The Ultimate DTF Second Press Showdown: Which Material Wins?

At DTF Parts store, we decided to dive deep into the mysterious world of second pressing in DTF transfers. Why? Because what happens in that second press can make or break your print job! So, we put 11 different materials to the test to see which one came out on top in key areas like feel, durability, and overall performance. After testing everything from butcher paper to old T-shirts, the results were… well, let's just say, interesting.

The Contenders

We picked 11 materials to test and pressed them under identical conditions: 285°F for 20 seconds, same press machine, same settings. The goal? To see how each material affected the feel, look, sound, and longevity of the DTF print.

Here’s what we used:

  1. Butcher Paper
  2. Silicone Sheets
  3. Parchment Paper
  4. Kraft Paper
  5. Copy Paper
  6. Used DTF Film
  7. Silicone Mats
  8. Embroidery Stabilizer
  9. T-Seal
  10. Teflon Sheets
  11. Old T-Shirts

What We Measured

We tested each material based on a few key factors to see how it impacted the final product:

  • Touch & Feel: How soft, smooth, or textured the print felt right after pressing.
  • Visual Appeal: How bright, crisp, and sharp the print looked once transferred.
  • Satisfaction of the Rub: The “rubbing sound” that happens when you run your fingers over the print—does it feel smooth and satisfying?
  • Crinkle Factor: The sound or sensation when you move or flex the print. Is it soft, stiff, or crispy?
  • Wash Resilience: How the print holds up after multiple washes—does it fade, peel, or stay strong?
  • Long-Term Toughness: Overall durability after repeated use and wear, beyond just looks.

Drumroll, Please... And the Winner Is... T-Seal!

T-Seal emerged as the undisputed champion in this showdown. Here's why:

  • Touch & Feel: T-Seal had the softest, smoothest feel right out of the press. It was like the print had melded with the fabric itself.
  • Visual Appeal: The print was vibrant and crisp, almost like it had been professionally screen-printed.
  • Satisfaction of the Rub: It passed the rub test with flying colors—smooth and satisfying.
  • Crinkle Factor: Unlike most materials that just crinkle like a bag of chips, T-Seal stayed smooth, maintaining a nice, soft sound.
  • Wash Resilience: After 10 washes, T-Seal was still holding strong—vibrant, smooth, and nearly as good as new.
  • Long-Term Toughness: T-Seal came through in the clutch, with the most durable, long-lasting print of the bunch.

Close But No Cigar: Kraft Paper

Kraft paper put up a good fight, especially when it came to the sound and feel categories. The crinkle and rubbing sounds were on point, and the texture was nice too. However, after a few washes, it started to lose its magic, making it less durable than our winner. Still, if you're looking for that satisfying tactile feel right out of the press, Kraft paper's a strong contender.

The Losers:

Some materials, like Copy Paper, Used DTF Film, and Old T-Shirts, just didn't make the cut. Copy paper, for example, left the print feeling stiff, with a noticeable crinkle that just wouldn't go away. Old T-shirts? They definitely didn't help with durability. And while the Used DTF Film might seem like a good recycled option, it just didn't hold up in terms of look or feel after a few washes.

The Verdict

If you want the best possible result from your second press, hands down, go with T-Seal. It delivers on feel, look, durability, and longevity, making it the clear winner. If you're experimenting or on a budget, Kraft Paper can still be a solid choice for its unique sound and feel—just don’t expect it to last as long as T-Seal.

So, there you have it—our deep dive into the world of second pressing. Now it’s your turn to test these materials out for yourself and see which one fits your needs best. But trust us, T-Seal is the one to beat!

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