DTF transfers ready to press are reshaping how professional print shops handle custom apparel production. If you're new to the term or considering switching to this method, here’s what you need to know:
What “Ready To Press” Actually Means
“Ready to press” means exactly that: no prep work, no extra equipment, and no time wasted. The design arrives fully printed, cured, and trimmed. You simply align it on your garment and press with heat. That’s it.
This eliminates time-consuming tasks, such as weeding vinyl or pretreating garments, which slows production and increases labor costs.
How DTF Transfers Work
DTF (Direct-to-Film) technology utilizes a specialized printer and textile adhesive to create durable, full-color designs on flexible film. The printed film is applied to fabric using heat and pressure, bonding the ink to the surface with impressive longevity.
At Lion DTF Transfers, we utilize wash-tested inks and adhesives that yield soft, crack-free finishes, even after multiple washes.
Compatible Fabrics And Surfaces
One of the biggest advantages of DTF transfers is versatility. You can apply them to:
- 100% cotton
- 100% polyester
- Blends
- Performance wear
- Canvas and other surfaces
This makes them ideal for custom apparel brands looking to print across multiple fabric types with a single transfer solution. For deeper guidance, read our article on DTF Transfers and compatible materials.
No Guesswork. Just Press.
Every transfer from Lion DTF comes ready to go, printed, cured, and quality checked before it ships. Whether you’re pressing a single tee or handling high-volume bulk, this format gives you back time without sacrificing quality.
Why Print Shops Choose Lion DTF Transfers
For print professionals, production time and consistency aren’t negotiable; they’re the baseline. That’s why more shops are choosing Lion DTF Transfers as their go-to for reliable, fast, and vibrant prints, every time:
Same-Day And Next-Day Turnaround
We know downtime kills momentum. That’s why we offer same-day and next-day DTF printing on most orders. Get your designs printed, packed, and shipped without delays, so your workflow doesn’t stall.
You handle the pressing. We’ll handle the speed, whether you're using DTF Transfers on cotton, poly, blends, or specialty fabrics, your prints will arrive press-ready and built to perform.
Wash-Tested, Vibrant Results
Every transfer we ship is tested for color accuracy and wash durability. Our prints are vibrant out of the box and stay that way after 20+ washes, no fading, cracking, or lifting. That means fewer reprints, fewer callbacks, and a product you can stand behind.
If you're pressing apparel, check out the fundamentals of working with DTF Transfers on T-Shirts for smooth, repeatable results with every press.
U.S.-Based Production, Reliable Fulfillment
Our production facility is based in the U.S., providing you with access to fast shipping DTF and real-time order tracking. Whether you're reordering customer favorites or stocking up for a high-volume job, we keep turnaround tight and expectations high.
Built For Print Professionals
Screen printers, embroidery shops, and apparel brands use us because we think like they do: precision matters, deadlines matter, and every press counts. Our process is designed to support high-output shops that don’t have time for trial and error.
Custom DTF Transfers Built For Production
Custom prints should match the pace and precision of your shop. At Lion DTF Transfers, we design every custom DTF order to align with your production schedule, ensuring seamless integration without delays or compromises. Here's how we support custom work at scale:
Upload, Print, Ship, Fast
Our custom DTF process is simple. Upload your artwork, select your size, and proceed to checkout. From there, we handle everything in-house, from color management to print prep, to deliver custom DTF transfers that arrive press-ready.
The result is fast production without unnecessary steps or third-party delays. Whether it's for apparel, accessories, or mixed substrates, our DTF Transfers are tested for consistent performance across fabric types.
Precision Printing, Consistent Output
Custom does not mean inconsistent. We maintain steady ink saturation, sharp color depth, and reliable adhesive coverage across all our prints. Your first press will look identical to the last, helping your team avoid print errors and reduce material waste.
If you're pressing onto garments, follow best practices from our guide on DTF Transfers on T-Shirts to ensure every job delivers a clean finish and long-lasting result.
Print What You Need, When You Need It
Whether you're handling a single design or recurring batches, you stay in control. You can reorder at any time with saved artwork and locked-in color profiles. That means less back and forth, and more time pressing jobs that matter.
DTF Gang Sheets: Maximize Every Inch
DTF gang sheets are a smart way to increase efficiency and lower costs without sacrificing quality. If you’re printing in volume or managing multiple designs per job, gang sheets help you do more with less film and less press time. Here's how they work:
What Is A DTF Gang Sheet?
A gang sheet is a single large film sheet that contains multiple designs or artwork elements. Instead of printing each image separately, you combine them into a single layout. Once printed, the sheet can be cut down and used across multiple garments or product types.
This method is ideal for shops that handle different print sizes, logo variations, or multiple orders simultaneously. For more on compatible materials, check out our guide on DTF Transfers and how they apply across different fabrics.
Save On Material And Production Time
Gang sheets reduce waste by filling every inch of print space with usable artwork. That means fewer sheets to load, fewer presses to run, and a lower cost per design. It's a production strategy that cuts both time and material costs while maintaining high output.
You get more out of every print job, with less overhead and faster turnarounds, especially when paired with ready-to-press DTF Transfers on T-Shirts for bulk apparel runs.
Customize Your Layout With Ease
Our online system enables you to create your own gang sheets tailored to your specific artwork and sizing requirements. You can preview the layout, drag and drop elements, and arrange them exactly how your shop needs them. It’s a fast, visual way to plan production without guesswork.
Whether you’re prepping for a big drop or running a mix of small jobs, gang sheets give you the flexibility to press on your terms.
How To Order DTF Transfers Online
Ordering DTF transfers should be simple, fast, and built for production needs. At Lion DTF Transfers, we've streamlined the entire process, allowing you to move from upload to checkout in minutes. Here's how to get started:
Step 1: Upload Your Artwork
Start by uploading your print-ready file. We accept popular file formats such as PNG, PDF, and AI. Your artwork should be sized to match your chosen sheet dimensions and set at 300 DPI for best results.
Need help with setup? Our team reviews every file for print readiness before production, ensuring your DTF Transfers are accurate and press-ready from the start.
Step 2: Choose Your Print Size Or Gang Sheet
Select from standard transfer sizes or upload a full DTF gang sheet layout. Whether you're printing logos, full-back graphics, or a mix of both, we give you control over the format and dimensions.
Custom sizing is available to help you get exactly what you need without compromise. If you're printing on tees, check out our best practices for DTF Transfers on T-Shirts to prep for smooth application.
Step 3: Select Quantity And Turnaround Time
Choose the number of sheets or prints you need. You’ll also have the option to select same-day or next-day DTF printing, depending on how fast you need your order. Turnaround times are always clearly listed before you check out.
Fast means fast. We ship from the U.S. with reliable tracking.
Step 4: Complete Checkout And Track Your Order
After payment, you’ll receive an order confirmation with tracking updates as your job moves through our print queue. Most orders ship within 24 hours, so your presses stay running and your deadlines stay intact.
Press It Right: Tips For Applying DTF Transfers
DTF transfers are easy to use, but the right press technique makes all the difference in print quality and durability. If you're aiming for consistent, pro-level results, here are a few key things to lock in:
Use The Right Temperature And Pressure
Most DTF transfers ready to press work best at 300–320°F with medium to firm pressure. Too light, and the adhesive won’t bond properly. Too hot, and you risk distorting the design. Always check your press for cold spots and recalibrate regularly.
A consistent press equals consistent results. To understand how different fabrics react to heat, explore our guide on DTF Transfers for fabric compatibility and pressing tips.
Pre-Press Your Garments
Moisture and wrinkles can interfere with adhesion. Pre-press each garment for 5 to 7 seconds to flatten the fabric and remove any excess moisture. This gives you a clean surface for bonding.
It’s a simple step that prevents peeling and lifting.
Follow The Peel Instructions
Some transfers are hot peel, others require cooling before peeling. Lion DTF Transfers are labeled clearly for the correct peel method. Don’t rush this part. Pulling too early can cause the print to stretch or result in an incomplete transfer. Follow the timing, and your prints will release cleanly every time.
Test First, Then Press In Batches
Before running a full batch, test one transfer on a sample shirt to ensure it works as expected. Check for color, placement, and feel. Once you confirm it's perfect, move on to bulk pressing. This one test can save you from rework or wasted garments. For beginner-friendly guidance on apparel application, check out our full tutorial on DTF Transfers on T-Shirts.
