1. Introduction

The xTool Apparel Printer is a commercial Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing system designed to produce full-color transfers that can be heat-pressed onto a wide variety of fabrics and materials.

Key Benefits

• Full-color printing

• Works on light and dark garments

• Beginner-friendly workflow with integrated xTool software

• Automated print-to-bake workflow (with the xTool shaker oven)

• Transfer works on most textiles (cotton, polyester, canvas, denim, nylon, spandex, etc)

• Transfer works on non-textile materials such as wood, metal, ceramics, glass, etc

• Example applications:

  • T-shirts

  • Hoodies

  • Denim jacket

  • Canvas tote bags

  • Nylon and spandex active wear  

  • Hats

  • Pillows

  • Artwork on canvas and metal blanks

  • Iron-on decals for enclosures and models*

  • Keyboard key characters* 

* special heat press may be required

• DTF Advantages

  • Vibrant colors

  • Excellent durability

  • Fine detail reproduction

2. DTF Workflow

1. Prepare artwork

2. Start xTool Studio Software

3. Import Artwork into xTool Studio

4. Edit Artwork size and desired settings

5. Print artwork onto transfer film.

6. Heat press onto the garment or material.

7. Allow to cool, then peel the film.

8. Optional: Heat press a second time using parchment paper, teflon, or the film that was just peeled.

3. Artwork Preparation

• Start with a good high resolution image 

  • recommended 300 DPI at final print size

  • Avoid blowing up small images - they become blurry

• Supported file types: 

  • PNG (Best choice for most projects - Supports transparent backgrounds)

  • JPG/JPEG (Best for photographs - No transparency)

  • SVG (Excellent for logos and simple graphics)

• Transparent backgrounds

  • Great for logos and artwork with backgrounds you don’t want to print

• Image location and size suggestions:

  • Left chest logo: 3–5 inches

  • Full front/back design: 10–12 inches

  • Pocket logo: 3 inches

  • Sleeve print: 2–3 inches

Common Printing Problems

Problem Possible Cause What to Do

Film feeds crooked or 

wrinkles while printing Film not aligned Cancel the job. Reload and align the film. Notify RM

Printer reports an error Machine issue Notify RM

Smudged print Film handled too soon Allow the print to finish and handle only by the edges

Missing areas in the design Printer maintenance needed Stop using the printer and notify RM

Film wavey after printing Film drying temperature too high Notify RM for adjustment

Image is flakey or powdery 

after printing Film drying temperature too low Notify RM for adjustment

6. Heat Press Process

1. Position garment on press

2. Pre-press the garment for 5 seconds.

3. Align transfer (Transfer should look right side up - not white or inverted)

4. Apply recommended time, temperature, and pressure.

   • 100% Cotton: 300-320°F for 15 seconds.

   • 100% Polyester: 270-275°F for 10 seconds.

   • Poly Blends: 300-315°F for 15 seconds

5. Remove garment from press carefully, allow to cool.

6. Peel film sheet off gently once cool. If transfer is not sticking raise the temperature or press longer.

7. Place garment back on press.

8. Cover image with  parchment paper, teflon, or the film that was just peeled.

9. Press for 5 seconds a final time to improve transfer durability.

Common Heat Press Problems

Problem Possible Cause Solution

Transfer lifting Not enough heat, pressure, or time. Re-press using the recommended settings,

 Transfer is not cool allow transfer to cool fully before peeling

Wrinkles in design Garment not smoothed Pre-press and smooth before applying the transfer

Crooked design Poor alignment Take time to position before pressing

Scorch marks Temperature too high or press left too long Verify the recommended settings before pressing

Design shifts Transfer moved before pressing Hold the transfer in place and close the press carefully

7. Non‑Textile Materials You Can Heat Press with an xTool DTF Transfer

Yes — xTool DTF transfers can be heat‑pressed onto materials other than textiles, though results vary and you’ll need to adjust temperature, pressure, and timing for each surface.

Common Non‑Fabric Substrates That Work

Testers and makers have successfully applied DTF transfers to a range of materials, including:

• Metal – e.g., sublimation bookmarks, metal signs. Use medium pressure, ~290 °F for 20 seconds, and let cool before peeling.

• Neoprene – e.g., can koozies. Works well with standard DTF settings; may need slightly lower temps to avoid scorching.

• Faux leather – e.g., luggage tags. Requires careful temperature control to avoid oil reactions or bubbling.

• Wood – e.g., signs, boards. Sanded or pre‑painted wood works best; smooth, semi‑porous surfaces bond better.

• Glass – e.g., mugs, bottles. Needs a clean, non‑porous surface; may benefit from a primer or UV‑cured DTF for better adhesion.

• Ceramic – e.g., mugs, tiles. Similar to glass; UV‑cured DTF is often recommended for ceramics.

• Plastic – e.g., acrylic, notebook covers. Requires a clean, non‑porous surface; may need a primer for better grip.

• Paper – e.g., notebooks, cards. Works if the paper is smooth and non‑absorbent; UV‑cured DTF is preferred for durability.

Tips for Success on Non‑Textile Materials

• Surface prep is key: Clean with isopropyl alcohol, sand lightly if needed, and remove oils or grease.

• Use UV‑cured DTF for rigid, non‑porous surfaces like ceramics, glass, and most plastics — these are engineered for such materials dpi-supply.com.

• Adjust heat press settings: Non‑textile materials often require lower temperatures to avoid melting, warping, or damaging the film/ink.

• Cool before peeling: Especially important for metal and glass to prevent lifting or cracking.

• Check xTool’s material settings: The xTool Support Center lists official parameters for various substrates; scan the QR code on the material instruction sheet or use the ATOMM website to set the correct heat press mode support.xtool.com.

When It Might Not Work Well

• Highly porous or absorbent materials (like untreated paper or rough wood) may not hold the adhesive well.

• Materials with low heat resistance (e.g., thin plastics) can melt or deform at DTF temps.

• Oily or greasy surfaces (like untreated leather) can cause bubbling or delamination.

Bottom line: You can heat press xTool DTF transfers on metal, neoprene, faux leather, wood, glass, ceramic, and some plastics, but success depends on surface prep, correct temperature/pressure settings, and sometimes using UV‑cured DTF for rigid, non‑porous materials