DTF transfers are known for vibrant colour, sharp detail and strong durability. After testing different materials for the finishing press, clean 60-grit sandpaper stands out as one of the best ways to create a professional matte finish.
A short second press with 60-grit sandpaper reduces the glossy appearance that some transfers can have. It also adds a fine, fabric-like texture and presses the transfer more firmly into the surface of the garment. The finished design looks less like a smooth layer sitting on top of the shirt and more like it belongs within the fabric.
Why 60-Grit Sandpaper Works So Well
The grit number describes how coarse the sandpaper surface is. Because 60-grit sandpaper is relatively coarse, its surface produces a noticeable texture when briefly pressed against a warm DTF transfer.
The sandpaper is not used to scrape or sand the design. It is used as a textured finishing sheet during the second press. Heat temporarily softens the surface of the transfer, while pressure impresses the sandpaper texture into it.
This finishing process can:
- Reduce unwanted shine and gloss
- Create a natural matte appearance
- Add a subtle fabric-like texture
- Help the design look more embedded in the garment
- Reduce the plastic-like appearance of large solid designs
- Create a finish that looks closer to a traditional apparel print
- Give the completed garment a more professional appearance
It Takes the Gloss off the Design
A completely smooth transfer reflects light evenly, which can make the surface appear shiny. The coarse texture produced by 60-grit sandpaper breaks up that reflection.
Instead of light bouncing off one smooth surface, it is scattered across the small textured impressions left by the sandpaper. This is why the transfer looks noticeably more matte after the finishing press.
The colours remain vibrant, but the surface no longer has the same glossy appearance. This can be especially effective on dark garments and designs containing large areas of solid ink.
It Pushes the Transfer Further into the Garment
The second press applies additional heat and pressure after the carrier film has been removed. This helps seat the transfer more firmly against the fibres and natural texture of the garment.
The transfer does not become part of the fabric in exactly the same way as dye, but it can look and feel more integrated with the shirt. The sandpaper texture also makes the surface of the transfer visually complement the texture surrounding it.
This combination produces the more embedded appearance many decorators want from a professionally finished DTF garment.
How to Use 60-Grit Sandpaper for the Second Press
Always begin by following the pressing instructions supplied with your DTF transfer. For Strong N Free DTF transfers, use the following process:
- Pre-press the garment briefly to remove moisture and wrinkles.
- Position the DTF transfer on the garment.
- Press at 310°F for eight seconds using heavy, even pressure.
- Peel the carrier film immediately, pulling it quickly while keeping it low and close to the garment.
- Place the garment back on the heat press with the design facing upward.
- Place a new, clean piece of 60-grit sandpaper with the textured side facing the transfer.
- Make sure the sandpaper completely covers the printed design.
- Press again at 310°F for approximately four seconds.
- Lift the press without moving or sliding the sandpaper.
- Remove the sandpaper and allow the garment to cool before inspecting the finish.
The completed design should have less shine, a more noticeable texture and an appearance that sits more naturally within the garment.
Never Rub or Sand the Transfer
This technique uses the sandpaper only as a stationary textured pressing surface. Never rub the sandpaper across the DTF transfer.
Sliding or sanding could scratch the ink, damage fine details, lift the edges or permanently mark the design. Place the sandpaper carefully, press straight down and lift it straight back up.
Use Only New, Clean Sandpaper
Always use a clean sheet that has never been used for sanding wood, metal, paint or another material. Used sandpaper can carry dust, oil, paint particles and debris that could become embedded in the transfer.
For the best results:
- Use new, clean paper-backed 60-grit sandpaper
- Do not use a dirty, torn or worn sheet
- Keep the sheet flat and free of dust
- Use separate sheets for light and dark transfers
- Never use sandpaper containing leftover wood, paint or metal dust
- Avoid adhesive-backed products that are not rated for heat
- Replace the sandpaper when the texture becomes dirty or flattened
Always Test One Garment First
Heat presses can vary in temperature accuracy and pressure. Garment fabrics and DTF transfer films can also respond differently.
Before finishing an entire production order, test the 60-grit technique on one sample garment. Check the texture, colour, edges and overall appearance after the garment cools.
If the texture is stronger than desired, reduce the second-press time or pressure slightly. If the finish is not noticeable enough, make a small adjustment and test again. Avoid repeatedly pressing the same customer garment while experimenting.
Why 60-Grit Is the Best Second-Press Finish
Many finishing materials can protect a transfer during the second press, but 60-grit sandpaper does more than simply cover the design. Its coarse surface actively changes the way the completed transfer looks and feels.
For decorators who want the strongest reduction in gloss, a noticeable fabric-like texture and a design that appears more deeply seated in the garment, 60-grit sandpaper is an excellent second-press choice.
It is inexpensive, easy to find, reusable while clean and capable of producing a major visual improvement in only a few seconds.
The difference is especially noticeable on:
- Large full-front and full-back designs
- Artwork containing broad areas of solid colour
- Dark garments where surface shine is more visible
- Vintage and distressed designs
- Apparel intended to have a traditional printed appearance
A Simple Finish That Makes a Big Difference
A professional DTF garment is about more than transferring the artwork successfully. The finishing press determines how the design sits against the fabric and how it looks when light hits the surface.
Using clean 60-grit sandpaper for the second press can take the gloss off the design, add a natural texture and push the transfer more firmly into the garment’s surface.
For a matte, textured and more embedded DTF finish, 60-grit sandpaper is one of the best finishing tools a decorator can keep beside the heat press.