 New to Heat Transfers....Cracking vertically..HELP!
hi everyone. i currently run an infant & childrens novelty apparel company where i screen print all the graphics. i'm expanding my line and adding a design that allows the addition of a child's name.....can't really burn a new screen for every order so i am venturing into heat transfers (i feel like an idiot). i have run a few tests, the color is perfect, but i am having trouble with vertical cracking.
now i should tell you i am using a hand iron.....and my printer is only an HP Inkjet (no big fancy model, but i have used to print watercolor reproductions and they look stellar).....i just don't want to invest in a heat press until i know the shirts are going to sell.
some other details:
i am using the new milford paper for lights. it transferred well and looked great but putting the shirt on my daughter the next day it cracked all over vertically, i could literally hear the cracking.
could i have heated too long? or not enough pressure?
i am printing on 100% cotton, baby rib shirts.....yeah i know but we're talking infants here, all my apparel has stretch. the majority of my inventory comes from American Apparel, although i have few select Rabbit Skins items.
i tried printing on the IRON ALL but what a mess, it's cracking & chipping everywhere. i have to trim out my design, and it's just a disaster. i haven't even tried to transfer it.
i would appreciate any insight, advice, or ideas anyone might have to help me through this. is it even possible to produce a heat transfer that won't crack with a hand iron?
oh not that there is any pressure but my new line is supposed to launch in two weeks.....so i am really stressing.
thank you!!! |