Full-Color Softshell Dye-Blocking Transfers print a complete full-color design in a single press, built for softshell jackets, vests, pants, and outdoor gear that standard transfers cannot handle. A dye-blocking layer sits beneath the print and stops fabric dye from migrating into the design, so logos, team marks, and corporate artwork stay vibrant and unmuddied on dark and light shells. There is no color limit and no weeding, so detailed crests, small text, and gradients stay clean with a smooth, durable finish.
The print carries a white backing under the color, which keeps artwork bright on both light and dark fabrics. Color stays consistent across reorders with spot-color matching for brand palettes, and metallic colors are available at no extra cost for premium outerwear looks. The transfer stretches and rebounds without cracking, and the water-based inks keep the hand smooth on shells that get worn, packed, and washed outdoors.
Nine finished sizes are available, from a 1.5 x 1.5 in chest mark or sleeve hit up to an 11.7 x 16.5 in full back panel, including a 2.5 x 2.5 in logo, a 4 x 4 in left-chest, an 11.7 x 11.7 in square, and alternate A5 and A4 orientations for wide or tall layouts. Every size is offered at every quantity, so one file can run 10 pieces for a staff rollout and repeat unchanged at volume. The minimum is 10 identical pieces per design, with unit pricing that steps down at 20, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500, 1000, 2500, and 5000 pieces.
These transfers suit softshell jackets, vests, pants, hiking and outdoor gear, sports club team uniforms, company corporate vests, coats and jackets, and softshell-blend apparel. Softshell fabric has a water-repellent coating that resists ordinary transfers, so this dye-blocking formulation is the safer choice where a standard garment transfer would fail to bond or would overheat the garment. They are intended for shells that can withstand 290F to 300F.
Application takes 10 seconds at 290F to 300F with firm 40 psi pressure, then a hot peel. Use an air-operated or manual heat press, not a domestic iron, a craft press, or any press without adequate pressure settings, and press a sample first when you change shells. Supply one print-ready PDF with fonts outlined and fine lines at 0.6 pt or heavier, and add Pantone or CMYK notes in the Colors field where needed. Production runs 1 to 2 business days. For softshell that must bond the first time with no dye bleed, this is the format to order.
Application
Application & Care
Temperature
290F to 300F
Time
10 seconds
Pressure
40 psi / firm
Peel Method
Hot peel
Press Settings
| Setting |
Value |
| Press Temperature |
290F to 300F |
| Press Time |
10 seconds |
| Pressure |
40 psi / firm |
| Peel Method |
Hot peel |
| Press Type |
Air-operated or manual heat press |
Step-by-Step Application
- Confirm heat tolerance. Check that the shell withstands 290F to 300F. Softshell has a water-repellent coating, so when unsure about the shell, test on a sample or hidden area first.
- Prepare the shell. Clean and smooth the press area. Press the blank briefly where the material allows to remove wrinkles and surface moisture.
- Place the transfer. Position the transfer printed side up on the garment, not over a seam, zipper, or hardware. The finished size of the transfer is the finished size of the print.
- Close the press. Set the platen to 290F to 300F and close with firm pressure at 40 psi. On a manual press, use a higher pressure setting.
- Hold. Keep the press closed for the full 10 seconds. Do not shorten the dwell, because the dye-blocking layer needs the full heat and time to bond.
- Peel hot. Open the press and peel the carrier away immediately while the print is still warm, with a slow steady pull.
- Check the result. Confirm the edges are fully bonded and the colors are clean with no dye showing through before continuing with the rest of the run.
Important Precautions
- Use an air-operated or manual heat press, not a domestic iron, a Cricut Easy Press, or any press without adequate pressure settings.
- Do not press shells that cannot withstand 290F to 300F.
- Keep transfers away from seams, zippers, and hardware that prevent even pressure.
- When in doubt about dye stability or coatings, press a sample first and check it after cooling before running production.
- Always perform a test press before starting full production. We are not responsible for damaged garments.
Care Instructions
- Wash Cold Inside Out.
- Best if Hang Dry or No Heat if Must Tumble Dry Low Heat.
- Do Not Bleach.
- Do Not Iron Imprint/Transfer.
- Do Not Dry Clean.
- Best Not to use fabric softener.
Always perform a test press before full production to verify adhesion, application settings, and garment compatibility.
Need help with application or choosing the right transfer?
Request a Quote
Shipping
Shipping & Turnaround
Production Time
Production runs 1–2 business days. Delivery time depends on your location and the shipping method selected at checkout.
Shipping Options & Rates
Flat-rate shipping options are available at checkout:
| Shipping Method |
Rate |
| USPS Ground |
$10.95 |
| UPS Ground |
$15.95 |
| FedEx 2Day |
$20.95 |
Final shipping options, eligibility, and charges are determined at checkout.
Free Shipping & Tracking
Free USPS Ground Shipping is available on eligible full-color orders over $125.
Shipping is calculated at checkout, and tracking information is provided when your order ships.
Need a rush order or have special shipping requirements?
Request a Quote
Artwork Requirements
Artwork Requirements
Print-Ready Basics
Prepare your design at the intended finished size for the best printing results. Clean artwork, accurate dimensions, and properly prepared files help preserve detail and color.
- Prepare artwork at the intended finished printing size.
- Use one clearly identified artwork file per design.
- Convert all fonts to outlines or shapes.
- Check spelling, colors, dimensions, and orientation.
- Use transparent backgrounds wherever no printing is intended.
- Include any special design requirements in your order notes.
Accepted File Formats
High-quality PDF files exported from vector artwork are preferred. Other vector and raster formats can also be submitted for review.
- Preferred Format: High-quality PDF
- Vector Formats: AI, EPS, CDR, SVG
- Raster Formats: PSD, PNG, JPG
- Raster Resolution: At least 300 PPI at the finished printing size.
- Linked Images: Embed all linked images in the submitted file.
For designs with transparent areas, PNG or PSD is preferable to JPG. JPG files should only be used when the entire rectangular background is intended to print.
Color & Design Setup
Color preparation depends on the selected transfer type. Use the correct color settings for the printing process and make sure the submitted design represents the intended finished artwork.
- SupaDTF: Prepare artwork using CMYK color mode. Pantone color matching is not available for SupaDTF.
- Pantone-Matched Products: Where matching is supported, use official Pantone Solid Coated (C) colors.
- Specialty Colors: Certain neons, pastels, and premium metallic colors cannot be matched exactly.
- Transparency: Keep non-printing areas transparent and avoid unwanted solid backgrounds.
- Effects: Semi-transparent glows, fades, and shadows may need to be converted into solid-edged artwork.
Minimum Detail & Text Requirements
Fine details should be large enough to reproduce cleanly. Avoid excessively thin free-floating lines and ensure that text and vector effects are prepared correctly.
| Requirement |
Minimum |
| Free-Floating Line Thickness |
0.6 pt / 0.2 mm |
- Convert all editable text to outlines or shapes.
- Embed linked artwork and images.
- Expand pattern fills before submitting vector artwork.
- Keep small design elements clear and avoid excessively fine details.
Before Uploading Your Artwork
- Verify the finished printing dimensions.
- Confirm that the artwork uses the appropriate color setup.
- Check that text has been converted to outlines or shapes.
- Verify that transparent areas will remain unprinted.
- Review fine lines and small design elements.
- Upload the artwork using the product configurator.
- Add important artwork instructions or special requests to your order notes.
If you are unsure whether your artwork is suitable, submit the best available file and explain any concerns in your order notes so the artwork can be reviewed.
Need help preparing your artwork?
Request a Quote
