Tips & Tricks
Tips & Tricks
Recommended Print Sizes
These are maximum recommended widths based on shirt type and placement:
| Shirt Type | Full Front/Back | Pocket/Left Chest |
|---|---|---|
| Toddler (2T–5T) | 6"–7" wide | 2"–2.5" wide |
| Youth (XS–XL) | 8"–10" wide | 3" wide |
| Adult (S–XL) | 11" wide | 3.5"–4" wide |
| Adult (2XL+) | 12"–13" wide | 4" max |
For chest prints, the standard placement is 3-4 inches down from the collar and centered.
For left chest/pocket prints, position 7-9 inches down from the shoulder seam and 4-5 inches from center.
Back prints typically start 3-4 inches below the collar for yoke placement, or centered vertically for full back designs.
Portrait vs Landscape Designs
DTF prints are sized by both width and height. A design can be within size limits and still look wrong if it’s too tall.
• Square or landscape (wide) designs work best
• Tall, narrow designs can look unbalanced on a shirt
• Very tall artwork may hit collars or seams
• Pocket prints should never be tall or vertical
If your design looks tall and skinny on screen, it will probably look awkward on a shirt.
When in doubt, scale wider, not taller.
If you have a tall design that can’t be changed, consider splitting it into separate elements (like a chest logo and a larger back print) or placing it on the back where there’s more vertical space.
Printing Multiple Sizes
When you need the same design across multiple shirt sizes:
• Start at 11″ wide for adult shirts (S-XL)
• Scale to 12-13″ for 2XL and up
• Scale down to 8-10″ for youth
• Scale down to 6-7″ for toddler
Our gang sheet builder makes it easy to add the same design at multiple sizes.
Keep pocket logos simple so they stay readable at smaller sizes.
Detailed designs with small text may need to be simplified for left chest placement. What looks great at 11″ wide may be illegible at 3″.
Consider creating a simplified version of your logo specifically for pocket prints.
DTF Transfer Tips
- Pre-press the garment for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles
- Use a lint roller to remove any debris from the fabric
- Position transfer ink-side down on the garment
- Double-check alignment before closing the press
This step is often skipped but makes a big difference.
After peeling the film, cover the design with teflon or parchment paper (we recommend teflon, but parchment works) and press again for 10–15 seconds.
This second press improves durability, softness, and wash resistance significantly.
We use premium instant hot-peel film with a matte finish.
Peel while warm for best results. Start from a corner and pull smoothly in one continuous motion, keeping the film low and close to the fabric.
UV-DTF Sticker Tips
UV-DTF stickers are peel-and-stick decals designed for hard surfaces. No heat press or special equipment required.
They work on glass, metal, plastic, wood, ceramics, tumblers, phones, laptops, and more.
Clean the surface with a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water, then let it dry completely.
Dust, oil, or even fingerprints can weaken adhesion. The cleaner the surface, the longer your decal will last.
- Cut the decal close to the design edges
- Place face-down and squeegee firmly over the carrier sheet 2–4 times
- Position on surface – for larger decals, start from one side
- Squeegee again once positioned
- Peel carrier sheet slowly at a 45° angle
• Avoid dishwashers and microwaves
• Hand wash items with stickers applied
• Decals are permanent and cannot be repositioned
For maximum durability, let the applied decal sit for 24 hours before exposing to water.
Sublimation Tips
Sublimation only works on polyester or poly-coated substrates:
• 100% polyester = Most vibrant colors
• 65% polyester blend = Still vibrant
• 50% polyester blend = Vintage/faded look
• Below 50% polyester = Not recommended
Important: Sublimation doesn’t print white, so it only works on white or very light-colored garments.
- Pre-press garment to remove moisture
- Tape transfer in place with heat-resistant tape
- Use fresh butcher paper above and below (never reuse)
- Avoid pressing over seams when possible
- Don’t move or slide the press during transfer
Faded colors? Check the polyester content of your garment and verify your press temperature.
Ghosting (faint duplicate image)? The transfer shifted during pressing. Tape it down more securely next time.
Uneven transfer? Check that pressure is consistent and you’re not pressing over thick seams.