Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Okay. I've successfully created a couple of designs and started pressing my own shirts with thermoflex plus vinyl (with help from you guys... thanks). Now I'm ready to start selling them. What kind of washing instructions should I give the customers? I searched the forum but all I found were discussions about the laser and inkjet print's durability and care. How many washes should the vinyl last? Can they just throw them in the washer or will the heat cause problems?
Re: Washing Instructions with thermoflex plus vinyl
I'm bumping this because I know somebody can fill me in on some of these answers. Until someone responds I'm just going to make a test shirt then start throwing it in every load of wash and check it for wear and tear. I'll give my results on here so the next guy will have the info.
Re: Washing Instructions with thermoflex plus vinyl
When I first started using the thermo flex, I washed the shirts (and dried) inside out. Now, I dont bother.
Ironing however, iron inside out, and not vinyl against vinyl. I have unsuccessfully ironed overtop my logo, and made a wonderful melted crease thru the middle of it. (its now a painting shirt)
Other than that, the stuff washes beautifully. Oh....it stands up to bleach pretty good too (learned this by accident too) lol
Re: Washing Instructions with thermoflex plus vinyl
Yeah, most heat transfer vinyl is guaranteed to outlast the life of the garment, without cracking, peeling or fading. Just make sure you use the right material for the fabric you are applying to.
Re: Washing Instructions with thermoflex plus vinyl
ive juss starting out with thermoflex plus too....i was wondering this same thing..but ive also used ref-lite reflective heat transfer vinyls on some shirts. When i washed these it shriveled up and almost peeled off. Im not sure if the wrinkling was a result of the shirt shrinking or from the heat of the wash/dryer. but whatever happened it DID NOT look good after the wash!!
since the shirt was messed up already...i took an iron (set at med.heat) and ironed out the wrinkles..worked great....but thats not the kind of quality i want the shirts that i sell to be!!
Re: Washing Instructions with thermoflex plus vinyl
I normally tell my customers to wash it inside out and not to use hot water, as for drying use very low heat or tumble dry no heat, if not go to Specialty Materials website and you can get information, if not e-mail me and I can send you fax you what I got from them.
Washing Instructions with thermoflex plus vinyl 
