Why is My Material Coming through the dtfs?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) heat transfer process, where material is bleeding through the film and onto your garment cause the waste of the clothing and materials 

You may know why these happen, and avoid the problem next order. 

Too Much Pressure: DTF transfers actually require heavy pressure (e.g., 80lbs minimum) to work correctly . However, if the pressure is too heavy or uneven, it can squeeze ink or adhesive beyond the film's edges. Fix: Check your heat press pressure and ensure it's evenly distributed across the platen . You can also try reducing the pressure slightly if you're certain it's the cause.

Missing or Incorrect Protective Sheet: You should always place a protective sheet (like Teflon or parchment paper) on top of the design before pressing . If this sheet is missing, too thin, or not covering the entire transfer area, the material can come through directly. Fix: Use a high-quality, heat-resistant PTFE (Teflon) protective sheet. The IrisDTF guide specifies a protective sheet that can withstand up to 600°F and has a non-stick surface to prevent this issue

Incorrect Temperature or Time: Using the wrong heat settings can cause adhesive to bleed. For DTF transfers, recommended settings are typically around 300-310°F (150-155°C) for 13-20 seconds . If the temperature is too high or you press for too long, it can overheat the adhesive and cause it to spread. Fix: Try reducing the temperature by 10-15°F if you're seeing scorching or bleeding 

Incorrect Temperature or Time: Using the wrong heat settings can cause adhesive to bleed. For DTF transfers, recommended settings are typically around 300-310°F (150-155°C) for 13-20 seconds . If the temperature is too high or you press for too long, it can overheat the adhesive and cause it to spread. Fix: Try reducing the temperature by 10-15°F if you're seeing scorching or bleeding 

Using a Household Iron: If you're not using a heat press, a household iron cannot provide the even pressure and consistent heat needed. This often leads to uneven results, including adhesive seeping through or the design not sticking properly. DTF is strongly recommended for use with a heat press for professional results 

The most straightforward solution is to review your process: ensure you're using a heat press with even, heavy pressure, double-check your temperature and time settings, and always use a quality Teflon protective sheet over the design. If the issue persists, try a test press on a scrap piece of fabric to fine-tune your settings before attempting the final garment