Why do temps and time vary so much with most tranfer papers?
Why with certain transfer paper does the temperature and time very so much For example JPSS is sold by various vendors and the instructions on temperatures and press time all are different.
Vendor 1 375 degress at 30 seconds
Vendor 2 350-365 degrees at 24 seconds
Vendor 3 350 degrees at 20 seconds
And if you use other brands of paper most of their time and temps are all different.
Does anyone have an answer for this.
Re: Why do temps and time vary so much with most tranfer papers?
Yeah, I remember that neenah's laser1 Opaque requires just 20 seconds press, but Forever's Laser dark opaque needs up to 80 seconds. I guess it's because the papers are just manufactured differently, with varying thickness, adhesive and different materials. As for the same JPSS papers, 20 to 30 seconds and 350 to 375F are'nt much of a difference anyway. Each user are anyway encouraged to find that "sweet spot" depending on what shirt and heat press they're using. As for the companies producing the transfer papers, I only know of Neenah (US), Paropy (Japan) and Forever (Germany). There could be more in China, but I'm not aware of others outside China.
Re: Why do temps and time vary so much with most tranfer papers?
The different times and temperatures are usually from the different properties of the paper. There are some papers that are streatchable, some for dark garments, some for laser, and some for inkjet. They all have different types of adhesive and printable media to acheive the final outcome.
If you have any questions on printable papers please feel free to contact me anytime!
Re: Why do temps and time vary so much with most tranfer papers?
All of the different times and temps will work. It's just a matter of what time and temp works for you. The longer and hotter you press, the better chance you can dull the image, however that image will probably wash and wear better. If you press it for a shorter time and at a lower temp, the image will really pop but may not wear as well.
You also have to account for the pressure being used and things like the climate/humidity can effect transfer paper as well.
Re: Why do temps and time vary so much with most tranfer papers?
Very true, however it is always best to start with the manufacturers recommended time temperature and pressure. Make your adjsutments from there. The rule for applying a successful heat transfer is using the proper time, temperature and pressure. Without all three of these variables in line you will have transfers that do not adhere, crack, peel or look faded.
Re: Why do temps and time vary so much with most tranfer papers?
I think the variations in the "recommended instructions" come from whatever results the manufacturer/supplier found to work the best in their own tests.
There *are* variables that can't be reproduced from test to test:
*Presses do not always run at the exact temp set.
*The substrates themselves add a variable.
*The pressure that was mentioned already.
If every test was done on the same exact press, without changing the pressure setting, using the same exact run of fabric, you might see a bit more consistancy.
I love the fact that we can sometimes use a little bit different time and temp from the instructions. I used to press my Ironall Dark at 365*F. When I started to use JPSS (which I press at 375*F) I was going between the two temps, and needed a heat up or cool down period built in. I later started to use 375*F for Ironall Dark, as well. It was great. No more temp changes during pressing. One temp, continuous work, no temp change to build in.
This is a discussion about Why do temps and time vary so much with most tranfer papers? that was posted in the Inkjet Heat Transfer Paper section of the forums.
Why do temps and time vary so much with most tranfer papers? 
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