Turns out you CAN remove DTF transfer mistakes and save your shirt even after you press the transfer. I tried this method "just in case it worked" and was shocked to find out that not only did it remove the transfer really well, but it's nearly impossible to see the mistake.
So what do you do when you realize your mistake like I did - when I put the chest design on the wrong side of two sweatshirts?
The answer is you remove it using VLR vinyl remover IF you're not selling. the above and below are the same shirt... shocking, right?!
With that said, I would highly suggest if you are selling a shirt that you make a mistake on, you re-purchase and start over. (These are my favorite $9 sweatshirts that I buy on repeat on Amazon.)
But if you're making shirts for your in-laws, like I was, this option to remove the DTF transfer works well. In fact I think the VLR works better on DTF transfers than HTV because there's a different type of adhesive.
VLR is a strong chemical remover, both in smell and in potency, so I would recommend a well-ventilated area, gloves and even a mask if you're sensitive to odors.
Before you get started, get everything you need:
- VLR remover
- Protective gloves
- Something sharp for scraping (like a scraper tool or spatula)
- A towel in a similar color to your garment
- Patience - this is NOT a quick project, despite what I thought going in!
Using VLR on DTF Transfers
If your shirt has designs on both the front and back, you need to be really careful that the VLR remover does not seep through to the other side and accidently remove the other transfer as well.I had a front/back design so I opened up the shirt to make sure I was just working on the front as a single layer.
How to Remove a DTF Transfer
The instructions on VLR say to pour it from the back of the transfer. I tried that first, and it worked ok, but I found that pouring from the front, directly onto the transfer, made it easier to remove.
Let it sit for a minute or so and then use your scraper tool to start removing the transfer.
If you're having trouble getting it off, don't be afraid to add more VLR.
Once you get the majority of the transfer off you'll probably still see a bit of an outline.
Pour more VLR on and then rub the area vigorously with the towel.
Finally, launder the shirt. The laundering process removes the rest of the residue that you can't see or scrape off. This is where my shirt went from "okay, I can still see a shadow" to "wow, you can barely tell anything was there!"
For these blue sweatshirts, I was really happy with how they came out after washing and drying, but I decided to do one more round of VLR and rubbing with the towel after washing/drying to try to remove the very, very faint "shadow" that remained.
After I threw them in the laundry a second time, they came out perfect....to the point my husband thought I bought new sweatshirts.
Then, I re-printed the transfers on my xTool Apparel printer and applied to the correct side of the chest.
Soo....while this method to remove DTF transfer mistakes works - I would use it sparingly. For client orders or items you're selling? I'd recommend just starting over with a new blank. That's the professional thing to do and the cost of doing business.
For personal use this method can definitely save you from having to repurchase blanks - saving both time and money.
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