Pressing instructions

Pressing instructions are a guide, as every heat press is different and you HAVE to get to know YOUR own press. You should always check the temperature of your press with an infrared thermometer before you begin pressing. It is common for heat presses to run hotter or colder than the digital temperature shown on your press. In this case, you may need to adjust your temperature to make the proper accommodations.

Single Color & Full Color Screen Prints 

  1. Pre-press garment to remove moisture.
  2. Do not cover with anything (Teflon nor parchment paper).
  3. Temperature: 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit
  4. Pressure: heavy (this is the most important part, if it’s not sticking, you need more pressure!)
  5. Time: 10-20 seconds/10 seconds for puff transfers
  6. Peel: Always peel HOT.
  7. For full color: Firmly rub print with a cloth right after press, just before peeling. Especially in the area you are going to start the peel from, and any delicate parts of the design. 
  8. If you need to repress, we recommend protecting the print with parchment paper.
Screen print transfers can be used on any color garment. 100% cotton, and poly/cotton blends recommended.

 

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

  • A commercial heat press is required for screen print transfers. We do not recommend the Cricut easy press nor the HTVront, they do not produce enough pressure for transfers to adhere properly. You need to be able to adjust the pressure, the transfers need VERY high pressure.
  • If the paper is resisting and not peeling off smoothly and easily, do NOT keep pulling the paper off. You can rip the ink doing that. Stop peeling and lay it back down, adjust heat and/or pressure, and repress. 
  • Heat presses can run hotter or colder than their set point and can lose heat in between pressing shirts from the constant opening and closing. An infrared thermometer is recommended to make sure your press is running at the right temperature. 
  • If the paper is not releasing properly, use a cloth and rub over the paper firmly, and try peeling again before the print completely cools! You can then cover the print with parchment paper for a second press to seal the print.
  • Seams of the garment on the press can affect pressure, try to get all seams of the press; a pillow press might help.
  • No Teflon sheets.  If repress is necessary, cover design with parchment paper.

    Chenille Patches

    1. Pre-press garment to remove moisture.
    2. Lay patch on garment and cover with Teflon or parchment paper.
    3. Temperature: 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit
    4. Pressure: medium-heavy 
    5. Press for 15 seconds
    6. Turn garment inside out and press another 15 seconds.

    Care Instructions for t-shirts

    • Turn garment inside out.
    • Machine wash cold.
    • No bleach. No fabric softener. 
    • Tumble dry low or hang to dry.
    • Do not iron directly on design.