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Expressions Heat Transfer Vinyl

1468 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  proworlded
Good Morning all,

New to the Forum but have been using for research for quite a while.

I just dove head first into heat transfer vinyl. I have a vinyl cutter that works fine and a lower heat press that seems to do the job.

My questions refers to the Expressions Heat Transfer vinyl that i'm using. I have tried to use the factory time and temp settings, but it seems way too cool and not long enough.

The manufacturer recommends something like 310 degrees for 1-15 seconds. When used at this setting the vinyl barely sticks.

I up'd to about 350 for 30 secs and it seems to stick better in the middle of the design but when I stretch the shirt for quality, the vertical edges wrinkle and peel off the shirt where the middle stretches with the fabric.

Any recommendations?
(other than "just give up now")
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Make sure you check the pressure of your heat press too.
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Why not just switch to proven brand?....I like Siser or Spectra Eco Film.....Others will tell you they like Joto Paper or Thermoflex....
I did some research and found Expressions is just a reseller or Siser. So I searched that and got some possible answers.

I turned temp to 400 for 15 and that worked but scorched fabric.

I'm playing with the pressure now.

Thanks guys.
Have you measured your temperature with a probe?...

You do not want to use too much heat or time as the will "over cure" the vinyl and adhesive and cause it to fail prematurely.....

Are you pre-pressing to eliminate moisture?....I tend to use way longer time than recommended to be sure moisture is removed....
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I pre-press for about 10-15 seconds.

The upped pressure at the recommended temps and times and it's working almost perfect.
I pre-press for about 10-15 seconds.

The upped pressure at the recommended temps and times and it's working almost perfect.
I use Siser and use 325 for 10 sec's medium pressure. Works well for me.

CalhTech>
Not sure why you are stretching the shirt but if you are concerned with excessive stretching there is flex vinyl suited for that purpose.
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