How to Care for Your DTF Prints for Long-Lasting Quality

DTF prints are built to last, but they still require the right care to maintain their look over time. With proper care, your prints will stay as vibrant and fresh even as they age. In this guide, we’ll show you how to maximize the longevity and quality of your DTF prints.

Although DTF transfers are known for their durability, it’s still good practice to take the best care of them post-printing to ensure your designs stay vibrant. Read along to learn some tips for taking care of your garments with DTF prints, or for keeping your DTF transfers in good condition before they’re applied.

Why is it important to take care of DTF post-printing?

DTF transfers are more resistant than other printing methods like vinyl or screen printing, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely immune to wear and tear. Over time, improper washing and drying can cause fading, peeling, or cracking. With the right care, however, a well-pressed DTF print can look brand new for dozens of wears and washes.

Insert pictures here - comparison of DTF garment that is badly taken care of vs one that is good

Proper aftercare protects your designs and also helps maintain the softness and comfort of the garment itself.

If you're storing unused DTF film, simple aftercare steps can ensure your prints apply smoothly and still look flawless when you’re ready to use them.

How to take care of DTF-printed garments

Here’s how to take care of your garments with DTF prints to preserve their quality.

Washing

Using the correct washing machine settings and techniques can make the biggest difference when extending the life of your DTF prints.

• Make sure to turn garments inside out before placing them in the washing machine. This minimizes direct rubbing and extra friction on the garments, which protects the design from scorching.
• Only use cold water. Hot water can damage both the ink and the adhesive layer of your DTF print.
• Select a gentle or delicate cycle. Too much agitation can weaken the adhesive bond between your printed design and garment, leading to fading.
• Avoid any detergent with bleach, brighteners, or fabric softeners and opt for a mild, color-safe detergent.
• Keep your DTF-printed garments away from items with zippers, rough textures, or Velcro, which can scratch or lift the print during the wash cycle.

Drying

When drying your DTF-printed garments, let them air dry whenever possible, preferably on a clothing rack or hung—hanging your garments to air dry helps maintain the adhesive behind your prints. Air drying is the gentlest drying method and prevents heat damage.

If you need to use a dryer, make sure to use low heat only. High heat can cause DTF prints to warp or crack over time. Additionally, remove garments as soon as they’re dry to prevent overexposure.

Storage & Wear

When storing or wearing DTF-printed clothing, or storing DTF films, it’s important to not fold prints directly. Try to avoid creating creases across the printed area when folding garments with DTF prints or when handling DTF films.

If possible, hang garments or fold them with tissue paper between layers to protect the print. Avoid excessive stacking. Layering too many garments on top of each other could flatten or wrinkle the print over time.

Pressed garments should also be stored in a cool, dry place, away from high heat or too much moisture.

Ironing

When ironing DTF printed clothing, it’s important to be cautious and follow these steps as high, sudden heat from an iron can damage your prints.

• Never iron directly on the print. If ironing is necessary, always place a piece of parchment paper, a Teflon sheet, or a cotton cloth between the iron and the design.
• Use the lowest heat setting as high heat can melt or distort the adhesive layer.
• Turn off steam functions to avoid adding moisture that could affect the print.
• Target non-printed areas when possible. Try to iron sleeves, collars, or other areas that don’t have designs.

Other Tips

• Opt to spot clean when you can. If you get a small spill on a certain area of your garment, try gently cleaning with a damp cloth or wet wipe instead of placing the entire garment in the washing machine.
• Try not to let your DTF printed clothing spend too much time in direct sunlight when it’s not being worn. Don’t worry, we’re not telling you not to show off your DTF t-shirts or tote bags outside. Wear them proudly! Just keep in mind too much UV exposure can warp designs over time.
• Avoid excessive contact with oils, perfumes and sprays. Products like these can break down the ink or adhesive if they soak into the print; make sure to use them sparingly and not directly on the print.
• Finally, don’t stretch printed areas excessively. While DTF prints are flexible, repeated pulling or overstretching—especially while the garment is still warm—can cause damage over time.

These are just some additional tips to keep your DTF prints extra safe. Not following all of them all the time does not mean your DTF printed clothing is ruined. Remember, DTF prints are still highly durable, and these are just some extra steps you can follow to extend the life of your DTF prints for as long as possible.

Preserving DTF film before printing

If you haven’t applied your DTF print on a garment yet and are wondering how to keep its quality while keeping it stored, you’re in the right place.

• Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to moisture, sunlight, or heat.
• Keep the film flat or in rolls. Try not to fold or crease the film—which can crack the ink or cause uneven application later—instead, gently roll your film and use an elastic band to keep it closed.
• Store film in a sealed plastic sleeve or drawer to avoid dust and dirt, preventing particles from settling on the surface and affecting the transfer.
• Avoid unneeded handling. Oils from your hands can affect how well the print adheres. Try to hold the film by the edges or wear gloves when organizing your sheets.
• Also avoid unneeded contact with other objects that you might use during the printing process—for example, magnets or tape to keep your prints still. If you need to use any of these on your prints, make sure to apply them on the film and not the actual designs.

An additional tip, not for preserving quality but for making storage easier, is to label and organize. With how colorful, detailed and DTF prints can be, it can be hard to find designs when everything is rolled up or placed on a shelf. Keep track of your designs by labeling each sheet or separating them by client or project. This saves time and reduces handling, which can reduce the risk of damage.

Conclusion

That’s everything you need to know to preserve the quality and extend the life of your DTF prints, whether they’re applied on a garment or still waiting on the film.

And remember: if you’re not able to follow all these tips when taking care of your DTF, that’s okay. Do what you can do—after all, DTF prints are known for being durable.