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ShirtGal · October 19th, 2014

I have noticed that my bright colors seem to be less intense after the ink is heat pressed. Is that normal? When they come out of the Epson, WOW amazing bright color, then after the heat press - Meh'.

I've been binge watching the videos on belquette - thank you for all you guys do!!

SG

Anonoprinter · October 19th, 2014

We've had similar issues off and on with a Mod 1 and Dupont inks.

It's not the machines fault but it does seem to be affected by the heat and pressure settings you use on the cure.

Its a fine balancing act between enough heat and pressure to ensure a solid and durable cure and going too far and killing the vibrancy of the inks.

What temp, times and pressure are you using? Slightly lower temps (340 and low pressure should help but you need to wash test to see how it holds up.) Belquette Treatsrite for light garments also helps ink stay on the surface which keeps it more vibrant.

The equation is further complicated when you are using white ink. I've tried only hovering over white inks but that can lead to poor durability. I think the white underbase needs some pressure to ensure it bonds to the pretreated fibers.

Wishing there was such a thing as UV cured garment inks (like they have for other materials) so we could hopefully just do away with the curing step... I'll probably cry tears of joy on that day. ;-)

ShirtGal · October 20th, 2014

We're using 330 at a pressure of 1 or less. I just ordered some of the new firebird pretreat to see if that helps.

equipmentzone · October 20th, 2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShirtGal


	We're using 330 at a pressure of 1 or less. I just ordered some of the new firebird pretreat to see if that helps.

How long are you drying the inks?

_

allamerican-aeoon · October 21st, 2014

All inks on earth will change color. Wet and dry. Wet reflects and glossy . Dry won't.
Cheers! Beers are on me always.

ShirtGal · October 21st, 2014

45 Seconds on non-white inks and 90 seconds on any shirt we used white ink.

I'm going to be trying out some 50/50 shirts next week to see how they do with the Image Armour and the new firebird pretreatment. Wish me luck!

TUANISAPPAREL · October 21st, 2014

If you want them to stay bright you can invest in an $8k forced tunnel drier ;-)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using T-Shirt Forums

ShirtGal · October 22nd, 2014

I might do that.... someday.

JeridHill · October 22nd, 2014

Glad we could help with the videos.

As for trying to retain the color brightness, as mentioned, it's the nature of direct to garment inks. To help this, you can hover the heat press without touching for 60 seconds then press the shirt like you normally would. This will help reduce the colors from dropping as much in brightness.

equipmentzone · November 2nd, 2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShirtGal


	45 Seconds on non-white inks and 90 seconds on any shirt we used white ink. I'm going to be trying out some 50/50 shirts next week to see how they do with the Image Armour and the new firebird pretreatment. Wish me luck!

How are your current prints doing?

_

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