result of a printer that is not properly profiled or it could be the actual artwork. What printer are you using and are you using the same inks that originally came from the manufacturer?

[@MLinktheprophet]

What Vevor heat press are you using here? I cant find the auto open on Amazon

[@transfersuperstars]

Unfortunately its not available anymore. Vevor took it down after a few days on Amazon. We really like the value of it for a budget press but we just havn't been able to find it.

[@cherylshepherd5602]

​@transfersuperstars perhaps it can be found used?? What model were you using in this video?

[@transfersuperstars]

It was on Amazon, www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Magnetic-Semi-Automatic-Clamshell-Sublimation/dp/B0C6SW63SS?crid=2WW7BHUPGQXGI&keywords=vevor%2B15x15%2Bsemi&qid=1695743811&sprefix=vevor%2B15x15%2Bsemi,aps,128&sr=8-2&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=transfersuper-20&linkId=1641945ccce74e40577991eb3f55f90d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl here is a video we did on it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKWQppR-mqpqipY

[@Gallofx72]

There’s a lot of printers that only take PNG and you can only save files in RGB format. As a graphic designer I know what happens when you convert RBG to CMYK. My issue is some of my prints come with that white outline you talked about, but all my images are 300dpi and they start out as 300dpi, no resizing done.

[@transfersuperstars]

If you are seeing a white outline, how is your alignment? Are you completely calibrated? When preparing and contracting your design in photoshop, do you see a design contraction in your newly created white layer? It should show on the preview before you even print.

[@Gallofx72]

@@transfersuperstars I will check, but I’m almost positive everything is fine on my end. It’s weird bc on the same gang sheet the designs are fine and some aren’t. But I think it’s happening with images/text I convert from Illustrator to Photoshop.

[@YassineMomo-cp7st]

Show us another machine 💥

[@simplyme4313]

I wanna know what kind of ink do we need for DTF ??

[@transfersuperstars]

You need specific INK for DTF, most importantly you need a printer with some print heads that can handle this ink. Do you have a printer currently?

[@minniet8554]

what do you mean by they have to outline their custom font?

[@transfersuperstars]

Outlining fonts in Adobe Illustrator is an essential step in the design process, especially when sharing files or preparing them for printing. When you outline a font, you convert text from a font-based vector to a shape-based vector. Here's why this is important: 1. Preserving Design Integrity: Font Availability: Not every computer or printer will have the same fonts installed that you used in your design. If you send a document with live (editable) text, the receiving system might replace your chosen font with a default one if it doesn't have access to that specific font. This can alter the appearance of the text in your design. Consistency Across Platforms: Outlining fonts ensures that your text looks exactly as you intended, no matter where or how the document is opened or printed. 2. Editable Text vs. Graphic Element: Non-Editable: Once text is outlined, it's no longer editable as text. This means you cannot change the wording, font style, or font size as you normally would with text. Customization: However, outlining allows you to manipulate the text as a graphic shape. You can apply complex transformations, distortions, and other graphic effects that aren’t possible with standard text. 3. Commercial Printing Needs: File Compatibility: In professional printing, the process often requires files to be universally compatible. Outlined text ensures the text appears as intended, regardless of the fonts installed on the printer’s computers. Avoid Licensing Issues: Some fonts have licensing restrictions that may not allow them to be embedded in files shared with others. Outlining the text circumvents this issue. 4. File Size and Performance: Reducing File Size: In some cases, outlining fonts can reduce the file size, as the information about the font itself (which can be quite extensive) is no longer embedded in the file. Improving Performance: For complex documents, having live text can sometimes slow down performance. Outlining the text can improve the processing speed when working with the file. How to Outline Fonts in Adobe Illustrator: To outline text in Adobe Illustrator: Select the text using the Selection Tool (V). Go to the top menu and select Type > Create Outlines (or use the shortcut Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + O). The text is now a vector shape and can no longer be edited as text. Conclusion: Outlining fonts is a best practice in graphic design, especially for finalizing documents for sharing and printing. It ensures that your design remains consistent and appears as intended, regardless of the end user’s system configuration. However, it’s advisable to always keep an editable copy of your document before outlining text, in case you need to make changes later.

[@minniet8554]

Okay! wow thank you so much for that information! i will take it with me when i purchase my dtf machine

[@sroy9789]

@@transfersuperstars Would this be the case only with vector files? This shouldn't be an issue if the file is PNG?

[@justjuniorjaw]

5:30 300 degree in Fahrenheit. Should be logical as 300C is too high. 17:10 tip applies to 12:08 Heat press setting, it's best to just ask your supplier if that's available. Avoid asking other DTF related company, as their machine may not be the same as yours.

[@transfersuperstars]

300F or 150c is what we press our transfers at. We sell transfers so this is the setting we ask our users to use.

[@fomdtf]

Hey hru do I love your information this is AL I see your channel has grown a lot congratulations . Let's do a collaboration video

[@magsbain8143]

My prints on DTF are coming out dark plz help

[@transfersuperstars]

How dark? Do you have your ICC Profile dialed down? Have you changed inks or anything?