Heat. Press. 100+ washes.

Our DTF transfers work on cotton, polyester, blends, denim and more — dark or light fabrics, no weeding, no cutting. Printed in-house in Opa-locka, FL. Same-day production available.

320°F
Ideal Temp
15s
Press Time
100+
Wash Cycles
5,000+
Happy Customers
ABOUT CAPTAIN PRINTING - MIAMI, FL

320°F

15 sec
Press Time
100% Cotton
Fabric
Wash durability
100+ washes
Pressure
Medium-Firm
Peel
❆ Cold peel
Post-press
5 sec • parchment
Result
★ Best
Production
Same-day
No minimums • Ships from Opa-locka, FL
STEP BY STEP

How to apply a DTF transfer

Follow these steps in order for best results. Skipping pre-press or peeling too fast are the two most common mistakes – both easily avoidable.

01 - PREPARATION

Pre-press your garment first

Close the press for 3-5 seconds with no transfer. This removes moisture and wrinkles, creating a perfectly flat, dry surface for the transfer to bond to. Never skip this step – moisture is the enemy of good adhesion.

HEAT PRESS
GARMENT ONLY • NO TRANSFER
Flat & dry
3-5 SECONDS
TRANSFER
Face down
DESIGN FACES FABRIC
02 - POSITIONING

Position the transfer face-down

Place the DTF transfer film-side up (printed design facing down, directly against the fabric). Center it exactly where you want it.

 

03 - PRESS

Apply heat & pressure for 15 seconds

Close firmly and hold for 15 seconds. Full, even pressure across the entire design. Uneven pressure causes lifting edges.

TEMPERATURE
320°F
MEDIUM-FIRM • 15 SECONDS
✔ COLD PEEL
Wait until cool to touch
✘ COLD PEEL
Edges lift after first wash
04 - PEEL

Wait, then cold peel the film

Let cool completely at room temperature. Peel the clear film slowly from a corner at 90° °. If it resists, re-press 5 more seconds.
05 - RE-PRESS

Re-press with parchment paper

Cover with parchment and press 5 seconds. Seals edges, removes lifting, locks print into fabric. Extends durability from 50 to 100+ washes.

PARCHMENT PAPER
On top
DESIGN SEALED
5 sec • Done ✔
Fabric Type Temperature Time Pressure Peel Result Notes
100% Cotton T-shirts, hoodies, canvas 🌡️ 320°F / 160°C 15 sec Medium-Firm ❄️ Cold ⭐ Best Most reliable. Ideal for DTF.
50/50 Cotton-Poly Gildan, Bella+Canvas blends 🌡️ 300°F / 150°C 15 sec Medium ❄️ Cold ⭐ Best Excellent adhesion. Very popular.
100% Polyester Jerseys, activewear, drinkware 🌡️ 270–285°F / 132–140°C 15 sec Medium ❄️ Cold ✓ Good Lower temp prevents scorching. Test first.
Performance / Moisture-Wicking Dri-Fit, athletic, sport 🌡️ 265–275°F / 130–135°C 12–15 sec Light-Medium ❄️ Cold 🧪 Test First High risk of scorch. Pre-press essential.
Nylon Windbreakers, bags, jackets 🌡️ 250–265°F / 120–130°C 12 sec Light 🌡️ Warm 🧪 Test First Very sensitive. Low pressure, low temp.
Denim Jeans, jackets, hats 🌡️ 320°F / 160°C 18–20 sec Firm ❄️ Cold ✓ Good Longer press for thick weave. Extra re-press.
Canvas / Twill Tote bags, hats, aprons 🌡️ 315–320°F / 158–160°C 15–18 sec Firm ❄️ Cold ✓ Good Use extra padding for uneven surfaces.
Polyester Satin / Sublimated Flags, ribbons, awards 🌡️ 250–260°F / 120–127°C 10–12 sec Light ❄️ Cold ⚠️ Caution Very heat-sensitive. Scorch risk is high.
Tri-Blend (Poly/Cotton/Rayon) Fashion-fit tees, vintage wash 🌡️ 285–295°F / 140–146°C 12–15 sec Medium ❄️ Cold 🧪 Test First Rayon content requires reduced temp.
Fleece / Sherpa Hoodies, blankets 🌡️ 320°F / 160°C 18 sec Firm ❄️ Cold 🧪 Test First Use heat pillow. Texture may affect adhesion.
PRO TIPS

What actually makes the difference

After thousands of presses at our Opa-locka facility, these are the details that separate a good application from a great one.

01 - TEMPERATURE
Calibrate your press
01

Your press display is often 10-20°F off. Get an infrared thermometer, verify your actual platen temp. This single fix solves most application problems.

02 - PREP
Moisture is the enemy
02

Even fresh garments carry moisture. In Miami’s humidity this is non-negotiable – never press a damp garment, ever.

03 - PRESSURE
Pressure consistency
03

Uneven pressure causes lifted edges. Level your platen and apply consistent force across the full design — especially corners. Check before your first press of the day.

04 - PEEL
Cold peel, no exceptions
04

Hot peel looks fine at first, then edges lift after the first wash. Wait until genuinely cool. Put it down, step away, come back.

05 - DURABILITY
Always re-press
05

The second press with parchment seals adhesive deep into fibers and dramatically increases wash durability. 5 seconds. Always. No exceptions.

06 - FABRIC
06

Unfamiliar fabric? Drop temp 10-15°F, add 3-5 seconds. Always test on a scrap first – every fabric behaves differently.

Need transfers printed today?

Same-day production available. No weeding, no cutting. Just press & wear.

GARMENT CARE

How to care for DTF-printed garments

Proper care takes prints from 50 to 100+ washes. Share this with your customers to protect the quality of every order.

✔ DO THIS
✘ AVOID THIS
Share via WhatsApp
- FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need before placing your order. In
English & Spanish.

Still Have A Question?

Our team replies fast - in English & Spanish.

You can place your order directly through our website, where you’ll find a wide range of customizable products. If you need assistance, our support team is available to guide you through every step of the process.

Yes, we offer local pickup at our warehouses in Miami, FL. Select the local pickup option when placing your order online.

Once your order has shipped, you’ll receive an email with tracking information. You can also log into your account on our website to check your order status.

We accept vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) and high-resolution images (PNG or TIFF with a transparent background). We recommend files be a minimum of 300 dpi to ensure high-quality printing.

  1. Set the temperature to 310°F (155°C) with medium-high pressure.
  2. Position the transfer in the desired location on the garment.
  3. First press: Press for 13 seconds.
  4. Peel: Wait 5 seconds and peel hot or cold.

Second press: Press again for 13 seconds for added durability.

  1. Wash inside out with cold water.
  2. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners.
  3. Air dry or tumble dry on low.
  4. If ironing is necessary, do so on the reverse side or place a cloth between the iron and the design.

For best results, upload high-resolution files (minimum 300 dpi) in formats such as PNG, TIFF, AI, or PDF. Our team can advise on any additional adjustments or requirements.

If you encounter any issues with your order, please contact us immediately. We will do everything possible to resolve the issue and ensure your satisfaction.