How to Apply Your Transfers Like a Pro

Before you start, our screen print transfers will NOT work with household irons (including steam irons), Cricut EasyPress/EasyPress Mini, mini heat presses, or any HTV Ront press that does not allow full pressure control.

Please note that all screen print transfers require proper temperature, time, and pressure (TTP) for successful application.

Heavy, even pressure is essential for proper adhesion. Results may vary depending on your heat press. For example, presses such as HTVRONT heat presses may require adjustments to achieve the correct pressure and temperature.

We recommend testing your settings before full production, as some machines may have inconsistent heat or pressure distribution.

Motivate Transfers is not responsible for application issues due to incorrect press settings or equipment variations.

🔍 Tip: Don't trust the screen! Heat presses can run too hot or too cold. Always check with an infrared thermometer and tweak your settings to get it just right.

Here’s What to Do:

Screen print transfers can be pressed on 100% cotton, 100% polyester, and blended fabric.

Pre-press your shirt for 3-5 seconds to get rid of moisture and wrinkles. Use a fabric roller to remove lint from your garment.

Always center your design 3–4 fingers from the collar it’s the sweet spot for a polished, professional look.

Single Color Screen Transfers

Set your press to 325–350°F

Use HEAVY pressure (if it’s not sticking, add more!)

Press for 7-10 Seconds

If a second press is needed after peeling, we recommend covering the design with parchment paper to protect the print. 

Full Color Clear Film Screen Print Transfers

Pre-press garment for 5 seconds

Temp: 350°F

Pressure: Heavy

Time: 15-20 Seconds

DTF Pressing Instructions

Temperature: 330°F
Pressure: Heavy Pressure
Time: 20 Seconds
Peel: Hot Peel

Application Instructions:

1. Pre-press garment for 5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
2. Place transfer on garment and press at 330°F for 20 seconds using heavy pressure.
3. Hot peel immediately after pressing.
4. Cover design with Teflon sheet or butcher paper and press again for 10–20 seconds for a softer finish and enhanced durability.

UV DTF Decals

1. Wash your surface with soap and water. Do not use alcohol. Dry completely.
2. Before peeling, firmly squeegee over the decal while it’s still on the backing.
3. Slowly peel the backing away from the decal.
4. Carefully align the decal and place it onto your cup or surface.
5. Use your thumbs to press the design down, then use the felt side of a squeegee to apply firm, even pressure. This helps remove bubbles and ensures proper adhesion.
6. Slowly peel away the top transfer layer.
7. That’s it your decal is applied!

Tips:

My go-to temperature is 350°F for single color it works perfectly for me.

However, we recommend starting with a lower temperature and increasing only if needed. Heat presses can vary some run hotter than others or may have cold spots.

To ensure even results, test your press in different areas using a heat gun and practice with extra transfers to find your ideal “sweet spot.”

If a second press is needed after peeling, we recommend covering the design with parchment paper to protect the print. 

🔍 Tip: If the transfer does not stick, put the transfer paper back down, and press for a few more seconds. Transfers not sticking are usually due to uneven heating across the press, not enough pressure, and/or not pressed long enough.

🔍 Tip: Struggling to get clean peels with white ink screen print transfers?
White ink is thicker than other colors and requires higher heat and firm pressure to bond correctly.

For best results, press at 350°F for 20 seconds with HEAVY pressure.
Follow this and your transfer will peel perfectly every time.

To guarantee lasting results, I add a second press using parchment paper. This helps seal the design perfectly and gives that extra layer of quality assurance.

Do not wash for 24-48 hours after pressing.

To extend the life of the garment; wash inside out, do not use fabric softener, and hang dry.

Disclaimer for New Users: All screen print transfers are delivered mirrored and may appear backward prior to application. This is standard. To apply correctly, place the design side (colored graphic side) face down on the garment and press with a heat press. If you’re unfamiliar with how screen print transfers work, we recommend reviewing tutorials or getting guidance before purchasing to ensure successful application.

Motivate Transfers is not responsible for operator or machine error when applying screen print transfers.