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⚠️ Important Notice:
Same-day pickup and shipping apply only to 3D Puff Transfers up to 200 inches in length. Larger orders may require additional processing time. If you add Weeding Service, please allow an extra 24 hours for processing.

Acknowledgment:
I confirm that my artwork is print-ready and will be produced exactly as submitted. For the best 3D puff effect, I understand that designs should be one solid color, as multi-color artwork may not produce optimal results. I certify that my file is free of transparent pixels and leftover background artifacts, and is in CMYK color mode. I understand that colors may vary if my file is submitted in RGB, and that very fine details or small text may not puff properly.

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NeoInk Transfers

DTF Dye Blocker Transfers for Polyester (Gang Sheet Builder)

DTF Dye Blocker Transfers for Polyester (Gang Sheet Builder)

Order Method:
Gang Sheet BuilderUpload & arrange your designs Pre-Made Gang SheetUpload one ready-to-print sheet

These transfers require a heat press. A household iron can work for small designs but results vary.

Custom DTF transfers with a built-in dye blocker layer that stops polyester and sublimated fabric dye from bleeding into your print. Bright whites and true colours on jerseys, sportswear and performance wear. Build your gang sheet with no minimums.

Pair with our Blank Apparel to get up to 30% OFF your next DTF Transfers

Adults' T-Shirts
Long Sleeve T-shirts
Sweatpants
Hats
Tote Bags
View full details
DTF Dye Blocker

Bright prints that stay true on polyester

Polyester and sublimated fabrics release dye under heat that stains white ink pink, grey or muddy. Our DTF Dye Blocker transfers add a blocking layer under your design that stops that dye from bleeding through.

Start Your Gang Sheet Press Instructions
  • Blocks dye migration
  • Built for sportswear
  • Gang sheets, no minimums
  • Made in Canada, ships fast
Standard DTF transfer on a red polyester jersey with dye migration staining the white ink pink
DTF dye blocker transfer on a red polyester jersey with clean bright white ink
Standard DTF DTF Dye Blocker

Drag to compare. On red polyester, dye rises into a standard transfer and tints the whites pink. The blocker layer keeps them clean.

How It Works

What is dye migration, and how do we stop it?

Dye migration, explained

Dye migration is when the dye in a polyester garment turns into gas under heat and moves up into a print, staining white and light colours pink, grey or muddy. It can show right after pressing or appear hours later, and it is most common on red, maroon, neon and sublimated polyester.

A DTF dye blocker transfer adds a dedicated blocking layer between the adhesive and the white ink. The dye still moves when heated, but it hits the blocker and stops there, so your colours print exactly as designed.

Lowering the press temperature helps, but it does not fully stop migration. The blocker layer does.

Inside the transfer

Your designCMYK colour
White baseOpacity
Dye blocker layerStops the dye
Hot-melt adhesiveBond
Polyester garmentDye rises with heat

  • Sublimated jerseys

    Soccer, hockey, basketball and team uniforms already printed with sublimation dye.

  • Performance polyester

    Dri-fit, moisture-wicking tees, running shirts and gym wear.

  • Red, maroon & neon

    The colours most likely to bleed into white ink, even on blends.

  • Patterned & camo poly

    All-over prints and camo where the pattern could show through.

  • Poly blends & tri-blends

    50/50, 60/40 and tri-blend garments in dark or dyed colours.

  • Not sure? Use it.

    If you can't confirm the fabric won't bleed, the blocker is the safe choice.

CompareStandard DTFDTF Dye Blocker
Dye bleed on polyesterCan turn pink or greyBlocked
Sublimated garmentsNot recommendedMade for it
100% cottonGreatGreat
StretchFlexibleFlexible, moves with sportswear
Best forCotton, blends, light polyesterJerseys, performance wear, red & dark poly
Learn

Watch: what dye migration looks like

A short explainer on why polyester dye bleeds into prints and how to avoid it.

What is dye migration video What Is Dye Migration?3:56

What you'll learn

  • What dye migration is and why heat triggers it on polyester.
  • How it shows up on a real garment after pressing.
  • The mistakes that cause it, and how to avoid ruined orders.

The fix for printers: press polyester with a DTF Dye Blocker transfer so the dye has nowhere to go.

Video by Tshirt Help Desk on YouTube.

Press Instructions

How to apply DTF Dye Blocker transfers

Use a heat press for full, even pressure. Polyester likes lower heat, so follow these settings and test on a spare garment for new fabrics.

  • Temperature280°F138°C
  • Time12–15sSeconds
  • PressureMedium–firm40–60 PSI
  • PeelCold peelPeel slow and low
  1. Red polyester soccer jersey being pre-pressed on a heat press before applying a DTF dye blocker transfer
    1

    Pre-press the garment

    Press for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.

  2. Placing a DTF dye blocker transfer on a red polyester jersey with heat tape
    2

    Place the transfer

    Position it film side up. Use heat tape on stretchy or slippery polyester so it doesn't shift.

  3. Pressing a DTF dye blocker transfer on a polyester jersey with a clamshell heat press
    3

    Press

    280°F (138°C) for 12–15 seconds at medium–firm pressure (40–60 PSI).

  4. Cold peeling the film from a DTF dye blocker transfer on a red polyester jersey
    4

    Peel

    Cold peel. Pull the film back slowly at a low angle. If an edge lifts, lay it down and press again for a few seconds.

  5. Finish press with parchment paper over a DTF dye blocker transfer on polyester
    5

    Finish press

    Cover with parchment paper and press again for 5 seconds for a softer, more durable finish.

Care & tips

  • Wait 24 hours before the first wash.
  • Wash inside out in cold or warm water.
  • Tumble dry low or hang dry.
  • No fabric softener, bleach or ironing directly on the print.
  • No household iron or mini press. They can't hold even pressure.

Pressing waterproof, coated or softshell fabric? Test one garment first or contact us before ordering.

FAQ

DTF Dye Blocker questions

Still unsure if your fabric needs a blocker? Ask us before you order and we'll help you choose.

Contact Us

  • A DTF dye blocker transfer is a direct-to-film transfer with an extra blocking layer between the adhesive and the white ink. The layer stops dye from polyester and sublimated garments from moving into your design, so whites stay white and colours stay accurate.

  • Dye migration is when garment dye turns into gas under heat and moves up into a print, tinting it pink, grey or muddy. It is most common on red, maroon, neon and sublimated polyester and can appear right after pressing or hours later.

  • Yes. DTF works well on polyester, but dyed polyester can bleed into standard transfers. For red, dark, patterned or sublimated polyester, use DTF Dye Blocker transfers and press at a lower temperature.

  • Press DTF Dye Blocker transfers at 280°F (138°C) for 12–15 seconds with medium–firm pressure, cold peel, then finish with a 5-second press under parchment paper.

  • Yes. Sublimated jerseys are dyed with sublimation ink, which turns back into gas when heated. Without a blocker, that dye will bleed into your transfer.

  • Yes. It applies to cotton, polyester and blends, so you can use one gang sheet for mixed orders. For 100% cotton only, standard DTF is usually enough.

  • The transfer stays flexible and stretches with performance fabrics. The blocking layer adds very little thickness, and the finish press under parchment gives a softer feel.

  • Use our gang sheet builder to upload your designs, arrange them on a sheet and check out. There are no minimums, so you can order one sheet or hundreds.

  • Orders placed before 12 PM ET on business days ship the same day from our Markham, Ontario location, and local pickup is available. Shipping is free on orders over $99.

  • Test waterproof or coated fabrics, softshell jackets and nylon before a full run, since coatings can affect adhesion. Contact us if you're not sure.

Print polyester with zero bleed

Build your DTF Dye Blocker gang sheet in minutes. No minimums, made in Canada.

Start Your Gang Sheet

Design Library

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