Press with confidence.

How to press DTF transfers with a heat press

For S2 DTF transfers, start with 285–300°F, 8–12 seconds and medium pressure. Prepress your garment, peel low across the fabric and finish with a second press. Use the fabric-specific settings below for polyester.

S2 Transfers application guide · For fabric DTF transfers

Heat press settings

Temperature: 285–300°F
First press: 8–12 seconds
Pressure: Medium
Peel: Hot or cold

Starting settings for S2 DTF transfers. For polyester, use the lower-temperature fabric notes below. Every press varies; test before a batch.

Prepare. Press. Peel. Finish.

Your step-by-step guide

Prepress the garment
Lint-roll the garment, then prepress for 5 seconds to remove wrinkles and moisture.
Position and cover
Place the transfer where you want it. For a front-chest design, about three fingers below the collar is a useful starting point. Keep pocket designs away from the armpit. Cover with a Teflon sheet so the carrier does not stick to the upper platen.
Press with even contact
Press at 285–300°F for 8–12 seconds with medium pressure. Keep seams, pockets and zippers outside the pressing area. Presses vary: test your garment first and use the polyester settings below when appropriate.
Peel low across the fabric
S2 transfers can be peeled hot immediately or left to cool before peeling. Keep your hand close to the garment and peel the film low across it, rather than lifting upward. Very fine lines and details are best peeled cold.
Finish with a second press
Cover the design and press again at 285–300°F for 5 seconds with medium pressure. A Teflon cover gives a shinier finish; parchment gives a more matte finish.

Know your blank

Pressing polyester and blends

S2 recommends lower temperatures and shorter presses for these fabrics. Test your blank before making a batch.

Polyester & blends

275–290°F for 3–8 seconds. An additional press may be needed.

100% polyester

250–285°F for 3–8 seconds. If the transfer does not stick, let it cool down before pressing again.

If something needs a second look

Fine details lift

Let fine lines and detailed designs cool before peeling. Keep the peel angle low across the fabric.

Uneven contact

Check that seams, pockets and zippers are outside the press area and that pressure reaches the whole transfer.

Different surface finish

The cover sheet affects the result: Teflon gives a shinier finish, while parchment gives a more matte finish.

Give your work a good start

Press today. Wash later.

Let the garment cool flat. Wait 24 hours before washing.

Turn the garment inside out.
Wash cold with mild detergent.
Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
Tumble dry low or hang dry.
Do not iron directly on the print.

A little help from Buddy

Let’s get your press right.

Still unsure? Tell the S2 team which machine and fabric you’re using, your settings and what happened.

Get pressing help

What temperature and time do S2 DTF transfers need?

For a standard heat press, S2’s starting range is 285–300°F for 8–12 seconds with medium pressure. Polyester and polyester blends use the lower, shorter settings in S2’s heat-press guide. Test your garment before a batch.

Should I peel my S2 DTF transfer hot or cold?

S2 transfers can be peeled hot immediately or cold if preferred. Cold peeling is best for very fine lines and details. Peel low across the garment, not upward.

Do I need to press a DTF transfer twice with a heat press?

Yes. After peeling, cover the design and finish at 285–300°F for 5 seconds with medium pressure. Use Teflon for a shinier finish or parchment for a more matte finish.

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