HTV on sublimated Jerseys. Help a mom in over her head. PLEASE?

4654 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Red Leaf, May 3, 2014

TankMama

Discussion Starter · May 1, 2014

So I went and told my son's baseball coach that I could add his logo, and player names and numbers to jerseys he ordered. I have never used heat transfer vinyl (HTV) on anything, let alone something that is 100% polyester. I am doing as much research as I can before I start to make sure that the HTV stays on after many washings and looks great. Now I'm terrified. I can't mess up a jersey and I don't have a bunch of extra vinyl so I need to be perfect with no experience. Seems like entering a car race just because I have a driver's license and cramming the night before.

I need all your best tips. I have to use a regular iron since that is all I have. I have the Siser Easyweed HTV, the jerseys http://www.badgersport.com/Products/Item.aspx?ID=338 are 100% Sublimated polyester. I will make sure to mirror the image and preheat the shirt before applying.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. I'm really worried about the heat transfer peeling up or having trouble because it is the sublimated polyester.

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charles95405

· #2 · May 1, 2014

Hate to rain on your parade, but using a home iron not a keen idea for HTV because you need consistent heat and pressure, about 325F for 15-18 seconds, medium pressure. Next problem is IF the material is truly sublimation, I would not do it because sublimation is applied via a heat process and I would be afraid application of more heat would degrade the sublimation where the heat press touched

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TankMama

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 2, 2014

Thanks charles95405. Can you tell me more about the heat degradation? I'm thinking that since I have to use a home iron that I maybe able to limit the contact with the surrounding sublimated material.

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joeshaul

· #4 · May 2, 2014

Basically sublimation inks turn gaseous when heated. This works both ways, when you heat it up it can transfer from paper to your substrate/material, likewise, when it's heated after it's been applied, it can transfer back, leaving areas discolored and can also transfer to your iron and whatever's underneath, which causes all kinds of fun things to happen down the road (a month from now you'll iron something and be like "where'd this color/stain come from? oh damn, those jerseys". There are a few low temp/low time vinyls specifically for sublimated polyester (like Stahl's ThermoFilm).

I concur with Charles though that you will not probably get an acceptable or predictable result with an iron, and you would be doing it on someone else's material. If you're dead set on doing the order, see if you can find a similar jersey or the like from a thrift store to test on, and be sure to give it a few washes and see if the material peels away. My suggestion would be to pass on the order though until you can get a heat press in so that way you can deliver even temperature, even pressure, and proper timing.

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TankMama

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 2, 2014

Thanks for the details joeshaul.

I'm thinking I might try to screen print them since I have never done that either. Maybe I could use a screen door and some shoe polish; since my husband mentioned we had an electric skillet that could be made into a heat press.

I wish I could back out, but it is a favor for a friend and I have a hard time saying I can't do it or figure it out. I really do appreciate all the help on this forum as I find new ways to torture myself. You all have saved me a lot of $ by working out the details before I attempt it. Thanks again.

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charles95405

· #6 · May 2, 2014

Again you would need to out source the job. There is a screen charge for each color. Do you and your friend a favor and them that because the jerseys are sublimation you just can't do it unless you outsource screen printing. Tell them you will assist to find one but they pay direct. .... cut out the middle man. Save a friendship

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binki

· #7 · May 3, 2014

You can use siser at 305 and it will work.

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Red Leaf

· #8 · May 3, 2014

I hate to be negative because I love to see people try new things and learn, but I would stay away from this unless you have the right equipment. Screen printing with screen door material and shoe polish will not give the result that you want.

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