General
Here we have complied a list of our most common general questions. Our DTF specific questions are below.
Will you let me know if there is something wrong with my file?
Yes, we check all files sent to us before sending your file to print. Occasionally due to human error, some very small things may get through. This is why we also recommend you cross-check your work before uploading it. Two sets of eyes are always better than one.
How long will it take to get my orders?
It depends on where you are. We have a 24 - 48 hour turnaround time (excluding weekends). Once we have printed and packed your order, we hand it to Australia Post. Depending on whether you have selected express or standard postage, your order will arrive in the following time frames.
Express: 1 - 3 business days
Standard: 2 - 8 business days
Please Note: Australia Post time frames are also dependent on where you are located and any issues affecting your postal route.
I've uploaded the wrong files, how can I send you the correct one?
No worries, simply send us an email letting us know what happened with the correct files attached.
Send your email to - shop@deadsettransfers.com.au
How do I press your transfers?
We recommend using a commercial-grade heat press. You must be able to set the temperature and pressure on your heat press.
Set your heat press temp to 140 -150 degrees Celsius. Press your transfers onto garments for 20 seconds, before peeling and pressing again for a further 10 seconds.
Please make sure to use nonstick backing paper as a layer of protection between your transfer and the heat press plate.
What can I press your transfers onto?
Our digital heat transfers can be pressed onto a wide range of textiles and items. Check out the list below.
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Activewear
- Jeans
- Leather Apparel
- Towels
- Laptop sleeves
- Mousepads
- Aprons
- Canvas items
- Stubby holders
- Umbrellas
- Flags
- Pillowcases
- Blankets
- Table cloth
- Stone
- Wood
For the full list check out this link - What Can You Press On?
How can I print gradients?
Because of the way DTF prints it can be hard to achieve a gradient or “smoke” effect in print. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done. You can still achieve this effect by using programs like Adobe Photoshop.
Why can’t you print gradients and smoke effects in DTF regularly? This is because of the white backing that the printer needs to print for the adhesive to stick to them. This means when you add a smoke effect or gradients to your files the printer will detect this, and print the white backing over it. Which can look like a white outline around it. Below is a link to a video tutorial on how you can avoid this.
What are your file requirements?
We need all files sent through to us as PNG files. Your files need to have a transparent background on them. All files need to be a minimum of 300PPI/DPI
All designs within your file must be a minimum of 300PPI. Anything less compromises the quality of your print.
*PPI stands for pixels per inch, PPI is the term that Apple uses and DPI (dots per inch) is the term Windows uses. They mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably
Artwork
What type of files do you accept?
We can only accept PNG files. Your artwork needs to be uploaded at a minimum of 300PPI.
300PPI is the minimum resolution we can print at. All artworks within your file must also be 300PPI. Anything less than 300PPI risks the quality of your prints and can result in pixelated prints.
You can change the PPI on files using Adobe Photoshop, but you should only do this on designs that are already clean, crisp and clear. Changing the PPI only makes it printable. It won’t help make a pixelated file clear. Here is a link to a video explaining this: Changing PPI
What size do you require files?
It depends on whether you are purchasing our A4 sample sheet or our full-sized gang sheet.
Our full-size gang sheet is 59x180cm. You can set up an art board at this size and place your designs into it at the sizes want your designs to be.
A4 sample sheets are 21x29.7cm you can place your designs on an artboard at this size.
Check out our help centre for how to build gang sheets and sample sheets.
Are you able to print photos?
Yes of course. We can print photos from your phone, you can also scan printed photos at 300PPI and we can print them too!
We recommend googling your printer scan settings so you can change the scan PPI settings
I can't figure out the PPI, What happens if I don't have a high resolution file?
Ensuring optimal print quality is paramount. Should your artwork fall below 300 pixels per inch (PPI), the visual outcome may be compromised. Lower resolution can result in pixelation, opacity issues, and undesired colour effects. Additionally, opacity issues may cause the introduction of white areas beyond the artwork's edges. To maintain the intended aesthetic, it is recommended to provide artwork at a resolution of at least 300 PPI, safeguarding against potential visual quality issues during the printing process.
I'm seeing white around the edge of my prints, what happened?
If you supplied your file to us as a PNG on a transparent background at 300PPI with no semi-transparency in the artwork then this won't happen.
If your artwork contains semi-transparency such as smoke effects or some gradient effects then you will see white around the edges. This is common with these types of artworks as the printer needs to print a white backing on all artwork for the adhesive to stick to.
You can avoid this problem in future by using halftoning in the parts of your artwork that contain semi-transparency. See how here - Halftoning video
Are there any limitations to DTF?
DTF can print pretty much everything. However, without a specialised film, DTF can not print metallic prints. We can print that might look metallic or like glitter but these will not shine the same way as real metallic colours and glitter do. The inks we use are water-based inks and therefore it is impossible to put metallic inks through a DTF printer without destroying the machine.
Another thing DTF can not print is neon colours, although we can get close to neon is not possible due to the ink formulation needed to achieve neon is not compatible with DTF printers.
Can you size my artwork and create the sheets for me?
We can build the sheet for you! Simply add the gang sheet build fee product to your cart before checking out and we'll know you need us to build the sheet for you. Simply upload the artwork you need, and add a note to your cart that has the measurements and quantity of each image.
Colours
Why do some colours look different on screen to print?
All screens are different and their colours are calibrated differently using various colour profiles. All screens also use RBG whereas printers use CMYK. Because of this, some colours may show up differently in print. Traditionally DTF can have trouble with skin tones which is why we have a colour chart available for purchase.
For those creating artwork, we recommend you change your colour profile to Adobe 1998 as this yields the best results.
Can you colour match for me?
We can for a small fee. However, we recommend purchasing our colour chart. Our colour chart is available here - Colour Chart
Ordering
What sizes do you print?
We have two sizes available. Our full-size DTF gang sheet and our A4 sample sheet. We only offer the sample sheet as a cost-effective testing option. We do not offer A3 sheets or other sizes as this is what hobbyist printers use. Our printers are premium commercial-grade DTF printers.
How long will it take to get my orders?
It depends on where you are. We have a 24 - 48 hour turnaround time (excluding weekends). Once we have printed and packed your order, we hand it to Australia Post. Depending on whether you have selected express or standard postage, your order will arrive in the following time frames.
Express: 1 - 3 business days
Standard: 2 - 8 business days
Please Note: Australia Post time frames are also dependent on where you are located and any issues affecting your postal route.
What is your turn around time?
We operate on a 24-48-hour turnaround time (not including weekends). This means that form when we receive your order we will have it printed, packed and handed to Australia Post within that 24-48hr time frame. Once your order is with Australia Post it is then up to them to deliver it to you in their specified time frames.
Do you have any minimum order quantities?
No, we have no minimums and no set-up fees. The only fees you may encounter are for gang sheet build dees or colour matching. However, they do not count as set-up fees.
Application & Aftercare
How do I press your transfers?
We recommend using a commercial-grade heat press. You must be able to set the temperature and pressure on your heat press.
Set your heat press temp to 140 -150 degrees Celsius. Press your transfers onto garments for 20 seconds, before peeling and pressing again for a further 10 seconds.
Please make sure to use nonstick backing paper as a layer of protection between your transfer and the heat press plate.
What kind of heat press do I need?
You need a commercial heat press. you can purchase these online and second hand at reasonable prices.
Your heat press needs to have:
- Pressure Settings
- Heat settings
- Be able to provide consistent heat and pressure across the entire bed
- Need to be either a clamshell heat press or a compressor press.
Can I use an iron?
No. Irons can not guarantee you consistent heat or pressure. Please do not press your transfers with an iron.
What can DTF be applied to?
Our digital heat transfers can be pressed onto a wide range of textiles and items. Check out the list below.
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Activewear
- Jeans
- Leather Apparel
- Towels
- Laptop sleeves
- Mousepads
- Aprons
- Canvas items
- Stubby holders
- Umbrellas
- Flags
- Pillowcases
- Blankets
- Table cloth
- Stone
- Wood
For the full list check out this link - What Can You Press On?
I can't get my transfers to press, whats wrong?
Almost every time the issue is pressure on your heat press. Different kinds of fabrics may require different pressure settings. Try increasing or lowering the pressure. It is also important to be mindful of zips, buttons and bulky seams as this can cause this issue. A fix for this is using a small heat press pillow.
What are your wash care insuctions?
We recommend a cold or cool wash setting at no more than 40C. At no more then 800RPM on your spin cycle.
Important to note: We recommend.
- Using a mild detertgant, with little to no softener
- Do not use bleach
- Do not tumble dry
- Do not Iron
- Line dry outside, inside out.
Do NOT wash within 24 hours of pressing
Can I press transfers on to wind/water resistant clothing?
Regrettably, certain garments, particularly those engineered with water and wind-resistant features, incorporate diverse chemicals that may adversely interact with water-based inks. While our transfers have proven effective on various fabrics, we strongly recommend preliminary testing on materials exhibiting resistant properties, as potential complications may arise. This precautionary measure ensures optimal compatibility and performance, aligning with our commitment to delivering quality results.
Can I press DTF on to sublimated garments?
Certainly, it is advised to conduct thorough testing on various sublimated products before proceeding. While our transfers incorporate an extra white under-base to mitigate potential dye migration, it is essential to note that some occurrences may persist. Specifically, when applying transfers to sublimated synthetic fabrics, we recommend a slight reduction in temperature to a range of 120°C-130°C to optimise the application process and minimise any potential adverse effects
Technical Questions
What printer do you use?
We use a premium, commercial grade large format DTF printer. These printers allow us to print larger sheets of transfers. We are not limited to A3 sizes like other hobbyist printers. We can print large scale sheets up to 59cm wide!
What Inks do you use?
Our commitment to excellence is evident in the utilisation of top-tier DTF inks known for their premium quality. Specifically engineered for DTF printing, these water-based inks exhibit exceptional characteristics. Notably, their non-soluble nature ensures durability and longevity in the final prints. Our deliberate choice of these inks underscores our dedication to providing superior results in the realm of DTF printing, aligning with our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Is DTF better than other forms of printing?
Central to DTF's appeal are its attributes of flexibility and simplicity, distinguishing it as a remarkably versatile and user-friendly printing method.
In comparison to screen printing, DTF excels in producing full-colour prints, gradients, and detailed photos. The scalability of designs, the ability to mix and match artwork, and the cost-efficient printing of short runs without minimum quantities make DTF stand out.
Contrasted with Direct to Garment (DTG), DTF offers the advantage of printing on various materials without requiring pre-treatments. The flexibility to print designs in advance and apply them to garments at the preferred time enhances efficiency, while still accommodating short runs without minimums.
When compared to Vinyl (HTV), DTF eliminates the labour-intensive process of weeding, streamlining the overall printing workflow.
Beyond these advantages, DTF maintains excellence in terms of durability and tactile feel. Although traditional print methods may have advantages in specific contexts, such as the cost-effectiveness of screen printing for extensive runs, DTF is indisputably asserting itself as the forward-looking "print method of the future."