Hopefully you can see the heat press marks in this photo. It’s something many customers will overlook but you can prevent it from happening in the first place by using a flexible application pad or graphics that require lower temperatures.
With fall busy season in full swing, you need to make sure you have the right production accessories on hand to ensure stress-free heat pressing results. One of my most popular posts ever, which received over 20 comments from readers, was about how to use a flexible heat application pad to prevent heat press marks on polyester and other heat sensitive fabrics. So we know that this is something that is happening to many of you. I have seen it personally myself at stores where heat printed items are being sold. Hopefully this information will improve your results and make it easier to sail through your fall busy season. As always, we are here at Transfer Express and Stahls’ to answer all your how-to questions. Just give us a call. You can also access our how-to video archive on StahlsTV.com. (And remember, we also have many graphics that can be applied at lower temperatures, such as CAD-Printz, Elasti Prints Transfers, CAD-COLOR Solutions, our digital TEK line and more, which can also help prevent heat press marks from occuring) As they say, knowledge is power and when you’re heat printing, knowledge is also money in the bank.
The video about the silicone pad is very lacking. Says to use to protect sensitive things. However there must be extra time required if it protects what it covers then how can the vinyl get proper heat. Quite confusing.
Thanks for your comment Blaine. A good rule of thumb is to add 10-15 seconds of additional pressing time when using a silicone pad. However you should always test a sample if possible.