Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering & Pricing
How do I order DTF transfers?
Choose one of three gang sheet options:
- Build a Gang Sheet: Upload multiple designs and our software automatically arranges them efficiently on the sheet for you
- Upload Your Own Gang Sheet: Already have your designs laid out? Upload your complete pre-arranged gang sheet file
- Rolling Gang Sheet: Add designs and sheet will automatically extend as you build
What's a gang sheet?
A gang sheet is a large sheet (550mm wide, variable length) that includes multiple designs in one print job. It's the most cost-effective way to:
- Combine multiple different logos or graphics
- Print various sizes or quantities of the same design
- Maximize material usage and reduce waste
- Lower your per-transfer cost compared to individual printing
How is pricing calculated?
Gang sheets are priced per running meter at 550mm width:
- Minimum order: 500mm (0.5m) @ R121 incl VAT
- Standard gang sheets: Fixed lengths in 500mm increments (500mm, 1000mm, 1500mm, 2000mm, etc.)
- Rolling gang sheets: Pro-rata pricing for exact length (e.g., 1.2m, 2.7m) — charged for the exact amount you use
- Maximum length: 4000mm (4 meters) per sheet
What is your minimum order?
Minimum printable length is 500mm (0.5 meters) @ R121 incl VAT. This gives you a 550mm wide × 500mm long gang sheet to fill with your designs.
What's the difference between standard gang sheets and rolling gang sheets?
- Standard gang sheets (Build or Upload): Choose fixed sheet lengths in 500mm increments (500mm, 1000mm, 1500mm, etc.). Best when you know exactly how much space you need.
- Rolling gang sheets: Add designs over time and pay pro-rata for the exact length used (not rounded to 500mm increments). Perfect for accumulating multiple orders or ongoing production needs.
Do you offer volume discounts or trade pricing?
Yes. For consistent volume orders or trade account setup, please contact us at hello@lumilemons.co.za with:
- Your business details and VAT number
- Expected monthly order volume
- Type of business (print shop, clothing brand, promotional company, etc.)
File Requirements
What file types do you accept?
- PNG (with transparent background, preferred) or PDF
- Minimum 300 DPI resolution
- Vector files preferred for sharpest results
- RGB colour mode
Should I flip/mirror my image?
No. Upload your design exactly as you want it to appear on the garment. We handle all printing setup. Do not mirror your artwork.
Can I use glows, gradients, or shadow effects?
No. DTF printing adds a white underbase under every pixel of colour, which means:
- Glow effects print as solid shapes, not soft fades
- Drop shadows and gradients appear harsh and blocky
- Transparency effects don't work — the underbase makes everything opaque
Will my colours match exactly?
DTF uses CMYK printing, which has inherent limitations:
Critical colour matching needed? Contact us about paid sample options — available for trade accounts and large volume businesses only.
- Pantone colours are approximated, not exact matches
- Screen colours (RGB) will shift when converted to CMYK
- Neon and bright colours may appear duller than on-screen
- Fabric colour and texture affect final appearance
Critical colour matching needed? Contact us about paid sample options — available for trade accounts and large volume businesses only.
What resolution do I need?
300 DPI minimum at the actual print size.
- Higher resolution = sharper results
- Low-res files will print pixelated or blurry
- Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) scale without quality loss
Production & Delivery
What does 24-hour turnaround mean?
Your order will be printed within 24 hours after artwork approval.
- Orders are approved and printed in queue order
- Orders placed after 4pm are processed the next business day
- Weekend orders are handled on Monday
- Same-day dispatch available for orders placed before 10am (subject to production capacity)
Do you offer local delivery?
Yes. We use local couriers for tracked and insured shipping across South Africa:
- Western Cape: 1-2 days
- Major cities: 2-3 days
- Remote areas: 3-5 days
- Collection option: Free collection from our Paarl facility during business hours (wait for "Ready for Collection" notification)
Do you ship outside South Africa?
Currently we only ship within South Africa. International shipping is coming soon. If you're outside SA and need DTF transfers, contact us to discuss options.
Application & Care
How do I apply DTF transfers?
Step-by-step pressing instructions:
- Pre-press: Press garment for 5 seconds to remove moisture
- Position: Place transfer on garment, cover with parchment or Teflon sheet
- Press: Apply heat for 10 seconds
- Cotton: 150–160°C, 4 bar pressure
- Polyester: 127–135°C, 3 bar pressure
- Peel: Warm peel (let cool 15-20 seconds), then peel film
- Repress: Cover with parchment/Teflon and repress for 5 seconds
What fabrics work with DTF?
DTF works on virtually all fabrics:
- Cotton, polyester, poly-cotton blends
- Nylon, canvas, denim
- Light and dark fabrics (no different process needed)
- Even leather and wood surfaces
My transfer isn't sticking properly. What should I do?
Common causes and fixes:
- Insufficient pressure: Use firm, even pressure across entire transfer
- Wrong temperature: Verify press temp with heat gun (should be 160°C for cotton)
- Too short press time: Ensure full 10 seconds of heat application
- Fabric moisture/coating: Pre-press to remove moisture; some performance fabrics have coatings that prevent adhesion
How should I wash printed garments?
For longest print life:
- Wait 24–36 hours before first wash (let adhesive fully cure)
- Wash inside-out in cold/cool water (30–40°C)
- Use mild detergent — no bleach or fabric softener
- No tumble dry or direct ironing on the print
- Line dry inside-out
Returns & Issues
Can I return or exchange transfers?
Due to the custom nature of DTF printing:
We accept returns for:
We accept returns for:
- Production defects (streaks, incomplete coverage, misalignment)
- Printing errors (wrong artwork printed — our error)
- Incorrect sizing (our error)
- Transfers not adhering when pressed correctly
- Colour variations (see colour disclaimer above)
- Customer artwork errors (wrong spelling, wrong logo version, etc.)
- Low resolution artwork (if approved by customer)
- Incorrect pressing (wrong temp, pressure, or time)
- Change of mind after production starts
What is your quality guarantee?
Every transfer is quality checked before dispatch. We guarantee our transfers are:
- Free from printing defects
- Properly cured and ready to press
- Accurate to approved artwork