Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I LOVE THIS FORUM! Been reading a bit, now I need to post my question since I can't find the answer to my particular question:
I am new to pressing. Purchased a new HIX400D clamshell. I've purchased screened print transfers from Boo-Z Wearhouse. I believe they use the Plastisol inks. 390 degrees at 10 seconds. I pre-heat the platen and pre-press the shirt to get rid of moisture. All seems to go well. Pressure is set so that I can't pull a piece of paper out of the press when closed. It's an easy one hand close press setting. No problem pressing solid black transfers onto whites and greys.
Problem: Bright yellow with a white base screen transfer on black tee does not come off paper all the way, resulting in ruined shirt. I've lowered the temp to 375, increased to 380, then 385 at 10 and 12 second intervals, in some cases set to 14 seconds. The 390 at 10 seems to work the best out of all so far, but transfer still does not adhere.
1) The gal at Boo-Z said to increase the pressure until I have to use two hands to close the machine. She said if I can close it with one hand it's not closed tight enough. Someone in another post said if there are frame lines on shirt after pressing, the pressure is set too high. Another said spots will stick on paper if there's not enough pressure....So who's right? Which way to go?
2) Someone else recommended not trusting the temp guage, raise temp in 10 degree increments until it works...Should I try that?
3) Using a white base on the transfer...would you assume temp, pressure, time would need to be increased? What are your suggestions?
Thanks so much, this is frustrating, because I've ruined 3 shirts already in my attempts to get this right. Your help appreciated. Anne
You could increase the temp or get a infared thermometer and check the platen. I would try to increse pressure first. Good luck keep us posted. good luck ..... JB
Well, I was hoping for a bit more insight, but I increased the temp to 400 degrees and set the pressure so that I needed to use both hands to close my hix400d press. Did a couple samples on throw-away pieces which looked like the press was set well. 3 of out of the four pressed shirts I proceeded to press came out really nice. The fourth one's transfer of a couple letters didn't adhere entirely, so I guess I better adjust the temp or pressure once more.
I think the problem is pressure. You need more. I know you ladies are not a strong as men, and I mean that not as a put down but fact. I think the people at your transfer company were right on. I had a similar problem and that was the fix. Don't worry about pressure marks on the tee you can press them out.
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Screen Print Tsfrs, pressure, etc. HELP 
