How to Create Your DTF Gangsheet
First Time Using Our Gangsheet Builder?
If this is your first time creating a gangsheet, we recommend reading the instructions below and watching the tutorial video before you begin. It may feel a little different at first, but once you start using it, you’ll find it quick and easy.
Step 1 – Select Your Size
Choose the size you require:
• A4
• A3
• 60cm x 50cm
• 60cm x 1m
Once you have selected your size, click the PINK “Create Design” button below that option.
This will open a new browser tab called Antigro Designer.
Step 2 – Upload Your Artwork
Click the Uploads Files button on the top left of the designer and upload your artwork.
For best results:
✔ Use high-resolution PNG files
✔ Minimum recommended resolution: 300 DPI
✔ Ensure backgrounds have already been removed where required
✔ Check your artwork carefully before uploading
DPI Warnings
• Orange warning = Artwork is between 250 DPI and 300 DPI
• Red warning = Artwork is below 250 DPI
Remember: Garbage in = Garbage out. The quality of your print depends on the quality of the file supplied.
Step 3 – Arrange Your Gangsheet
Arrange your designs within the selected sheet size.
Important: Keep all artwork inside the pink dashed boundary lines. Designs placed outside these lines may be cut off during printing.
Designer Features
Once your artwork is uploaded, you can:
• Drag and drop images onto the canvas
• Resize artwork
• Rotate designs
• Flip artwork horizontally or vertically
• Move designs forward or backward
• Delete unwanted artwork
• Duplicate designs
• Use Auto Fill to create multiple copies with custom spacing
When using Auto Fill, ensure “Keep in Safe Zone” remains enabled.
Background Removal Tool
The designer includes a background removal feature.
Please note that, like many automatic background removal tools, it may remove parts of the design that you wish to keep. Always inspect your artwork carefully before confirming.
Step 4 – Confirm Your Design
Once you are happy with your layout:
- Click the green CONFIRM button in the top right corner.
- Click Confirm My Designs.
- Enter your email address.
- Click Confirm My Designs again.
- Wait for the automatic redirect or click Redirect Now.
Step 5 – Complete Checkout
You will be returned to your shopping cart where you can complete the normal checkout process.
Save Your Design for Later
You can return to your design at a later stage by:
• Clicking the Save button in the designer, or
• Copying the URL from your browser (the link contains your design ID)
Creating an account is recommended if you would like access to your previous designs and orders.
IMPORTANT: We print exactly what you upload. Please ensure your artwork is correctly sized, high resolution (300 DPI recommended), and print-ready before confirming your design.
Important Information
• We print files exactly as supplied.
• We do not resize, modify, edit, or correct artwork.
• We do not adjust colours or create spot colour corrections.
• We are not responsible for incorrect sizing supplied by the customer.
• We are not responsible for low-resolution artwork or poor-quality images.
• Once a design has been submitted and confirmed through the Gangsheet Builder, neither the customer nor SA Sublimation Blanks can make changes, corrections, or adjustments to the artwork. Please check your design carefully before confirming.
• Any errors, omissions, spelling mistakes, sizing issues, or artwork problems contained within the submitted design remain the responsibility of the customer.
• Designs submitted via email will no longer be accepted.
Our Gangsheet Builder is now the required method for submitting DTF print-ready artwork.
DTF Transfer Pressing Instructions
For best results, follow the pressing instructions below.
Heat Press Settings
Temperature: 160°C
Pressure: Medium
First Press
- Position the DTF transfer onto the garment with the printed image facing up.
- Cover the transfer with silicone paper.
- Press for 20 seconds using medium pressure.
- Remove from the heat press and allow the transfer to cool completely.
- Once cool, carefully peel away the transfer film.
Second Press (Recommended)
This step helps reduce surface shine and creates a softer feel on the garment.
- Place the garment back onto the heat press with the design facing up.
- Cover the print with a blank white cotton t-shirt or pressing cloth.
- Place silicone paper over the top.
- Press for 10–15 seconds using medium pressure.
Finished
Remove the garment from the heat press and allow it to cool.
Your DTF print is now complete and ready to wear.
Care Instructions
• Wait 24 hours before the first wash.
• Wash garments inside out.
• Cold or warm wash only (maximum 40°C).
• Do not use bleach or harsh detergents.
• Do not tumble dry on high heat.
• Do not iron directly onto the printed design.
• If ironing is required, turn the garment inside out or use a protective cloth over the print.
Following these instructions will help maximise the life and appearance of your DTF transfer.
How long can you keep a DTF print before pressing?
- Best results: Press within 3–12 months
- Ideal window (recommended): Within 6 months
- Short‑term jobs: Within 30 days if storage conditions are not ideal
DTF transfers do not have a hard expiry date, but the adhesive gradually degrades over time, which can affect bonding and wash durability if stored too long or incorrectly.
What affects DTF shelf life the most
DTF transfers are sensitive before pressing. The main factors that reduce shelf life are:
- Heat → can pre‑activate or weaken the adhesive
- Humidity / moisture → clumps adhesive powder and reduces bonding
- Sunlight (UV) → slowly degrades ink and adhesive
- Pressure / bending → can crack ink or curl film
Poor storage can cause a transfer to look fine but fail during pressing or washing.
Ideal storage conditions (to get 6–12 months)
To safely store DTF prints long‑term:
- Store flat (never folded or tightly rolled)
- Keep in a cool, dry place
- Temperature: ±18–24 °C
- Humidity: below 50%
- Store away from sunlight and heat presses
- Keep in sealed sleeves or bags
- Add silica gel/desiccant if possible
With correct storage, many shops routinely press DTF transfers successfully 6–12 months later with no quality loss
Best practice for older transfers
If a DTF print is:
- Over 6 months old, or
- Has been stored in warm or humid conditions
Always do a small test press first before applying to a customer garment. Older transfers may require slightly more pressure or heat to activate properly.
Bottom line
You can safely keep a DTF print for months before pressing, but storage matters more than time.
If you treat DTF like vinyl or photo paper—cool, dry, flat—it will press cleanly even much later
