143MTD Customer Help Center

Got questions? We’ve got answers… and hopefully fewer reasons to yell at your computer.

Ordering & gang sheets

How do I order DTF transfers?
Choose the DTF product that fits your project. Upload a ready-made gang sheet or use our online gang sheet builder to arrange, resize, rotate, and duplicate designs before checkout. Open the DTF Gang Sheet Builder.
Can I combine orders after checkout?
Orders cannot be combined or edited after placement. Please submit separate orders for transfers and non-transfer products so they move through the correct production workflow.

Artwork & files

Which file formats can I upload?
File requirements vary by product. For engraved leatherette patches, accepted formats include SVG, AI, EPS, PDF, and PNG. Engraving artwork must be black and white: black is engraved, and white represents the leatherette color. See the detailed artwork requirements below..
How should I prepare a DTF gang sheet?
Prepare your gang sheet at the width shown on the product page, in portrait orientation, and at print-ready resolution. For a 22-inch-wide sheet, use 22 inches as the width, not the length. Keep artwork sharp and avoid accidental backgrounds. Check each product’s upload requirements before submitting.

Shipping, pickup & dropshipping

When will my order be ready?
Typical production turnaround is 24–48 hours for transfers and 2–3 business days for patches and engraving, depending on workload. Shipping transit time is additional. See the shipping policy.
How do shipping and pickup work?
Select an available shipping or pickup option at checkout. Follow the pickup instructions in your ready-for-pickup notification; pickup locations and schedules can change. Shipping details.
Can you dropship my order?
Approved dropshippers can select the dropship option and upload their own 4 × 6 shipping label in PDF or PNG format during checkout. The shipping label is required for that option.

Order tracking & artwork issues

Where can I check my order status?
Sign in to My Account → Orders for your live order status. Shipping tracking is provided when available.
What if my artwork needs to be replaced?
If your order status is Need New Artwork, use the Upload Design option in My Account to send a replacement. Your order can then return to processing.

Pressing & application

How do I press regular DTF transfers?
As a starting point, use 285–300°F for 8–12 seconds with medium pressure. Pre-press the garment for a few seconds to remove moisture. Peel according to the transfer instructions and test your heat press for accuracy. See the complete pressing steps below..
How do I press glitter DTF transfers?
The existing FAQ recommends 285–300°F for 12–15 seconds, medium pressure, and a cold peel. Pre-press for 2–3 seconds to remove moisture. Test your equipment before production.
How do I apply UV DTF decals?
Clean and dry a compatible hard surface. Remove the backing, apply the decal carefully, burnish firmly with a squeegee, and slowly remove the carrier film. UV DTF is for compatible hard surfaces, not heat pressing onto apparel.
How do I apply leatherette patches?
Patch application depends on the patch backing and heat press. The previous FAQ provides settings for Hotronix 360 and single-platen hat presses; verify the settings for your specific patch and equipment before applying.

Troubleshooting

Why isn’t my DTF transfer peeling properly?
Check heat press temperature, pressure, peel timing, and garment moisture. A press may run cooler than its display suggests. Pre-press garments and test a small piece before repeating a full run. If problems continue, contact us with photos.
Why does my print look different from the screen?
Screens and printing use different color processes, and file preparation affects the result. Use high-quality artwork, follow the product’s color and resolution guidance, and consider a test print for critical color matches.

Patches & engraving

What artwork works best for engraved patches?
Use clean black-and-white artwork. Black is what gets engraved; white represents the leatherette color. We accept SVG, AI, EPS, PDF, and PNG for engraved patches. Vector artwork is preferred.
Do I choose a stitched patch size at checkout?
No. The stitched patch product you selected already determines the shape and size. Just choose your leatherette option and upload your file.

Returns & contact

Can I return a custom order?
Custom-made items generally cannot be returned for customer artwork or sizing mistakes. If you believe there is a production defect or our error, contact us promptly so we can review it. Read the full refund policy.
How do I contact 143MTD?
Use the live chat on our website or visit the Contact Us page. Include your order number when asking about an existing order.

Artwork requirements … complete guide

What file formats and color mode are required?
For DTF and UV DTF, the original artwork guidelines list transparent PNG, AI, and high-resolution PDF. Prepare printable designs in RGB color mode; CMYK artwork may shift in color when processed. For engraved leatherette patches, use black-and-white SVG, AI, EPS, PDF, or PNG artwork. Black is engraved; white represents the leatherette color.
What resolution and transparency do I need?
Use artwork at 300 DPI at its final print size. DTF and UV DTF graphics need genuinely transparent backgrounds unless the background is an intentional part of the design. Low-resolution screenshots, white boxes, fuzzy edges, and watermarks may print exactly as supplied.
Should I mirror or flip my design?
No. Submit DTF and sublimation designs in their normal, readable orientation. Do not mirror them before uploading.
How do I set up a 22-inch DTF gang sheet?
Set the artboard to 22 inches wide and the purchased sheet length, with the width entered first. Place graphics at their actual print sizes, leave room between designs, and export a 300 DPI transparent PNG. Do not rotate the whole sheet to 14 inches wide × 22 inches long when ordering a 22-inch-wide × 14-inch-long sheet.
Can I mix white-only, glitter, UV DTF, and regular DTF artwork?
No. Keep white-only designs on their own sheet and keep glitter DTF, regular DTF, and UV DTF jobs separate. Each uses a different production process.
How do I size artwork and avoid delays?
Measure the intended print area, set each graphic to the exact desired size, and check dimensions before uploading. We print at the submitted size unless a change is requested. Low resolution, missing fonts, unwanted backgrounds, incorrect sizing, and incompatible file preparation can delay an order.
What are the special requirements for UV DTF and sublimation?
For UV DTF hard-surface transfers, use a transparent PNG with clean edges and no pixelation; avoid extremely thin details and large transparent gradients. For sublimation, the existing guidelines specify RGB, at least 300 DPI, the exact pressing size, and no mirroring. Sublimation backgrounds are allowed.
What if I need help preparing artwork?
Contact 143MTD before ordering if you’re unsure about resolution, sizing, transparency, file format, or color mode. Include your file and what you want printed.

DTF pressing instructions … complete guide

What should I check before pressing?
Verify your heat press temperature and pressure, and make sure the garment is clean, dry, lint-free, and flat. Pre-press for 2–3 seconds to remove moisture. The press display may not match the actual platen temperature.
What are the full standard DTF pressing steps?
1. Pre-press garment for 2–3 seconds at 285–300°F. 2. Position the transfer ink-side down, film-side up. 3. Press at 285–300°F for 8–12 seconds using medium pressure. 4. Peel hot or warm, depending on your press: peel immediately for hot peel or wait about 3–5 seconds for warm peel. Peel slowly and steadily. 5. Cover the design with parchment or a Teflon sheet and repress for 8–10 seconds at 285–300°F for a smoother, more durable finish.
What are the full glitter DTF pressing steps?
1. Pre-press for 2–3 seconds. 2. Position and align the transfer. 3. Press at 285–300°F for 12–15 seconds with medium pressure. 4. Let the transfer cool completely, then peel slowly… cold peel only. 5. Cover with parchment or a Teflon sheet and press again for 5–8 seconds using medium pressure.
What if my transfer lifts during peeling?
Check for low pressure, low temperature, peeling too early, or moisture in the garment. Thick garments such as hoodies may need additional pressing time. Verify your press temperature rather than relying only on its display.
What if the edges won’t stick?
Check that the full design is contacting the platen, increase pressure as appropriate, and consider an additional 1–2 seconds of heat. Test first to avoid damaging the fabric.
Why is my transfer cracking or fading after washing?
Possible causes include incorrect pressing settings, insufficient pressure, skipping the recommended second press, washing too soon, harsh detergent, or high-heat drying. If you need help, send us photos and your press settings.
Shopping Cart