Should You Do A Second Press With DTF Transfers?

Written By Chris Knop

Updated 7/4/2026

5 Minute Read

Should You Do A Second Press With DTF Transfers?

For Armor Ink DTF transfers, yes, we absolutely recommend it.

A second press only takes a few extra seconds, but it makes a real difference in how the finished garment looks, feels, and holds up over time. The process couldn't be simpler, after the carrier film is peeled, hit your design with a brief finishing press and help the transfer settle into the fabric and bond more securely to the fibers underneath for the life of the garment.

Why We Recommend a Second Press

Better Wash Durability This is the biggest reason to not skip it. A second press helps the ink bond more securely to the fabric, which means less risk of cracking, peeling, or lifting edges after repeated washing. Skipping it doesn't always show up as a problem right away, it tends to show up a few washes later, which is exactly when it turns into a customer complaint or a reprint.

A Softer, More Finished Feel After the initial press, a DTF transfer can still feel slightly raised on the garment which on larger designs results in a more plastic feeling transfer. A second press helps the transfer's adhesive layer finish bonding evenly and deep into the garment, so the design sits more naturally into the fabric with a softer hand feel and a more retail-ready finish.

A Smoother Appearance The finishing press reduces unwanted shine and smooths out the surface of the print. Your cover sheet choice also affects the final look, so it's worth testing different finishes when you want a more matte or more polished result.

These three reasons are why a second press is part of Armor Ink's recommended process, not an optional afterthought.

What's Actually Happening During a Second Press

DTF transfers don't bond to fabric because of the ink — they bond because of a hot-melt adhesive powder underneath the ink. When you do the first press, heat and pressure melt that adhesive just enough to grab onto the garment. That's what gets the design onto the shirt.

But "grabbed on" and "fully bonded" aren't the same thing. Edges, fine lines, and any spot that didn't get perfectly adherred with the first press are where that adhesive is weakest. The second press gives the adhesive layer one more even pass of heat and pressure to flow into the fabric's weave and grip the individual fibers, instead of just sitting on top of them.

This is also why the second press affects both the look and the durability of a print — they're really the same thing showing up two different ways. A print that's fully bonded into the fabric also happens to look smoother and less plastic-y. A print that's only surface-bonded looks shinier now and is the one more likely to crack or lift later.

What Happens If You Skip It

A skipped second press usually doesn't show up as a problem on day one. The design looks sharp, the edges look clean, and the shirt goes out the door looking retail-ready either way.

The difference shows up a few washes later. The edges and fine details are the areas with the least adhesive contact from the first press. They are the first to start lifting or cracking under the flexing and friction of normal wear and washing. By the time that happens, it's not a five-second fix anymore. It's a return, a reprint, or a customer who quietly doesn't order from you again.

The extra few seconds at the press is cheap insurance against all three.

How Do You Do a Second Press?

The second press happens after the initial application and after the carrier film has been peeled. Cover the design with a finishing sheet and apply a brief final press.

For complete Armor Ink pressing instructions — including temperature, pressure, peel guidance, garment-specific settings, and finish options — visit our full guide: View Armor Ink's Full DTF Pressing Instructions →

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

A second press is a finishing step, not a fix for a flawed first press. Proper temperature, pressure, and even platen contact still matter more than anything you do afterward.

Be especially careful when pressing heat-sensitive garments, working around seams or zippers, or applying specialty transfers such as puff designs — extra time and heat can flatten texture or cause scorching. When you're working with an unfamiliar blank, test on a sample garment first.

Specialty Transfers: What Changes

A second press isn't identical across every product. If you're working with anything beyond a standard transfer, here's what to expect:

2nd Press Instructions For Different DTF Types

If you're not sure which category a transfer falls into, treat it like a standard transfer but test on a sample first — that's true for any new product, specialty or not.

Troubleshooting

Edges lifting after peeling? Lay the carrier back down carefully and re-press using the settings in our How to Press guide. If it still isn't adhering, check your first-press temperature, pressure, and platen contact.

Print looks too glossy? Switch your cover sheet to parchment paper for the finishing press instead of Teflon. You can also experiment with many other covers to get different effects.

For step-by-step application and pressing details, our How to Press guide is the full reference.

FAQ

Is a second press required, or optional? It's optional in the sense that the transfer will still apply without it, but we treat it as a standard step for a professional, wash-durable result.

Does every DTF transfer need a second press? Not necessarily. Some suppliers claim their transfers for one-step application. This guide reflects Armor Ink's tested process — check the instructions for any other brand you're using and do wash tests to confirm for yourself.

Do glitter, puff, or metallic transfers get the same second press as standard DTF? No — the timing changes. Glitter usually benefits from a second press to set the sparkle layer, puff needs a much shorter one to avoid flattening, and metallic finishes should be tested first to protect the shine. UV DTF on hard surfaces doesn't need one at all.

The Bottom Line

For Armor Ink DTF transfers, we recommend making a second press part of your normal workflow. It takes very little extra time and helps create a softer, smoother, more wash-durable final product.

A great transfer deserves a great finish.

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