Fabric
Canvas and tote bags
A cotton tote takes a DTF transfer on the flat panel. It will not take sublimation dye. The awkward part is the bag, not the temperature.
| Transfer | Temperature | Time | Pressure | Peel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-peel standard | 160°C (320°F) | 15 seconds | Medium | Cold |
| Warm peel | 160°C (320°F) | 15 seconds | Medium | Warm |
| Hot peel | 155–160°C (311–320°F) | 10–12 seconds | Medium | Hot |
| Glitter | 160°C (320°F) | 15 seconds | Medium | Cold |
The packet supplied with your transfers wins over this table. Where a named film publishes a different press, the lookup shows that example beside the starting point.
Pre-press the panel until the canvas is dry and the fold creases have given up. Then use the top of the common cotton band: 160°C (320°F) for 15 seconds, medium pressure, cold peel, and a second press under a cover. Xpres include cotton in the DTF method and say heavier cotton may need a slightly higher temperature. They do not print a separate canvas row, so this page does not invent one.
Handles, the base seam and the other side of the bag must stay off the platen. A handle under the film leaves a line that never bonds. If the tote is coated or laminated, stop and read the packet. Coated fabric is closer to the nylon warning than to this cotton row.
Hot peel starts at 155–160°C for 10–12 seconds if the sheet says hot. Glitter follows the cold-peel row. A one-colour logo can be vinyl instead. The cotton vinyl notes are on Heat press settings.
Common questions
Can I sublimate a natural canvas shopper?
Only if it is polyester or has a coating sold for sublimation. Ordinary cotton canvas will not take the dye. DTF is the full-colour route. Heat press settings says the same about cotton totes.
Do I press both sides of the bag at once?
No. You heat a folded layer you did not mean to, and the print on the front can pick up the seam or the handle. Slide one panel flat on the platen and keep the rest of the bag out of the way.
Sources
- Xpres, how to DTF — common press 150–160°C for 10–15 seconds, medium, cold peel
- Xpres DTF Evolution cold-peel sheets — 150–160, 10–15 seconds, cold peel, second press 10–15 seconds