Press Marks, Scorching, and Cracking: How to Avoid Common Heat Press Issues (DTF Edition)

Heat pressing DTF transfers is simple once you dial it in, but three issues can mess up an otherwise perfect shirt fast:

• press marks

• scorching

• cracking

At Primal Graphx — Charlotte’s #1 Premium DTF Provider, we press transfers every day on cotton, poly, and blends. Here’s how to prevent the most common heat press problems (and what to do if they happen).

Fix it fast: quick prevention checklist

Before you press:

1. Pre-press to remove moisture and wrinkles

2. Lint roll the press area

3. Use firm, even pressure (not extreme)

4. Use a protective sheet (parchment or Teflon)

5. Test one garment first (especially poly/performance)

1) Press marks (the “box” or shiny outline)

What causes press marks

• Too much pressure

• Pressing directly on the garment without a cover sheet

• Sensitive fabrics (especially poly and performance)

• Heat press seams, zippers, pockets, or thick collars creating uneven pressure

How to prevent press marks

• Use a cover sheet (parchment or Teflon)

• Use only the pressure you need (firm and even, not crushing)

• Use a press pillow or pad to lift seams and thick areas

• For poly/performance, consider slightly lower temp and a clean finish press

How to fix press marks

• Light steam (if fabric allows)

• A quick re-press with a cover sheet and slightly reduced pressure

2) Scorching (yellowing or heat damage)

What causes scorching

• Temperature too high

• Pressing too long

• Fabric sensitivity (poly/performance and some blends)

• Dark garments showing shine or heat “gloss”

How to prevent scorching

• Lower temperature for poly/performance garments

• Keep time consistent (don’t “double press” without a reason)

• Always use a protective sheet

• Do a quick test press on one garment from the batch

If you already scorched the garment

• Some scorch marks are permanent (especially on poly)

• Try light steam or washing, but prevention is the real win

3) Cracking (print looks broken after wear or wash)

What causes cracking

• Under-pressing (not enough heat, time, or pressure)

• Skipping the finish press

• Peeling at the wrong time (hot vs cold peel)

• Stretching the garment too aggressively right after pressing

How to prevent cracking

• Use firm, even pressure and the correct press time

• Peel correctly (hot peel vs cold peel)

• Do a finish press with parchment or Teflon

• Let the garment cool before heavy stretching

Cotton vs poly vs blends: what to watch for

Cotton

• Usually the easiest to press

• Less prone to scorch than poly

Polyester and performance shirts

• Most likely to show scorch, shine, or press marks

• Test first, use a cover sheet, and avoid excessive heat

Blends

• A good middle ground

• Still test if it’s a new garment brand/style

Pro tip: one change at a time

If something isn’t right, don’t change everything at once. Adjust one variable:

• pressure

• temperature

• time

• finish sheet

That’s how you get consistent results fast.

Need transfers that press clean and hold up?

If you want bold color, sharp detail, and transfers that are cured properly and ready to press, order from Primal Graphx — Charlotte’s #1 Premium DTF Provider.

And if your artwork needs help (thin lines, tiny text, low-res logos), we also offer graphic designing to make your images press-ready.

— Primal Graphx Team

Charlotte’s #1 Premium DTF Provider