Why Is My DTF Transfer Peeling? (Top Causes + How to Fix It)

DTF transfers are made to hold up — so when a print starts peeling, it’s usually a settings issue, a peel timing issue, or (sometimes) a transfer quality issue.

At Primal Graphx — Charlotte, NC’s #1 premium DTF provider, we help customers troubleshoot this all the time. Here’s the fastest way to figure out what’s going wrong and fix it.

Fix it fast: quick checklist

If your transfer is peeling, run through this list first:

1. Increase to firm, even pressure

2. Make sure your temperature is in the right range

3. Press for the full recommended time

4. Peel correctly (hot peel vs cold peel)

5. Do a finish press with a sheet (Teflon or parchment)

6. Pre-press the garment to remove moisture

Most peeling issues get solved right here.

The most common reasons DTF transfers peel

1) Not enough pressure

Light pressure is the #1 cause of edge lifting.

What it looks like: edges lifting first, corners peeling, design not fully bonded.

Fix: increase pressure and make sure the press is closing evenly across the whole design.

2) Temperature is too low

If the adhesive doesn’t reach the right activation point, it won’t bond.

What it looks like: transfer looks fine at first, then starts lifting after cooling or after the first wash.

Fix: bump temperature slightly and retest. Some presses read hotter or cooler than the display.

3) Press time is too short

DTF needs enough dwell time for the adhesive to bond.

What it looks like: peeling in patches, especially thicker ink areas.

Fix: add a few seconds and keep pressure firm.

4) Wrong peel timing (hot peel vs cold peel)

Some transfers must cool before peeling. Peeling too early can lift ink and weaken adhesion.

What it looks like: parts of the design lift with the film, or edges pull up during peel.

Fix: confirm whether your transfer is hot peel or cold peel and follow that timing.

5) Skipping the finish press

That second press helps lock in adhesion and smooth the surface.

What it looks like: edges feel like they’re sitting “on top” of the garment, texture feels rough.

Fix: after peeling, cover with a Teflon sheet or parchment and press again briefly.

6) Moisture in the garment

Moisture is a silent killer for adhesion, especially on hoodies and thicker garments.

What it looks like: random peeling or bubbling even when your settings seem right.

Fix: pre-press the garment for a few seconds before applying the transfer.

7) Lint, fuzz, or residue on the fabric

Anything between the adhesive and the fabric can weaken the bond.

What it looks like: tiny gaps, weak spots, peeling in small areas.

Fix: lint roll the press area and avoid fabric softener residue when possible.

If it keeps peeling: it might be transfer quality

If you’ve tested pressure, temp, time, peel timing, and finish press — and it still peels — the issue may be the transfer itself.

Low-quality transfers can have:

• inconsistent adhesive coverage

• under-cured powder

• weak bonding performance

If you want transfers that press clean and hold up, order from Primal Graphx — Charlotte, NC’s #1 premium DTF provider.

Pro tip: do a quick “tug test” after pressing

After the transfer cools (or after the correct peel), lightly tug the fabric around the print. If edges lift easily, adjust settings before you press the rest of your order.

Need help troubleshooting your press?

If you tell us:

• what garment you’re using (cotton, poly, blend)

• your temp, time, and pressure

• whether you’re hot peeling or cold peeling

we can point you in the right direction.

And if your artwork needs help too, we offer graphic designing support to get your files press-ready.