Questions We Get Every Day

Real questions. Straight answers from people who work with transfers and apparel every day.

At Ace DTF, our team helps customers choose the right products, prepare artwork, and solve pressing problems every day. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from decorators, small businesses, schools, teams, and first-time customers.

Will DTF transfers work on 50/50 shirts?

Yes. DTF transfers work well on cotton, polyester, and cotton-polyester blends, including 50/50 shirts.

For most 50/50 garments, follow the pressing instructions provided with your order. Because these shirts contain polyester, using a slightly lower temperature can help reduce the chance of scorching or dye migration.

A common starting point is:

315°F for 10 seconds with medium to medium-firm pressure and an instant peel.

Always test one garment first when working with a new brand, fabric, or color.

Can I use a Cricut heat press?

Yes, a Cricut-style press can work for smaller DTF transfers, but consistent pressure is extremely important.

Handheld presses may be harder to use on large designs because the pressure can vary across the transfer. For the most consistent results, we recommend using a traditional clamshell, swing-away, or automatic heat press.

When using a handheld press:

• Use a firm, heat-resistant surface.
• Apply even pressure across the entire design.
• Avoid pressing on an ironing board.
• Press larger designs in sections only when necessary.
• Follow the correct time and temperature for the garment.

Can I upload artwork made in Canva?

Yes. Canva artwork can be used for DTF printing when it is exported correctly.

For the best results, export your design as a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background. Your design should also be created at the size you want it printed.

Before uploading, check that:

• The background is transparent.
• The artwork is not blurry or pixelated.
• Small text is easy to read.
• Thin lines are thick enough to print.
• The design is sized correctly.
• Unwanted shadows or background boxes have been removed.

Canva files are not always true 300 DPI files, so enlarging a small design after exporting may reduce print quality.

How long do DTF transfers last?

When properly applied and cared for, DTF transfers can last through many washes.

The final durability depends on several factors, including the garment, heat press, pressure, application settings, and washing method.

For the longest-lasting results:

• Wash the garment inside out.
• Use cold or warm water.
• Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.
• Do not iron directly over the transfer.
• Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry.
• Wait at least 24 hours before the first wash.

Correct pressure is just as important as temperature. A transfer that looks attached but was pressed with insufficient pressure may begin lifting after washing.

What happens if my artwork is not print-ready?

Our designers review submitted artwork before production.

If we notice a problem that could affect the quality of your transfer, we may contact you and request a better file. Common artwork problems include:

• Low resolution
• Blurry or pixelated images
• Unwanted backgrounds
• Artwork that is the wrong size
• Very small text
• Extremely thin lines
• Missing transparent areas
• Poor-quality screenshots
• Designs copied from websites or social media

Simple corrections may be possible, but detailed cleanup, background removal, recreation, or redesign work may require an additional artwork charge.

Whenever possible, send the original PNG, AI, PSD, PDF, CDR, or other high-quality design file.

Do I need to mirror my artwork?

No. Upload your design exactly as you want it to appear on the finished garment.

Our production team will handle the correct printing orientation. Mirroring your design before uploading may cause text, numbers, or logos to print backward.

Can you remove the background from my image?

In many cases, yes.

Simple backgrounds can often be removed, but detailed images, low-resolution artwork, hair, smoke, shadows, distressed edges, or complicated objects may require additional design work.

For the fastest production, upload a transparent PNG whenever possible.

A white background is not the same as a transparent background. If your design should not have a white box around it, make sure the background is fully removed before submitting the file.

Can you print a screenshot or image from Facebook?

Sometimes, but screenshots and social media images are usually low resolution.

They may look acceptable on a phone but become blurry or pixelated when enlarged for printing. For the best results, send the original artwork file rather than downloading or screenshotting the image from Facebook, Google, or another website.

Our design team can review the file and let you know whether it is suitable for printing.

What file type should I upload?

A transparent PNG at the final print size is usually the best option for DTF transfers.

For best results:

• Use 300 DPI whenever possible.
• Submit artwork at the actual size you want printed.
• Use a transparent background.
• Avoid screenshots and compressed images.
• Keep important details large enough to print clearly.

Original vector or layered files may also be helpful when artwork adjustments are needed.

Do I need to gang my artwork myself?

For gang sheet pricing, artwork should normally be arranged on the sheet before it is uploaded.

Place your designs inside the selected gang sheet dimensions and leave enough space between each design for cutting. Check that every design is the correct size before submitting the sheet.

We print the artwork at the size it is provided, so always verify the measurements before completing your order.

Will the printed colors match my computer screen?

Printed colors may look slightly different from what you see on a monitor, phone, or tablet.

Screens display colors using light, while printed transfers use ink. Monitor brightness, device settings, artwork color mode, and fabric color can all affect the final appearance.

For more predictable results:

• Design in CMYK or LAB when possible.
• Avoid extremely bright RGB or neon screen colors.
• Use original artwork files.
• Consider reducing saturation slightly.
• Order a sample before placing a large color-sensitive order.

Exact color matching may require additional testing.

How quickly will my order ship?

Most orders leave our facility within 1–3 business days.

Production time may vary depending on:

• Order size
• Artwork problems
• Specialty materials
• Product availability
• Current production volume
• Requested artwork services

Shipping time begins after the order has been produced. Transit time depends on the shipping method and destination selected during checkout.

Can I press DTF transfers on polyester?

Yes. DTF transfers work well on many polyester garments.

We recommend starting at:

315°F for 10 seconds with medium to medium-firm pressure and an instant peel.

Some polyester garments are sensitive to heat or may experience dye migration. Always test one garment before completing a full order, especially when pressing dark polyester, performance fabric, or sublimated apparel.

Can I press DTF transfers on nylon?

DTF transfers can work on some nylon garments, but nylon requires lower heat and careful testing.

A common starting point is:

275°F for 15 seconds with medium pressure and a cold peel.

Nylon fabrics and coatings vary significantly. Always test the transfer in an inconspicuous area before decorating the full garment.

What if my transfer does not stick?

If a transfer does not fully adhere, allow the garment to cool, cover the design with parchment paper or a finishing sheet, and press it again for a few seconds using firm, even pressure.

Common causes of poor adhesion include:

• Insufficient pressure
• Incorrect temperature
• Uneven heat
• Pressing on a soft surface
• Moisture in the garment
• Thick seams, zippers, collars, or pockets
• Using the wrong peel method
• A heat press that is not reaching the displayed temperature

A temperature gun or heat testing strip can help confirm that your press is heating evenly.

Should I pre-press the garment?

Yes. Pre-pressing the garment for a few seconds helps remove moisture and wrinkles.

This creates a smoother surface and can improve transfer adhesion. Avoid pre-pressing for too long, especially on polyester or heat-sensitive garments.

Do you review every artwork file?

Our team reviews artwork for obvious production concerns, but customers are responsible for checking spelling, sizing, placement, colors, and design content before ordering.

We print artwork based on the file and size submitted. Carefully review your design before completing checkout.

Still Have Questions?

Our customer service team and designers are here to help.

Whether you need help choosing a transfer, checking your artwork, selecting pressing settings, or placing an order, you will receive assistance from real people who work with transfers and decorated apparel every day.

Call: 937-398-1103
Email: orders@acetransco.com

Ace DTF is family owned and has served decorators since 1992. We provide fast production, nationwide shipping, professional artwork review, and dependable support before and after your order.