Not enough heat, time, or pressure. Verify your press’s actual temperature with a laser thermometer — most presses read differently than they run. Increase pressure to medium-firm and confirm your press time. If you were peeling hot, make sure you’re peeling in one continuous motion.
Almost always a pressure problem, usually from pressing on a soft surface, or from skipping the post-press. Press on something hard and flat, and always post-press for 5–10 seconds.
Normal right off the press, especially on a hot peel. Post-press under parchment paper for a matte finish.
Usually too much heat, too much time, or both. Try the low end of the temperature range. On polyester, drop to 260–280°F. Cracking can also come from a rigid adhesive powder — see our article on what makes a good transfer.
Either the artwork was RGB and shifted in conversion, or the file resolution was low. Design in CMYK at 300 DPI.
Too much heat for that fabric, or too much time. Lower the temp, shorten the press, and use parchment on the post-press.
Movement during the press or during the peel. If you’re using an iron, you glided instead of pressing. Hold still, then peel in one smooth motion.
If a transfer failed and you don’t think it was your press, contact us at [email protected] with a photo. We’d rather fix it than argue about it.