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rusty · February 23rd, 2007

How many of you use the pad protectors on your heat press? I don't have one, but was looking at getting one. I think it would make the shirts slide on and off a lot easier and also reduce some of the press lines on the edge of the platen.

But the only one I've found is $60. That sounds very expensive to me. Can anybody recommend any other that might e cheaper. My press is 15"x15".

Thanks,
Rusty

Rodney · February 23rd, 2007

Quote:


	I think it would make the shirts slide on and off a lot easier and also reduce some of the press lines on the edge of the platen.

I have one and I dig it. You can find more posts about it with search for teflon in the forums.

There's one for $27 at imprintables.com

rusty · February 23rd, 2007

Thanks! That's what I was looking for. I knew I had seen one recently around that price, but couldn't remember where I saw it.

Moo Spot Prints · February 23rd, 2007

It also keeps 2 sided jobs from sticking to the bottom. It's worth the money.

T-BOT · February 23rd, 2007

teflon comes in different thickness, the cheaper $$$ ones wear out quick and start to rip on the closest corners to you.

....I guess it depends on the volume of shirts you print.

For 20-50/day, for sure spend a little more and get the thick teflon.

Ujudgnme2 · February 25th, 2007

I think you guys are speaking about this material that looks like shelving paper which I ordered for my DK20s. I thought it was just some packing but when I didnt see anything which I thought should look like a protector, I figured this must be the teflon.

Now that I have the press and the teflon, I need to figure out how they go together.

This site has been so helpful, glad we have it. Otherwise, I am sure I would not have purchased the DK or any other press. I have enjoyed reading the many posts.

Thanks all.

rusty · February 25th, 2007

In general, the teflon is used between the heating element and the shirt. It protects the shirt from the heat and the heating element from the design.

freebird1963 · February 25th, 2007

I have read in several posts about some people who after printing the transfer onto the shirt and pulling the transfer paper of repressing the shirt with the teflon . why is that ? and if its important do you do it with all transfers ?

Thanks
mark

DAGuide · February 25th, 2007

In some cases, the teflon sheet will help the colors look brighter or give it a slightly gloss look. Most people press with a teflon sheet after doing vinyl to reinforce the adhesive on the vinyl after removing the carrier sheet. I strongly recommend using the teflon platten protector and a teflon sheet.

rusty · February 25th, 2007

Mark's right. The final press helps secure the vinyl to the shirt after removing the backing. And it also gives it a betting looking finish (texture) to the vinyl. Without the final teflon press, it looks like... well.. vinyl. And anything that can be done to make it look like like vinyl helps.

COEDS · February 26th, 2007

These pad protectors are pricey,but replacing a pad would cost more. I always use a teflon sheet on the pad. It's better to be safe then sorry.

pdloran · February 26th, 2007

i made one out of moms ironing board cover.it was teflon material.it was even silver.it work well till i could get the real deal.in a pinch or low budget its good platen protector.mom does not think so.oh well.

Rodney · February 27th, 2007

Quote:


	I think you guys are speaking about this material that looks like shelving paper which I ordered for my DK20s. I thought it was just some packing but when I didnt see anything which I thought should look like a protector, I figured this must be the teflon.

Does the paper you received look like just a "sheet", or does it have fitted edges around the side like a bed sheet would?

The teflon pad protector has a fitted sheet look at the bottom so you can attach it to the bottom platen of your press.

The regular teflon sheets are used between the top platen and the actual transfer so you don't get ink on your top platen.

Also check out this thread:
Teflon sheets: what are they used for and how?

Ujudgnme2 · February 28th, 2007

I have something that looks like a sheet. I need to look further into this because I paid a nice amount for it "Coastal." I just assumed this is what everyone is using. Not sure how to use it just yet. Waiting for my transfer paper.

I guess I would take this sheet and place it on something. I have no idea how this sheet is used....I was thinking putting over the tshirt before pressing.

So I guess its protecting the top pad?

I will be glad when I get through Steps 1-10 of heatpress lol.

Rodney · February 28th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ujudgnme2


	I have something that looks like a sheet. I need to look further into this because I paid a nice amount for it "Coastal." I just assumed this is what everyone is using. Not sure how to use it just yet. Waiting for my transfer paper. I guess I would take this sheet and place it on something. I have no idea how this sheet is used....I was thinking putting over the tshirt before pressing. So I guess its protecting the top pad? I will be glad when I get through Steps 1-10 of heatpress lol.

Yep, I had the samem "what is this sheet for" reaction when I got my heat press supplies

This thread here helped out a lot.

The sheet protects the transfer you are pressing from getting stuck to the top platen of your press. You put the transfer on the shirt and the telfon sheet on the transfer and the press closes down over the teflon sheet instead of the transfer.

There's another thing called the teflon pad protector that goes over the BOTTOM platen and it fits like a bed sheet (with fitted sides). That allows you to easily slide the shirt on and off the press, and it can protect the bottom of your heat press from getting transfers stuck on it when doing two sided presses.