How to Put DTF Transfers on Acrylic (DTF Printer or Laser Cutter Not Required)

Did you know you can put DTF transfers on acrylic? It's SO easy and creates the most gorgeous ornaments, keychains, and gift tags!

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The best part is you don't need a DTF printer or a laser cuter to do this! You can buy acrylic blanks and DTF transfers, then just apply them with your heat press! In this tutorial I'll show you how.

Start with the deciding what acrylic blanks you're going to use. You can buy ornament shapes, signs, chains or even bookmarks. Here's a bunch you can find on Amazon (click the collage - it's shoppable!

Once you know what size your blanks are you can create a gang sheet or upload an image to be printed as a transfer in the matching size. The adorable Christmas ghosts I used are all part of one set.

NOTE: I did print the transfers on my xTool Apparel Printer and cut the acrylic on my xTool P2 CO2 Laser and I've included a video below if you want to check out that full process.

If your acrylic has a mask on it, remove it from both sides.

Cut apart any transfers, cutting away as much excess film as you can.

Now you need to position the transfer on the blank.

If you're using clear acrylic look from the back to make sure your transfer is centered. If you're using a different color acrylic do your best to center the transfer - but keep in mind once it's pressed on it's not easy to remove!

Set your heat press to 308°F and press for 11 seconds. These settings are perfect for heating acrylic - high enough to activate the adhesive on the DTF, but not so hot or long enough that it warps the acrylic.

When the pressing is done, let the transfers cool down so you can cold peel. This will help with keeping the colors vibrant and getting the best adhesion.

The film should come off smoothly, leaving your design perfectly on acrylic.

If you want to seal your acrylic ornament or keychains, for added durability or a little 3d effect, you can apply a layer of resin on top. I just added a ribbon to a few and keychain links to others.

And that's it! You now have gorgeous custom acrylic ornaments, keychains, or whatever blanks you're using.

Want the complete tutorial including how to design in Silhouette Studio and laser cut custom acrylic blanks to perfectly match your DTF transfers? Watch my full video tutorial on YouTube!

If you want personalized support with DTF printing, laser cutting, or Silhouette projects, join Silhouette U for same-day, personalized support directly with me!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

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