Five Heat Printing Tips for Beginners
If you've just started out in the heat printing business or you're looking to brush up on the basics, this post is for you! Here are some of the top tips to be aware of when applying transfers to garments with a heat press.
1. Time, Temperature and Pressure!
These are the key elements to ensuring a perfect fuse. Each material/transfer may be slightly different so adjust your heat press settings accordingly.
All Hotronix Heat Presses have digital readout which allows you to change the settings as you need and fuse with confidence. Some also have pre-loaded settings for HTV and Custom Heat Transfers so all you have to do is select the product you're using and press!
Click here to browse Hotronix Heat Presses.
2. Ensure a Flat Surface when Fusing.
Any seams, zips, pockets, etc. that are on the platen surface when you press will affect the pressure of the fuse and therefore the quality of the transfer.
Additional lower platens are a great option to isolate the area you need to apply the transfer too. Click here to learn more.
3. Use Heat Tape for Accuracy.
Heat Tape holds your transfer in the exact place you want to fuse it, so you don't have to worry about it moving around once you've placed the release paper.
4. Always PRE-PRESS your Garments!
So many benefits, including removing moisture from the garment, flattening out any folds in the garment, a better application and longer lasting transfer. 5-10 seconds should do it!
5. Threadability!
If your heat press isn't already threadable, consider a Caddie Stand or a Counter Caddie Stand to add Threadability to your heat press. This will save time, helps to obtain a flat and even pressing surface and minimises the chance of press marks on the inside of the garment.
Click here to view Heat Press Caddies.
