Hi,
I have been pressing garments, bags, etc for a while now, since 2011. I recently purchased a new 16 x 20 Black Series Swing Away heat press from Heat Press Nation. I have the temperature calibrated with a high-end digital laser thermometer to about 2 degrees, the temperature is solid.
My issue is that I keep getting heat press marks on my t-shirts, normally 100% Gildan shirts, most evident on blacks but it happens on all colors that I have pressed really. I press plastisol heat transfers with their recommended temperature of 325 degrees from the supplier. If I reduce the heat or temperature any more the transfers won't apply and will fail/start to crack after washing. I have tested about 20 shirts today! So I am seeking advice because I really don't want to keep wasting shirts although I bought a batch specifically for testing.
I have used teflon heat press pillows and silicone pads cut to several sizes, and they all leave marks. The pillows aren't as ideal as the proper medium/heavy pressure needed for the plastisol transfers isn't always there with the pillows.
Are there cotton t-shirts that aren't so prone to heat press marks? Can I do anything else differently? I have seem this issue get asked numerous times on this forum and I have literally tried all or mostly all of the suggestions that I have read. But to no avail. Any help would be greatly appreciated.