Guide
The final press
After you peel, most DTF sheets want the design pressed again under a cover. That second press is part of the method, not a rescue for a bad first one.
The first press sticks the adhesive to the cloth. The second press, with the carrier gone, beds the print in and usually softens the hand. Xpres put that re-press in the method. Their Evolution sheets name 10–15 seconds. Amaya name 5 seconds for their instant-peel film. Those are two products. Your sheet is the third, and it wins.
A shiny line around the design after this step is often adhesive pushed out, or the fabric glazed because there was no cover. That is on the shiny marks page. Do not “fix” it with a hotter third press.
How to do it
- Peel first. The second press happens after the carrier is off. Peel hot, warm or cold as the sheet says. Do not press the carrier a second time and hope that replaces the peel.
- Cover the print. Use a silicone sheet, Teflon or parchment. The cover stops the platen polishing the fabric and keeps adhesive off the platen.
- Press again at the same temperature. Xpres say to re-press for the time recommended. Their Evolution cold-peel sheets suggest 10–15 seconds. Amaya ProPeel says 5 seconds at the same temperature. Use the number on your sheet.
- Keep the pressure even, not brutal. You are settling the print. Forcing the handle can squeeze adhesive out into a shiny outline. Glitter wants this press lighter still.
- Leave it. Do not stretch the print while it is warm. Washing comes later, on the washing page, and only after whatever wait your supplier asks for.
Common questions
The first press looked perfect. Do I still press again?
If the sheet asks for a second press, yes. Xpres Evolution say a second press is recommended for colour retention and longevity. Skipping it is a common reason a print looks fine on the press and fails in the wash.
I forgot, and I peeled yesterday. Can I second-press now?
You can cover a cold garment and press again for the recommended time. It will not always save a print that never bonded. If the edges are already up, read the not-sticking page before you add heat.
Sources
- Xpres, how to DTF — powder cure, pre-press, 150–160°C for 10–15 seconds, cold peel, second press
- Xpres DTF Evolution cold-peel sheets — second press 10–15 seconds; wash up to 40°C inside out; iron on the reverse only
- Amaya ProPeel DTF film — pre-press a few seconds; instant peel; second press 5 seconds