Curing your DTF (Direct-to-Film) prints correctly is the key to ensuring strong adhesion to your garment or substrate. If a print isn’t cured properly, its durability and overall quality will suffer—leading to poor washability, cracking, or peeling. Whether you're new to DTF or a seasoned pro, mastering the curing process is crucial for creating long-lasting, high-quality prints.

What is the Curing Process?

DTF curing involves applying DTF adhesion powder to a print, then heating it to melt the powder. This melted powder acts as a heat-reactive glue, creating a strong bond between the ink and the fabric. If done correctly, your prints will be vibrant, flexible, and able to withstand 50-100 washes without significant fading or peeling.

However, improper curing—whether undercuring or overcuring—can cause major issues that affect the quality and durability of your prints.

Effects of Undercuring

If a DTF print is undercured, it won’t adhere properly to the garment, leading to:

• Rough, grainy texture – The powder hasn’t fully melted. Try increasing the temperature or extending the curing time.
• Oily or greasy feel – The powder melted too fast, causing pinholes where ink oils escape. Try lowering the heat slightly.
• Weak adhesion – The print may peel off the garment after a few washes.

If you notice these issues, adjust your settings in small increments to dial in the perfect cure.

Effects of Overcuring

Overcuring can damage the print resulting in:

• Stiff, brittle prints – The excessive heat hardens the ink and adhesive.
• Cracking or bubbling – Signs that the print was exposed to too much heat.
• Discoloration or scorching – Overheating can burn the ink or fabric.

If you experience these problems, lower the heat or reduce the curing time. If using a shaker oven, start with the manufacturer’s recommended settings and adjust only if necessary.

RELATED: PREPARING ARTWORK FOR DTF PRINTING

Best Methods for Curing DTF Prints

Different curing methods are available, depending on your production setup, space, and budget.

1. Shaker & Curing Oven

(Best for High-Volume Production)

DTF printers like the OMNI DTF come with an integrated shaker and curing oven. This system automates the process, ensuring even curing and efficient workflow.

How to Use a Shaker & Curing Oven:

✔ Set the temperature to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
✔ Cure for approximately 2 minutes, adjusting as needed based on environmental factors like room temperature and humidity.

Pros:

✅ Even heat distribution for consistent results
✅ Perfect for batch processing
✅ Automates adhesion powder application
✅ Can continuously cure a roll of DTF film

Cons:

❌ Requires space and ventilation
❌ Some systems need manual powder recycling, while others automate this process

2. Heat Press Method

(Great For Small Batches, Even Curing Results)

A heat press can be used to cure DTF prints, but it is less consistent and time-consuming. This method is only recommended as a substitute for a dryer.

❌ Important: This will not work with a clamshell heat press due to the lack of even heat distribution.

How to Cure DTF Prints with a Heat Press:

✔ Set the heat press so the heating element hovers about 1 inch above the platen. NO PRESSING NEEDED!
✔ Set the temperature to 350°F - 400°F and carefully slide the printed film underneath.
✔ Set the heat press so the heating element hovers about 1 inch above the platen.

Pros:

✅ Budget-friendly use the heat press you own (must be hover/slide type heat press, not clam shell)
✅ Even Heat Distribution 

Cons:

❌ Manual powder application
❌ Inconsistent results – Higher risk of undercuring or overcuring 
❌ Time-consuming – Not suitable for mass production
❌ Requires ventilation & PPE

3. Flash Dryer

(Not Ideal But Can Work)

A flash dryer is a common tool in screen printing that emits intense heat to cure ink. It can also be used for curing DTF prints but requires close monitoring. This is method is not recommended but can work as a last resort. 

How to Cure DTF Prints with a Flash Dryer:

✔ Hover the flash dryer 2-3 inches above the transfer film.
✔ Watch the film carefully to ensure even curing.

Pros:

✅ Uses existing equipment

Cons:

❌ Manual powder application required
❌ Risk of uneven curing
❌ Not ideal for large production 
❌ Requires ventilation & PPE
❌ Must be constantly monitored to prevent overcuring

How to Test if Your DTF Prints are Properly Cured

Before applying your DTF transfers, test your prints to ensure they’ve been cured correctly. Here’s how:

✔ Stretch Test – A properly cured print should stretch without cracking.
✔ Wash Test – Wash a test garment and check for peeling, fading, or cracking.
✔ Feel & Flexibility Test – The cured print should feel smooth and flexible—not sticky or brittle.

If your prints fail any of these tests, adjust your curing settings accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right curing method depends on your production needs and budget.

No matter which method you use, proper curing is essential for durability, washability, and overall print quality. Always test your prints and tweak your settings as needed to produce the best results possible!