DTF Transfers: Storage Guidelines for Optimal Shelf Life
The shelf life of DTF (Direct-To-Film) transfers can vary based on factors like material quality, storage conditions, and environmental influences. For the best results, we recommend storing your DTF transfers for up to six months to a year. Follow these guidelines to ensure your transfers stay in top condition:
1. Keep Them Dry: Store transfers in a dry place to prevent peeling from the paper.
2. Ideal Temperature: Maintain a consistent room temperature, and avoid extreme heat or cold (other than during the pressing process).
3. Shield From Sunlight: Protect transfers from direct sunlight to prevent fading or adhesion issues caused by heat.
4. Use Sealed Containers: Store your transfers in airtight containers to protect them from dirt, dust, and moisture—moisture is the main culprit for transfer degradation.
5. Store Flat: Lay transfers flat to avoid curling over time. Never store them vertically or at an angle.
6. Avoid Stacking: Do not stack too many transfers at once to prevent them from sticking together. We recommend stacking no more than 50–100 transfers at a time.
7. Troubleshooting: If your transfers are difficult to peel, don’t stick well after pressing, or appear wrinkled, it’s likely that they’ve expired. In that case, it’s time to order fresh DTF transfers.
8. Gang Sheets: If you store gang sheets, cut them up for easier and more organized storage.
9. Organizational Tools: Keep your transfers neatly stored and easily accessible by using shelving or organizers, such as those designed for letter-sized paper or larger items.
By following these steps, you can extend the life of your DTF transfers, ensuring that they remain in excellent condition for longer.
FAQ's
Q: What is the shelf life of DTF transfers?
A: DTF transfers have a shelf life ranging from a few months to a few years, depending on storage. For the best quality, we recommend using them within a year.
It is super important that you wash and care for your DTF prints correctly. Below is some information for both DTF fabric transfers and printable customers
Q: How can I tell if my DTF transfers are still usable?
A: Look for signs of adhesive degradation, warping, discoloration, or loss of vibrancy. It’s also a good idea to test a small sample before applying transfers to larger projects.
Q: Why aren’t my DTF transfers sticking?
A: This could be due to improper storage, exposure to moisture, or using outdated transfers. Also, ensure your heat press pressure is adequate. Check the storage conditions and perform a test before proceeding.
Q: Can I store different types of DTF transfers together?
A: Yes, different types of DTF transfers can be stored together without any issues.
Recommended aftercare for garments
Whether we have supplied your printed garments, or your business supplies customers, the following information is important to know and pass on.
Washing
Turn Inside Out – Always turn DTF garments inside out before washing to protect the print from friction and abrasion.
Use Cold Water – Avoid hot water, as it can cause color fading and fabric shrinkage. Washing with cold or cool water is much gentler on both the fabric and the print.
Choose the Right Detergent – Harsh detergents and bleach can damage DTF prints. Use a mild detergent to preserve their quality.
Select a Gentle Cycle – A delicate or gentle wash cycle reduces stress on the print, helping it last longer.
Drying
Air Dry When Possible – Hanging garments to air dry is the best way to extend the life of DTF prints.
Use Low Heat for Tumble Drying – If using a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove the garment as soon as it's dry to prevent cracking or shrinking.
Avoid Fabric Softener – Fabric softeners can weaken the print’s adhesion, so it's best to skip them.
Ironing
Use a Low Heat Setting – When ironing, set the iron to the lowest heat setting, such as "silk" or "delicate." High heat or steam can damage the print.
Place a Pressing Cloth Over the Print – A pressing cloth acts as a protective barrier to prevent heat damage.
Apply Light, Even Pressure – Use gentle, circular motions and avoid holding the iron in one spot for more than five seconds.
Check Frequently – After each press, lift the cloth and check the print. If you notice wrinkles or peeling, stop immediately and let the shirt cool before trying again.
Allow to Cool Completely – After ironing, let the garment cool down fully before wearing or washing.
Taking care of DTF prints may require extra effort, but it's worth it. By following these simple steps, you can keep your printed garments looking as fresh and vibrant as the day they were made.
Remember, a little care goes a long way in preserving the longevity of your DTF prints!