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Pressing Conditions Sheets

Technical Resources — PDF Download

DTF, Sublimation & Flex Pressing Conditions

Find all the heat pressing parameters by technique: temperature, duration, pressure, peeling, and recommended press type. Technical data for DTF, sublimation (all substrates), flex printing, and DTF conditions by textile material.

DTF Sublimation Flex colors & creatives 3 free PDF sheets Indicative data

Why adhere to pressing conditions?

Temperature, duration, pressure: the 3 key parameters

Successful pressing relies on three interdependent parameters: temperature, pressing time , and pressure. Incorrect settings can lead to detached transfers, dull colors, or damaged substrates.

These tables are for guidance only. Conditions may vary depending on your heat press and the size of your materials. Always perform a test press before starting mass production.

DTF Transfer

DTF pressing conditions by material

Recommended parameters for applying DTF transfers according to the type of textile or substrate.

Matter
Temperature
Duration
Pressure
Coat
2nd pressing
Cotton
130–160°C
12–15 sec
3.5–5 bars
Cold
5–10 sec same conditions
Polyester
120–140°C
12–15 sec
3.5–5 bars
Cold
5–10 sec same conditions
Cotton/polyester blend
145°C
12–15 sec
3.5–5 bars
Cold
5–10 sec same conditions
Synthetic fibers
Test
12–15 sec
3.5–5 bars
Cold
5–10 sec same conditions
Lycra / Spandex
Test
10 sec
3.5 bars
Cold
5–10 sec same conditions
Velvet
Test
10 sec
3.5 bars
Cold
5–10 sec same conditions
Drink
Test
10 sec
3.5 bars
Cold
5–10 sec same conditions

Indicative table. Adjust your settings after a test press. Conditions vary depending on the type of press and the size of the substrate.

Download the DTF PDF datasheet

Sublimation

Sublimation pressing conditions by substrate

Recommended parameters for all sublimable media: ceramic, textile, plastic, glass, metal, wood, cardboard and specific shaped objects.

Matter
Examples
Duration
Temp.
Pressure
Coat
Press type
Ceramic
Mug, tile, piggy bank
3 min
200°C
Medium to high
Hot
Mug press / side
Textile
T-shirt, tote bag, cap, mask
40–60 sec
200°C
Medium to high
Hot
Press caps, wallet or side
Plastic
Keychains, magnets, door hangers
60–90 sec
160–200°C
Medium to high
Hot
Wallet or side
Slate
Slate photos
60 sec
180°C
Medium to high
Hot
Lateral press
Acrylic
Photo pad (silicone sheet recommended)
7 min
200°C
Medium to high
Hot
Lateral press
Lumenglass
Photo block
4 min
200°C
Medium to high
Hot
Lateral press
Glass
Glass mug
4 min 30 sec
150°C
Medium to high
Hot
Mug press
Metal / Aluminum
Smartphone plaque, keychain, water bottle
60 sec
200°C (160°C for the hulls)
Medium to high
Hot
Wallet or side
Chromaluxe plate
Varies depending on size (see product details)
90 sec (20x30)
200°C
Medium to high
Hot
Wallet or side
Drink
Coaster, photo frame, door sign
60 sec
200°C
Medium to high
Hot
Wallet or side-hugging (thick)
Cardboard
Puzzle (place a heavy object after shedding)
40–50 sec
180°C
Medium to high
Hot
Wallet or side
Objects with specific shapes
Bowl, ceramic pot, espresso cup
15 min
180°C
—
Hot
Heat shrink bag / 3D oven

Indicative table. Position a silicone sheet on an acrylic support and remove the excess paper with a damp sponge after peeling.

Download the Sublimation Fact Sheet

Flex & Flocking

Flex pressing recommendations by product

Temperatures, pressing time, peeling and blade type for the main flex on the market: classic colors, specific flex and creative flex.

Flex classic colors

Supplier
Product
Temperature
Time
Coat
Blade
CFP
Primo Flex
135°C
10 sec
Lukewarm
45°
CFP
Uniflex Classic & Fluorescent Nature
130°C
5–10 sec
Lukewarm
45°
Siser
Easyweed
150°C
15 sec
Hot
45°
Stahls
Premium
150°C / 130°C
5 sec / 15 sec
Hot
45°
Politape
Poliflex Turbo
160°C / 130°C
3 sec / 5 sec
Hot
45°

Specific (technical) flexes

Supplier
Product
Temperature
Time
Coat
Blade
Siser
Siser Stretch
160°C
20 sec
Hot
45°
Stahls
Sublistop
130°C
10 sec
Hot
45°
Politape
Reflective
160°C
15 sec
Hot
45°

Creative flex (glitter, reflections, embossing…)

Supplier
Product
Temperature
Time
Coat
Blade
SEF
Metal Flex
170°C
20 sec
Cold
45°
SEF
Velcut Evo
160°C
17 sec
Lukewarm
60°
SEF
Velcut Touch
160°C
17 sec
Lukewarm
45°
SEF
Puff Inflated Effect
170°C
20 sec
Hot
45°
Siser
PS Electric
150°C
15 sec
Hot
45°
Siser
3D Technology
140°C
3 sec (with liner) + 20 sec (without)
Hot
45°
Siser
Brig
155°C
25 sec
Cold
60°
Siser
Easy Patterns
155°C
15 sec
Hot
45°
Siser
Holographic
155°C
15 sec
Cold
45°
Siser
Twinkle
150°C
15 sec
Cold
45°
Siser
PS Perfor
150°C
15 sec
Hot
45°
Stahls
Phospho'Flex
152°C
15 sec
Hot
45°
Stahls
Disco
150°C
10 sec
Hot
45°
Stahls
Chameleon
150°C
10 sec
Cold
45°
Stahls
Flex effect
150°C
10 sec
Lukewarm
45°
Stahls
Glittery
150°C
10 sec
Hot
45°
Stahls
Sun Switch
150°C
10 sec
Hot
45°
Politape
Poli-Flock
160°C
15 sec
Hot
45°
Politape
Design
160°C
15 sec
Hot
45°
Politape
Carbon
160°C
15 sec
Hot
45°
Politape
Dimension
160°C
25 sec
Cold
60°
Politape
Gold & Silver Mirror
160°C
15 sec + 3 sec
Hot
45°
Politape
Shiny Gold & Silver Mirror
160°C
15 sec
Hot
45°

Indicative table. Always carry out a test before mass production.

Download the Flex PDF sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ — Pressing Conditions

At what temperature should a DTF transfer be pressed onto cotton? +

For cotton, the recommended temperature is 130 to 160°C for 12 to 15 seconds at a pressure of 3.5 to 5 bars. Peeling is carried out while the fabric is cold. A second pressing of 5 to 10 seconds under the same conditions can be performed if necessary.

What temperature is needed to press a mug using sublimation printing? +

For a ceramic mug, the recommended temperature is 200°C for 3 minutes with medium to high pressure. Peeling should be done while hot. For a glass mug, lower the temperature to 150°C and increase the time to 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

Should the flex be peeled off hot or cold? +

It depends on the product. Most standard heat transfer vinyls (Siser Easyweed, Stahls Premium, Politape) are hot-. Some creative vinyls like Metal Flex SEF, Brick Siser, Holographic, or Chameleon Stahls are cold-. Others (Velcut, Twinkle) are warm-. Always check the product information before pressing.

Can DTF be pressed onto polyester at the same temperature as onto cotton? +

No. Polyester can withstand a lower temperature: 120 to 140°C compared to 130 to 160°C for cotton. Too high a temperature can damage or fuse synthetic fibers. For a cotton/polyester blend, use 145°C as a reference temperature. Always perform a test pressing on the intended material first.

Why perform a test pressing before mass production? +

Pressing conditions vary depending on the type and brand of heat press, the size of the substrate , and the exact composition of the textile. The tables provided are indicative starting points. A test press allows you to adjust the parameters and avoid wasting substrates or transfers during a large production run.

Ready to press your first creations?

Order your ready-to-press DTF transfers or check out our complete application guide.
Technical questions: [email protected] — +33 1 34 33 01 55

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