Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I have been told that if you press a shirt a second time after the transfer has been applied by placing the teflon sheet over the graphic, that it imbeds the image deeper into the fabric. I have tried this a couple times on shirts in the shop that were giving us trouble, but I wasn't sure if it actualy has much permanent impact.
I repress everything Ive put heat press vinyl on. I find it makes a big difference. Some vinyls look like they will lift on the edges (even if they dont) I still like to give it another hit. I havent had any shirts come back, or any complaints about lifting vinyl.
if you are going to heatpress your transfer or textile vinyl a second time use wax paper on top of the image and your teflon on top, we have no problems this way. we also run a cold iron over the image to extract the heat before we peel of the wax paper / teflon.
It's been my experience that repressing with Teflon also removes a good deal of the gloss on cold peel and opaque transfers, giving it more of a matte finish.
Of course, I don't expect inkjet transfers to hold up as well as plastisol, I'm not crazy. (Well ok, maybe a little) But I want to get the very best quality and durability possible using this method. I think most of the members that have had trouble and/or claimed that inkjet transfers are complete junk were climbing the learning curve and getting a bit frustrated (understandably.)
I know that each method has it's market as well. Oh well, that's what trial and error is for.
if you are going to heatpress your transfer or textile vinyl a second time use wax paper on top of the image and your teflon on top, we have no problems this way. we also run a cold iron over the image to extract the heat before we peel of the wax paper / teflon.
what does the wax paper do? Wouldnt it leave residue on the t-shirt?
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Do you think it would have the same effect on inkjet transfers as well? My guess is that it would, but I love feedback
I always repress my ink jet transferrs to. Just because I like the way they look after the 2nd pressing, to me they look better. Dont know why...just does.
I would be afraid of the wax paper myself, but then I've never tried it. I guess we are all agreed it wouldn't HURT the transfer to repress, so might as well.
If anyone has any other tips or tricks to prolong the life of an inkjet print, let me know!
IIf anyone has any other tips or tricks to prolong the life of an inkjet print, let me know!
well, something else I have noticed......on our test shirts. Ironing them inside out with a very hot iron, seems to brighten the image again after its been washed.
if you are going to heatpress your transfer or textile vinyl a second time use wax paper on top of the image and your teflon on top, we have no problems this way. we also run a cold iron over the image to extract the heat before we peel of the wax paper / teflon.
Hiya,
When you repress the second time, are you re-pressing both lights and darks?
As of now, I have been re-pressing the darks: taking the teflon off, then the parchment off, giving it a stretch, laying it all back down the same way: shirt, parchment and teflon on top and giving a re-press for about 5 seconds. Is that the right way?
Also, are you saying you re-press the light shirts, too? Would I just peel the backing paper off the transfer and lay the teflon right on there and give a re-press?
Also, are you saying you re-press the light shirts, too? Would I just peel the backing paper off the transfer and lay the teflon right on there and give a re-press?
Thanks a ga-zillion, as usual!!
Yep. That would be the way to do it. There is some argument as to wether you should peel the Teflon hot or cold however.
Well, MOST people seem to say that it's safest to peel cold so that the image doesn't peel back off the garment, sticking to the Teflon as you peel. I have always peeled HOT, why, I'm not really sure. I just always have done it that way, and I've never had any trouble, though I am going to try a couple cold peels just for fun tomorrow at the shop if I get a chance.
I should mention though, that I am applying most of this to plastisol transfers, and the Teflon trick may have a different reaction to inkjet transfers.
I would probably just try one cold and one hot, then make notes as to which one comes out better, and if there is any issue with peeling on either method.
Oh, I will mention one other thing...and you probably already know (if you do, don't hate me for being Mr. Obvious haha) Generally speaking with cold peel transfers, you get more of a glossy finish to your garment, BUT when you repress with your Teflon, it will remove most of the gloss and leave more of a matte finish and softer hand.
Okay, I'm going to bed now, goodnight. (maybe just a... few...more threads) lol
Second Press with Teflon Sheet 
