Custom apparel printing is ideal for creating DTF designs for clothing and accessories. However, things don't always go your way. If you find your DTF prints fading, cracking, or peeling after a few washes, there's a strong likelihood that you haven't followed your supplier's instructions carefully.
If you're running a small business, doing this as a hobby, or have a custom shirt shop, faded prints can make you lose customers faster than you can blink and make your brand look unprofessional. However, the good news is that you can stop most of that fading if you simply get the right products and know what you’re doing. Knowing why DTF prints peel or fade is the first step in ensuring your prints last. Here are five reasons why your DTF prints might be fading, how to fix faded DTF prints, and why using good suppliers will help you get prints that last longer.
Let's get started and learn about the causes of fading, peeling, and cracking prints, so you can keep your business thriving.
1. Cheap Film or Ink
One significant reason DTF prints fade is when people attempt to save money by using inexpensive film or ink. If you buy the low-quality DTF film, it won’t stick to the ink or glue powder, so your prints are doomed from the start. Additionally, if you use inexpensive inks, they may not penetrate the fabric or adhere well when washed, resulting in faded and dull-looking prints.
Always use PET films specifically designed for DTF printing and inks formulated for DTF. If you use the wrong inks or old film, even the coolest design won’t last long. If the ink doesn’t come out smooth or the colors look weak, this is a red flag. If your prints are fading quickly, consider investing in higher-quality materials. DTF print quality issues often stem from this one mistake. So how to prevent DTF fading? Start with better materials.
2. Wrong Heat Press Settings
Another reason DTF prints go bd is because you use incorrect heat press settings. If the press isn’t hot enough, or you don’t apply enough pressure or time, the glue powder may not melt and stick as it should. Too little heat, time, or pressure means the print won’t stick well, causing you trouble down the road.
On the other hand, if you use too much heat and give it too much time, the ink can burn, or the color will look whack. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Usually, it’s around 280°F to 320°F (the best temperature to store DTF transfers is also similar), and press with medium to hard pressure for 15–20 seconds. Pressing it again for 5–10 seconds can help seal the design. This is part of proper DTF print curing and will help your designs last longer.
3. Washing and Drying Blunders
How you wash clothes really matters for how long the DTF print lasts. Fading usually happens when you do things you shouldn't, like using strong soap, hot water, or high heat in the dryer. Even the best DTF prints will fade if you don't wash them right.
To keep prints from fading, tell your customers to wash clothes inside out with cold water and gentle soap. Tell them to hang the clothes up to dry or use low heat in the dryer. Don't use bleach or fabric softeners since they can mess up the ink and glue. Providing people with DTF wash care tips along with their orders can reduce complaints and increase their satisfaction with their prints. This is the best way to wash DTF shirts if you want them to last.
4. Humidity and Lousy Storage
How you keep your DTF prints really matters for how long they last. Keep them in a place that's too humid, too dry, or in direct sun, and they might fade fast, or the glue won't stick. Too much dampness can cause the glue powder to become lumpy or weak, while not enough dampness can damage the film. Always keep your DTF prints somewhere cool and dry, like around 60°F–75°F, and not too humid.
The proper humidity for DTF transfer storage is around 40–50%. Keep the transfers flat and away from sunlight. Use ziplock bags or containers to keep DTF transfers dust-free. Bad storage doesn’t just make them look cheap, it also ruins how well they stick, whether it’s a hot or cold peel transfer. This is a key consideration for DTF transfer durability and how long DTF transfers last in storage.
5. Don't Forget to Post-Press or Cure
If you skip the last step of curing or post-pressing, your DTF prints could be ruined. Even if they look good to go at first, not curing the ink very well to the fabric can cause issues. You might see fading, cracks, or peeling later. Post-pressing helps the ink and glue bind better by applying heat after you take the film off. That way, your print lasts through washes and keeps the colors popping. When post-pressing it, use parchment paper or a Teflon sheet so it doesn't burn.
Always post-press, especially if you have a large number of orders. Skipping it might save time upfront, but you might have to reprint stuff and deal with returns later. This part helps prevent DTF print fading
Why DTF Gang Roll is the Ultimate Option for Transfers That Last
If you want to avoid DTF transfer cracking and want your designs to look professional, DTF Gang Roll can provide you with high-quality transfers. We're different from other suppliers because we focus on top-notch, pre-printed DTF transfers that prevent common problems, such as DTF prints fading or peeling. We use the best films, inks, and powders that work together to create killer colors, great adhesion, and wash durability.
Each transfer is made using tested DTF printing stuff and checked closely. We offer hot or cold peel options, and our transfers are stored and shipped properly to ensure optimal results. We also do gang sheets for custom jobs, which can save you both time and money. If product quality matters, trust DTF Gang Roll to give you bright, tough prints that you can count on.
Final Thoughts: How Long Do DTF Prints Last?
That depends on how you treat them. DTF prints that fade can harm your brand and waste your time, but the good thing is that you can avoid it. With high-quality products, proper pressing, and optimal storage, your prints will look exceptional. These simple precautions will ensure long-lasting, vibrant DTF prints.
Get your DTF sample pack now to evaluate storage practices and application methods with DTF Gang Roll's DTF transfers.
