You’ve spent time creating a design, printing it beautifully, and carefully pressing it onto a shirt… only to find your DTF transfer not sticking. There are few frustrating moments for a custom apparel maker. Be it a print that completely peels off, partially lifts, or has uneven adhesion. All these different scenarios are sure to ruin your craftsmanship and possibly your self-esteem.
The good news? DTF printing is one of the most reliable transfer methods available— if every step in the process is done correctly. When your print from your DTF printer just won’t stick to the shirt, it’s not bad luck — it’s usually something you can quickly fix.
This guide explains the reasons why the DTF print does not stick, with the easiest possible solutions and which inks, films and powders can make every transfer stick perfectly even after many washes.
Understanding Why DTF Transfers Don’t Stick
DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing relies on a precise balance between ink chemistry, adhesive powder, curing temperature, and fabric preparation. If one part of this chain fails, adhesion suffers.
Here are the most common reasons DTF prints won’t stick to garments — and what you can do to fix them.
1. Incorrect Heat Press Temperature or Pressure
This is by far the most common reason DTF transfers don't stick well.
If the temperature is too low the powder adhesive will not fully melt and will not stick to the cloth fibers. It is too low, insufficient heat applied will not melt or enough soften the film or ink, too high heat may raise too fast and produce brittle prints which will crack or peel.
Pressure quantities, as well: irregular or spotty pressure won't let the film contact the shirt completely.
How to Fix It:
Use a quality heat press, not a home iron.
Heat your press to 150–160°C (300–320°F) with medium pressure for 15–20 seconds.
Apply firm, even pressure across the entire surface.
Test your heat press always for hot spots—older units may warm unevenly.
InkSonic Tip: Try our Auto Heat Press Machine with built-in infrared positioning. It ensures uniform pressure and consistent temperature across every print.
2. Moisture or Contamination in Fabric
Even small amounts of moisture, oil, or other residue can interfere with adhesion. New garments can frequently have chemical coatings on them and older garments like a shirt may have chemical coatings from the detergent.
When the moisture touches the DTF adhesive powder, it prevents the DTF powder from adhering, thus leading to weak adhesion due to edge curling or peeling.
How to Fix It:
Always pre-press the shirt for 5–10 seconds to remove moisture.
For new garments, wash once to remove any factory coatings.
Avoid using fabric softeners.
Store blank shirts in a cool, dry place to prevent humidity buildup.
3. Poor Adhesive Powder Coverage
The DTF adhesive powder is what bonds your print to the shirt fibers. Uneven, insufficient, or excessive powder causes major adhesion issues.
Underapplying powder - leads to poor bonding and can cause the edges of your material to lift after washing.
Excessive powder - forms lumps of powders and some adhesive powders do not cure when this happens leading to a bumpy or sticky surface.
What should I do?
Apply an even and generous layer of adhesive powder while the print is still wet,
Then gently shake off the excess powder, don't rub or blow off.
For consistent coverage, use InkSonic’s high-purity DTF hot melt adhesive powder. Its fine texture ensures smooth coating and strong, uniform bonding.
4. Incomplete Film Curing
Preheating (or melting) the powder adhesive before transfer is a key process step. If the film is undercured, the glue hasn’t melted enough to stick; if it’s overcured, it solidifies too early and won’t grip the fabric.
Repairing Process:
Cure the film at a temperature of 100–110°C (210–230°F) for approximately 60–90 seconds, or until the powder shifts from its original white color to a transparent state.
Avoid using a heat gun as it can generate inconsistent temperatures.
A DTF oven will allow for an even curing temperature and equally consistent transfer strength.
InkSonic Tip: For clean, bubble-free results every time, use your printer in combination with an InkSonic DTF Oven! It offers an exact and consistent cure temperature.
5. Low-Quality or Incorrect Film
Not all PET films are created equal. Low-grade films may warp, hold static, or release unevenly when peeled, leading to incomplete transfers.
How to Fix It:
Choose InkSonic Premium PET Film, engineered for clean peel and heat resistance.
Avoid films designed for sublimation or laser printing—they lack the coating that allows DTF inks to bond.
Store films flat, away from humidity and sunlight.
6. Fabric Incompatibility
While DTF works on most fabrics, certain materials—like heavily waterproofed nylon or silicone-coated polyester—don’t allow adhesive to penetrate.
How to Fix It:
Test a small print before large runs.
For coated textiles, apply a DTF primer spray to enhance adhesion.
Cotton, cotton blends, polyester, and fleece are what you should use for the best results.
7. Using Normal Ink Instead of DTF Ink
Some beginners try to save money by using regular pigment ink instead of specialized DTF ink. Unfortunately, this almost always causes adhesion failure.
Regular ink lacks the resin formulation needed to bind with the adhesive powder and film coating. Even if it prints correctly, the transfer will peel off after washing.
How to Fix It:
Always use dedicated DTF ink—such as InkSonic’s DTF Ink Series, formulated with balanced viscosity and resin for optimal bonding, vibrant colors, and long-lasting adhesion.
Real-World Example: Regular Ink vs. DTF Ink
The following two stories are from real customers launching small apparel shops.
Alex tries to save money by using regular pigment ink in a standard printer. The design looks fine on film, but the ink smears when applying powder. After pressing, the print peels within a few washes. The printer clogs, materials go to waste, and customers are disappointed.
Jamie, however, uses genuine InkSonic DTF ink. Each transfer cleanly adheres—vivid colors, smooth finish, and wash-safe results. The quality is exceptional, customers love it, word of mouth grows, and Jamie’s little shop becomes a flourishing business.
The difference is in the chemistry. Regular ink can’t bond properly. DTF ink is engineered for fusion—between film, powder, and fabric—creating a lasting professional print.
How to Ensure Long-Lasting Adhesion Every Time
If your DTF transfers aren’t sticking, here’s a complete checklist to keep by your heat press:
Step |
Check |
Recommended Setting |
Pre-Press |
Remove moisture |
5–10 seconds at 150°C |
Printing |
Use DTF ink only |
InkSonic DTF Ink |
Powder |
Apply evenly |
Fine, uniform coating |
Curing |
Fully melt adhesive |
100–110°C for 60–90s |
Pressing |
Apply firm, even pressure |
150–160°C for 15–20s |
Peeling |
Cool peel or warm peel |
Follow film instructions |
Extra Tip: For extra durability, re-press your shirt for 5 seconds with a Teflon sheet after peeling the film. This locks in adhesion and adds a professional finish.
Bonus Section: When It’s Not the Film—It’s the Heat Press
Sometimes, even when every DTF step is perfect, the issue lies in the heat press machine itself.
Uneven pressure or temperature inconsistency can cause weak transfers, especially around the edges. If your press is several years old, check for:
Uneven platen pressure
Cold or inconsistent heating zones
Worn-out Teflon pads
Upgrading to a smart auto heat press ensures reliability, accuracy, and repeatable results — a worthwhile investment for anyone printing in volume.
Prevent Problems Before They Start
The easiest way to fix adhesion issues is to avoid them altogether. Here’s how:
Keep your printer and film area clean — avoid dust and lint.
Store DTF film and powder in a dry, cool place.
Replace ink dampers and capping stations regularly to maintain flow.
Pre-wash new garments if they feel coated or slippery.
Always allow printed transfers to cool before peeling film.
These small habits make a big difference in adhesion, color, and overall print quality.
Why InkSonic Materials Make the Difference
At InkSonic, we understand that the success of every print comes down to chemistry, consistency, and accuracy. That's why our DTF consumables are designed to work together as a system:
DTF Ink: Vibrant pigments, smooth flow, and extended nozzle safety.
Hot Melt Powder: Extra fine and static-free for uniform adhesion.
PET Film: Degradable Grade A coating for residue free release and tight grip.
Heat Press Machines: Get professional results with consistent temperature and pressure.
Use good quality materials and the right technique and your transfers will be perfect and stay bright and crack-free after many washes.
FAQ
Q: Why is it that my DTF print is peeling after washing?
A: In most cases, this either stems from not enough heat or not enough curing time or from having to use a sub-standard powder. If you re-press the transfer at 160°C for 10 seconds after it has peeled, it will strengthen the bond.
Q: Can I DTF print on any fabric?
A: It works great on cotton, polyester, and cotton/polyester blends. You may require a primer spray for some coated or waterproof fabrics.
Q: Why does the print feel rough or powdery?
A: Too much adhesive powder or over-curing during the film stage. Use finer powder and follow temperature guidelines.
Q: Should I peel warm or cold?
A: Follow the film’s instructions. InkSonic films offer both warm and cold peel options for flexibility.
Conclusion
If your DTF transfers are not adhering to shirts, fear not- it is not an unforgivable problem. The cause of adhesion boils down to one of three factors; heat, water, or quality of material. Explaining pressing parameters, keeping your fabrics clean and dry, and utilizing professional quality consumables will improve the bonding strength and ink durability exponentially, one or the other factor is standing in your way.
With InkSonic DTF inks, films, powders, and heat presses, you will be sure to get consistency and confidence to produce shinless transfers every time- no peeling, no cracking, no problems at all. Take a walk through the InkSonic supply catalog to product knowledge resources, and order DTF printing supplies. That is the difference quality makes.
