12 Reasons Why Your DTF Design Isn’t Sticking (and How to Fix It)

You’ve printed your design, applied your DTF transfer, and pulled away the film… only to find parts of it peeling, cracking, or simply not sticking.
It’s frustrating—but it’s also fixable.

If your DTF design isn’t sticking, it usually comes down to a few common mistakes in the printing or pressing process.
Here are the 12 most common reasons and how you can avoid them.

1. Incorrect Heat Press Temperature

If your heat press is too cold, the adhesive powder won’t melt enough to bond with the fabric.
✅ Fix: Double-check your press with a heat gun or thermometer—most DTF transfers require 300–325°F (150–160°C).

2. Not Enough Pressure

Low pressure means the design won’t fully embed into the fibers.
✅ Fix: Use medium to firm pressure—test by pressing plain paper and checking for even indentations.

3. Pressing for Too Short a Time

Not giving the heat long enough to activate the adhesive is a common issue.
✅ Fix: Press for 10–15 seconds depending on your film and adhesive type.

4. Over-Pressing the Transfer

Too much time or heat can burn the adhesive, making it brittle and weak.
✅ Fix: Follow your supplier’s exact time and temperature instructions.

5. Moisture in the Fabric

If your garment has moisture, the adhesive won’t stick properly.
✅ Fix: Pre-press the fabric for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture before applying the transfer.

6. Wrong Fabric Type

While DTF works on many materials, some require special settings.
✅ Fix: Adjust temp/pressure for tricky fabrics like nylon or waterproof jackets, or use a special adhesive powder.

7. Poor Curing of the Film

If the adhesive powder isn’t cured properly before pressing, it won’t bond.
✅ Fix: Cure the film at ~300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes or per your printer’s recommendation.

8. Cheap or Low-Quality Powder/Film

Bad materials can cause weak bonding.
✅ Fix: Use high-quality PET film and adhesive powder from reputable suppliers.

9. Not Peeling at the Right Time

Peeling too early or too late can ruin the transfer.
✅ Fix: Know whether your transfer is hot peel, warm peel, or cold peel, and follow that timing exactly.

10. Uneven Heat Distribution

Some heat presses have cold spots, leading to partial adhesion.
✅ Fix: Test your heat press regularly and avoid placing designs in known cold zones.

11. Dirty or Oily Fabric

Fabric with lint, oil, or dust won’t hold the adhesive.
✅ Fix: Always lint-roll garments before pressing.

12. Skipping the Second Press

A second short press can “lock in” the design and improve wash durability.
✅ Fix: After peeling the film, cover with parchment paper or Teflon sheet and press again for 5–7 seconds.

Final Thoughts

A DTF transfer not sticking is usually a process issue—not a technology flaw.
By following the right temperature, pressure, and timing, and using quality materials, you can avoid peeling problems and create long-lasting designs.