REMOVAL GUIDE

REMOVING
DTF PRINTING.

NAMESETS · PATCHES · SPONSORS

Work slowly. Use the right method. Protect the shirt.

Step-by-step guidance for removing DTF namesets, patches and sponsors using DTF remover while reducing the risk of damage to your football shirt.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

USE DTF REMOVER
WITH CARE.

DTF remover is a chemical solvent. Before starting, take a few precautions to protect yourself, your work area and your football shirt.

IMPORTANT

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE REMOVER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS

Different DTF removers may have different application, contact-time and safety requirements. Always read and follow the instructions supplied with the product you are using.

TEST FIRST

Test a very small hidden area of the shirt before beginning. Check that the remover does not affect the fabric, colour or finish.

Take particular care with polyester football shirts.

WORK IN A VENTILATED AREA

Use DTF remover in a well-ventilated area and follow all ventilation guidance provided by the remover manufacturer.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Avoid skin and eye contact and follow the manufacturer's safety guidance, including any recommended personal protective equipment.

PROTECT YOUR WORK AREA

Work on a clean, suitable surface and place clean cloth or disposable material beneath the transfer to catch remover and dissolved adhesive.

WATCH SURROUNDING PRINTS

Keep remover away from other namesets, patches, sponsors and printed areas that you do not intend to remove.

Solvent spreading through the fabric may affect nearby printing.

TAKE EXTRA CARE WITH OLDER SHIRTS

Vintage, worn, damaged or previously printed shirts may react differently to chemical removers. Assess the garment carefully before proceeding.

PLEASE NOTE

Removing DTF printing is not risk-free. Chemical remover may affect certain fabrics, dyes, finishes or existing decoration. Work gradually, use only the amount required and never force a transfer that is resisting removal.

GET PREPARED

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Have everything ready before you begin so you can work carefully and progressively through the removal process.

DTF REMOVER

A suitable DTF removal solution that is compatible with the fabric you are working with.

TWEEZERS

Use tweezers to carefully lift the edge of the DTF transfer once the adhesive begins to release.

CLEAN CLOTHS

Keep clean cloths or disposable material nearby to help manage remover and dissolved adhesive.

PROTECTED WORK SURFACE

Use a clean, flat surface protected with suitable disposable material before starting.

✓

PREPARE BEFORE YOU START

Removal is easier when you can work continuously and carefully. Have fresh cloths and everything else you need within reach before applying the remover.

STEP-BY-STEP

HOW TO REMOVE
DTF PRINTING

Work gradually and give the remover time to release the adhesive. Whether you're removing a nameset, patch or sponsor, never force DTF printing away from the shirt.

CHECK FIRST

TEST THE REMOVER

Check that your DTF remover is suitable for the shirt's fabric, particularly when working with polyester. Test a tiny hidden area before beginning.

IMPORTANT Some removers may affect fabric colours, finishes or existing decoration.

PREPARATION

TURN THE SHIRT INSIDE OUT

Turn the shirt inside out and place the DTF printing print-side down on a clean, flat and protected work surface.

PROTECT THE SURFACE Place a clean cloth or suitable disposable material underneath. Remover and dissolved adhesive can transfer through the fabric.

APPLY REMOVER

WORK FROM THE REVERSE

Apply a small amount of DTF remover to the inside of the shirt directly behind the nameset, patch or sponsor you want to remove.

USE A SMALL AMOUNT You generally do not need to soak the entire garment. Concentrate on the area you are currently working on.

ALLOW IT TO WORK

LET THE REMOVER PENETRATE

Give the remover time to work through the fabric and begin attacking the adhesive holding the DTF transfer in place.

NO UNIVERSAL WAITING TIME Follow the instructions supplied with your particular DTF remover rather than using a fixed time for every product.

HELP IT RELEASE

GENTLY WORK THE FABRIC

With the shirt still inside out, gently stretch and flex the fabric behind the transfer.

WHY? This helps the remover penetrate the adhesive layer and encourages the DTF transfer to begin releasing.

LIFT & PEEL

TURN RIGHT-SIDE OUT & LIFT THE TRANSFER

Turn the shirt right-side out. Using tweezers, carefully lift an edge of the DTF transfer. Once it begins releasing, peel it away slowly and carefully.

IF IT RESISTS — STOP Do not rip or force the transfer away. Apply a little more remover from the reverse, allow it to work and try again.

WORK PROGRESSIVELY

REMOVE IN SMALL SECTIONS

Larger namesets, numbers, patches and sponsors are easier to remove progressively rather than trying to release the entire transfer at once.

APPLY → WORK → PEEL → REPEAT

ADHESIVE

REMOVE REMAINING RESIDUE

Once the DTF film has been removed, adhesive may remain on the shirt.

WORK GRADUALLY Apply a small additional amount of remover from the reverse, gently work the fabric and use a clean cloth to help lift the residue. Repeat as required rather than saturating the shirt.

CLEANING

WASH THE SHIRT THOROUGHLY

Once removal is complete, wash the shirt according to its garment care instructions to remove traces of chemical remover and dissolved adhesive.

AFTER WASHING Allow the shirt to dry naturally and completely.

BEFORE REAPPLICATION

INSPECT THE SHIRT

Do not immediately heat-press replacement printing over the area. First make sure the shirt is completely dry and inspect the surface carefully.

✓ Shirt completely dry

✓ No oily remover residue

✓ No tacky adhesive

✓ No loose DTF remaining

ONLY REAPPLY WHEN THE AREA IS CLEAN & DRY Any remaining remover or adhesive may interfere with the application of replacement printing.

AVOID THESE

COMMON MISTAKES

DTF removal works best when you work slowly and progressively. Avoid these common mistakes when removing namesets, patches and sponsors.

USING TOO MUCH REMOVER

More remover does not necessarily mean easier removal. Saturating the shirt can allow solvent to spread beyond the area you are working on.

START SMALL. ADD MORE ONLY IF NEEDED.

FORCING THE TRANSFER

If the DTF printing is resisting, do not pull harder. Forcing it away may damage or distort the fabric.

IF IT RESISTS — STOP.

RUSHING THE PROCESS

Give the remover time to penetrate and release the adhesive. Work through larger namesets, patches and sponsors progressively.

APPLY. WORK. PEEL. REPEAT.

IGNORING NEARBY PRINTING

Remover can spread through fabric. Take care around other namesets, sponsors, patches and sublimated or printed areas that you want to preserve.

CONTROL WHERE THE REMOVER GOES.

LEAVING ADHESIVE BEHIND

Removing the visible DTF film does not always mean the job is finished. Check carefully for remaining tacky adhesive or loose transfer material.

CHECK THE SURFACE CAREFULLY.

REAPPLYING TOO SOON

Do not heat-press replacement printing immediately after removal. The shirt must first be thoroughly washed and completely dry.

CLEAN. DRY. INSPECT. THEN REAPPLY.

REMEMBER

NEVER FORCE DTF PRINTING THAT ISN'T RELEASING

Stop, return to the reverse of the shirt and apply a little more remover to the area. Allow it to work before attempting to lift the transfer again.

AFTER REMOVAL

BEFORE YOU REAPPLY.

Removing the DTF transfer is only part of the process. Before applying a replacement nameset, patch or sponsor, make sure the shirt is properly cleaned, dried and inspected.

CLEAN

WASH THE SHIRT

Wash the shirt thoroughly according to its garment care instructions. This helps remove traces of chemical remover and dissolved adhesive left behind during the removal process.

DO NOT LEAVE REMOVER RESIDUE IN THE FABRIC.

DRY

ALLOW TO DRY NATURALLY

Allow the shirt to air dry completely before considering any replacement printing. Do not apply heat to an area that still contains moisture or remover residue.

THE SHIRT MUST BE COMPLETELY DRY.

INSPECT

CHECK THE APPLICATION AREA

Inspect the area carefully. It should be clean and dry with no oily remover residue, tacky adhesive or loose pieces of the previous DTF transfer remaining.

ONLY REAPPLY TO A CLEAN, DRY SURFACE.

✓ READY FOR REAPPLICATION?

✓ COMPLETELY DRY

✓ NO REMOVER RESIDUE

✓ NO TACKY ADHESIVE

✓ NO LOOSE DTF