Get perfect results from your heat press

Applying heat sensitive graphics to a garment requires the correct amount of temperature, time and pressure. Managing director of Amaya Sales UK, Peter Wright, explains further.

Most heat presses have controls for both the time and temperature so it is relative easy to adjust these to the correct settings.

However in recent years some manufacturers have introduced a gauge to accurately control the pressure. If you have an older machine then the pressure side is controlled by your feel or strength. To get an accurate pressure on an older press is more down to luck than judgement.

Combine that variable with the fact that many times a heat press is used by a variety of operators in a business, each with their idea of what proper pressure is. This creates a scenario where by the proper pressure is consistently applied throughout a production run or in a variety of jobs within the same day to be low.

Higher-end presses with a pressure gauge will typically have a range of between one and nine. One through three is light pressure, four through six is medium pressure, and seven through nine is regarded as heavy pressure. The digits can sometimes be misleading. However, it does make the process repeatable by any number of operators.

How do you access the correct pressure?

The right amount of pressure directly affects the quality of the finished product you are adhering a decoration to. If you use too much pressure, it can drive the ink far into the garment or substrate, which will dull the vibrancy of the colors.

Too much pressure also wears out the operator. The longer the run, the more tired the worker will get, which, over time may cause them to apply less pressure than at the beginning of their shift or the run, creating inconsistency in the look of the finished products.

Thirdly, there’s no quicker way to shorten the lifespan of your heat press than to apply too much pressure repeatedly.

Too light of pressure has its negative consequences as well. If pressing a cotton shirt, for example, one of the objectives when heat pressing a shirt is to smooth out wrinkles and flatten down the fibers. Sometimes, when enough pressure is not applied, the fibers will stick up through the transfer giving the design a fuzzy or worn look.

You also run the risk of the heat-applied graphic not properly adhering to the garment, which can result in wash ability problems.

The right amount of pressure drives softened agents into the shirt. When the press is programmed for the appropriate amount of time, the inks cure is perfect for the process being used. This print will normally outlast the life of the garment.

Transfer paper

Transfer paper requires more accurate pressure adjustments so purchasing an appropriate heat press with pressure controls will benefit you in the long run.

You will have happy customers and high-quality printing.

Application variables

The thickness of the garment affects the amount of pressure required. In general, the thicker the substrate, the more pressure is needed. Most presses have an adjustment to allow for thickness, and the pressure should be tested while the garment is on the machine.

When the garment is 100% polyester, the smoothness of the fabric requires less pressure than with other materials. You also need to be careful because polyester is more prone to bruising or showing heavy pressure lines than a cotton/polyester blend.

Also, there are two ways to load a shirt onto the heat press platen, which can also affect the amount of pressure required. On a traditional heat press, the entire shirt is typically laid down on the lower platen. If there are seams, grommets, a placket with buttons, etc., special care must be taken that these are not going to interfere when the upper platen is brought down.

In recent years, some manufacturers have started offering what is called a thread able press. It has an open throat, which means that only one layer of fabric is placed on the lower platen while the rest of the shirt hangs down beneath the lower platen. You will not need as much pressure when heat pressing a single layer as you will when you are doing the entire garment.

So, if you want perfect results when using transfer paper, garment film, flock etc. buy a professional heat press with all the controls to make your life easier.