Cold Peel
Definition
What is cold peel?
A transfer application technique where the carrier film is peeled away from the garment after the transfer has fully cooled to room temperature. Cold peel typically produces a matte finish and better adhesion on textured fabrics. Most DTF transfers are designed for cold peel application.
Where cold peel shows up on DTF Database
Guides and comparisons on this site that cover cold peel in practice.
DTF film is a PET release film that comes in matte vs glossy finishes and cold-peel vs hot-peel vs warm-peel release types. The film you choose affects the final look of the transfer, the press workflow, and the failure modes. A complete buyer's guide to DTF film types and what to use when.
Read the articleDTF transfer film comes in 13- and 24-inch widths, single- or double-sided, hot or cold peel. Compare PET film types, brands, and pricing for 2026.
Read the articleDTF heat press settings: cotton 300-325F for 10-15 s at medium-firm pressure, polyester 270-285F for 10-12 s, cold peel. How to press and fix peeling.
Read the articleCompare top DTF ink and DTF transfer film brands (PET): white ink stability, color gamut, wash durability, matte vs glossy, hot peel vs cold peel, and pricing.
Read the articleWhen the carrier film won't release cleanly or the finished print feels gummy, sticky, or tacky, the problem happened at the press. A diagnostic guide to peel failures, under-cured prints, ghosting, and gloss boxes.
Read the articleThe order of DTF application: pre-press 3-5 seconds, position the transfer, press at the fabric's setting, peel as the film requires, then post-press.
Read the articleRelated terms
A transfer application method where the carrier film is peeled immediately after pressing while the transfer is still hot.
A transfer application method where the carrier film is peeled after a brief cooling period of 5-10 seconds, when the transfer is warm but not hot.
A machine that applies heat and even pressure to transfer DTF prints from film onto garments.