Care Instructions

Make Your Transfers Last

TransferLabs prints are wash-tested for 50+ cycles when cared for correctly. Here's how to keep them sharp and vibrant wash after wash.

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50+ washes
Durability
Cold
Water Temp
Inside Out
Wash Direction
Low / Air
Dry Heat

Washing

  • Turn the garment inside out before washing. The transfer rubs less against the drum and against other garments.
  • Cold water only. Hot or warm water softens the adhesive over time and accelerates color fade.
  • Mild detergent. Skip bleach, optical brighteners, and fabric softeners — they all attack the print over time.
  • Wash with similar fabrics. Don't toss your DTF tee in with denim or zippers — abrasion is the silent killer.

Drying

  • Tumble dry low or, even better, hang to dry.
  • No high heat dryers. The same heat that bonded the transfer can soften the adhesive when applied for 30+ minutes in a hot dryer.
  • Don't over-dry. Pull the garment when it's just barely damp, then air-dry the rest of the way.

Ironing

  • Never iron directly on the print. A household iron's heat plus dwell time will permanently scar a DTF transfer.
  • Iron the garment inside out if you need to press wrinkles out near the design.
  • Or: place a clean cotton towel or parchment paper between the iron and the print and iron through that.

Storage (for unpressed transfers)

  • Store flat or rolled loosely. Don't fold transfers — creases can crack the print before pressing.
  • Cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, attics, garages, or anywhere that gets above 80°F.
  • Use within 12 months. Adhesive performance is best on fresh-pressed transfers. Stored properly they're fine for a year+, but for production runs we recommend pressing within 6 months.
Follow these rules and TransferLabs prints hold up beautifully for 50+ wash cycles. Cracking, peeling, or fading inside the first year almost always traces back to a hot dryer, harsh detergents, or an iron applied directly to the print.

Pressing trouble?

Most "wash failure" issues are actually press-related. Read the application guide first, then email if you're still stuck.

Application Guide Contact Support