Heat Press Adhesion
The heat press simulation predicts whether every element of your DTF transfer will adhere reliably to fabric — understand scores, fabric types, and fine detail risks.
The heat press adhesion simulation predicts whether every element of your DTF transfer — including thin lines and small details — will adhere reliably to fabric during pressing. Unlike color shifts (cosmetic) or hand feel (preference), adhesion failure means elements physically peel off. This simulation prevents that surprise.
Understanding Your Score
The adhesion score ranges from 0-100. Higher scores mean more reliable adhesion.
| Score | Tier | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 90-100 | Excellent | Every element is large enough for reliable adhesion. Press with confidence. |
| 70-89 | Good | The vast majority adheres perfectly. A few very fine details are close to the minimum — they usually hold up fine, especially on cotton. |
| 40-69 | Moderate Risk | Some thin lines or small dots are at the edge of what the adhesive can reliably bond. Highlighted areas show where detail loss is possible. |
| 0-39 | High Risk | Many fine details are too thin for reliable bonding. Thicker elements press perfectly, but very fine detail may partially disappear. |
What Affects Adhesion
Element Thickness
The minimum width of lines and dots is the primary factor. A line can be 12 inches long — if it is thick enough, it is stable. If it is too thin, it will not adhere regardless of length.
- Stable — lines and details thick enough for reliable adhesion under normal pressing conditions
- At risk — marginal thickness where some survive and some do not, depending on the fabric
- Critical — too thin for the adhesive to bond to any fabric
Fabric Type
Different fabrics have different adhesion characteristics. The simulation shows scores for six fabric categories:
| Fabric | Examples | Adhesion |
|---|---|---|
| Performance / Dri-Fit | Moisture-wicking tees, athletic wear | Best — smooth surface |
| Blend tees | 50/50 and tri-blend shirts | Good |
| Cotton tees | Ringspun cotton, standard tees | Baseline |
| Polo / waffle knit | Pique polos, thermal knits | Moderate — raised weave |
| Fleece / French terry | Hoodies, sweatshirts | Harder — fiber nap |
| Nylon / performance | Jackets, spandex blends | Harder — surface resistance |
The fabric grid in the simulation panel shows how your score changes across all six categories. A design that scores 94 on cotton might score 79 on fleece because fine elements that hold on smooth fabric will not survive on napped surfaces.
Print Dimensions
Larger print dimensions mean elements are physically bigger, improving adhesion. Smaller dimensions pack details tighter, making thin elements thinner. The simulation recalculates when you change print size.
Using the Adhesion Overlay
Toggle the adhesion overlay to see a heatmap on your artwork:
- Green — stable adhesion, no action needed
- Amber — marginal adhesion, worth knowing about
- Red — will not adhere under normal conditions
Use the opacity slider to see your artwork underneath. This shows you exactly which elements of your design are at risk.
What To Do About Adhesion Risks
Score 90+ — No action needed
Standard pressing conditions will work for all elements. All fabrics are safe.
Score 70-89 — Review fine details
A few marginal elements exist but typically survive on cotton and blends. If pressing onto fleece or napped fabrics, consider thickening the finest lines slightly in your design software.
Score 40-69 — Consider adjustments
Check the overlay to see which elements are at risk. Options:
- Thicken thin lines to at least 1 point in your design software
- Choose smoother fabrics — cotton and blends perform better than fleece for fine detail
- Accept the trade-off — thicker elements will press perfectly, and the finest detail adds visual complexity even if some does not survive
Score below 40 — Redesign recommended
Many elements are too fine for reliable adhesion. The thicker parts of your design will press well, but very fine detail will likely disappear. Consider:
- Thickening all thin lines and small elements
- Simplifying very fine decorative elements
- Contacting ProTransfers for advice on adjustments
Frequently Asked Questions
Does adhesion affect all my design or just fine details?
Only very fine details are at risk. Thick lines, solid fills, and large text always adhere well. The simulation specifically targets thin lines, small dots, and fine decorative elements.
Does fabric choice affect my order price?
No. The fabric type affects only the adhesion prediction. You select fabric type in the simulation for preview purposes — pricing is based on print dimensions and quantity, not fabric.
Can I preview adhesion on different fabrics before ordering?
Yes. The simulation panel shows a fabric grid with scores for all six fabric types. Click any fabric to see how your design performs on that material. This helps you decide if adjustments are needed for specific substrates.
My design has some red areas in the overlay — should I still order?
It depends on how important those fine details are. The red areas represent elements that may not survive pressing. If they are decorative accents, the rest of your design will still look great. If they are essential to the design (e.g., fine text), thicken them before ordering.