Today, there are virtually endless options for t-shirt designs, not to mention caps and coffee mugs. Ever question why? It’s because all you need to start producing your own designs is a heat press machine. It’s a fantastic job for individuals who are always coming up with new ideas, as well as for those looking to launch a new company or take up a brand-new pastime.
But first, let’s learn the 8 stages of using a heat press. Background data may be found in the first two. It just gets better from there, just like a good movie.
1. Select your press.
You must locate the ideal press for you as the initial step in your trip. It’s vital to thoroughly research your choices before establishing a t-shirt business. A larger press allows you the opportunity to cover a complete t-shirt, whilst a smaller one may only be great for particular designs.
Similar to this, you could wish to print on a greater variety of goods; in this situation, a versatile machine may come in very handy.
The difference between home presses and professional presses, however, is the most significant one. Although the former is primarily designed for private use, you can use it for a firm that is just getting started. A professional press is a preferable option if you already handle large orders or intend to go to mass manufacturing.
Larger plates are included, and there are additional pressure and temperature options.
2. Select your source
Unfortunately, you can’t press it with any old cloth. Some of them are heat-sensitive, and hot temperatures might cause them to melt. Avoid using synthetics and thin fabrics. Print instead on lycra, spandex, nylon, polyester, and cotton. These fabrics can survive heat pressing, while others require you to check the label.
Pre-washing your clothing is an excellent idea, especially if it is brand new. After the first wash, certain creases may develop and may have an impact on the pattern. You can prevent such problems if you do this before pushing.
3. Select your style
The enjoyable part of the procedure is this! Almost every picture that can be printed may also be applied to clothing by pressing. But if you want your company to really take off, you need a unique idea that will catch people’s attention. Improve your abilities using programs like CorelDraw or Adobe Illustrator. By doing so, you’ll be able to pair a clever concept with a lovely visual illustration.
4. PRINT YOUR ARTWORK
The transfer paper is a crucial component of the heat pressing procedure. Your design is originally printed on a sheet that has more pigment and wax. It is positioned in the press over your clothing. Depending on the type of your printer and the color of your material, there are several types of transfers.
5. SET THE HEAT PRESS UP
Regardless of the heat press machine you’re using, operating it is simple to understand. You may set the pressure and temperature you want as well as the timing on any heat press machine. When it is being prepared, the press should be accessible.
Set your temperature after turning on your heat press. To achieve this, spin the thermostat knob in a clockwise direction (or, on certain devices, use the arrow buttons) until you reach the appropriate heat setting. The heating light will turn on as a result. You’ll know it’s at the desired temperature when the light turns off. At this point, you can turn the knob back, but the light will continue to cycle on and off to maintain the heat.
You don’t use the same temperature for pressing at all times. You may find instructions for setting your transfer paper on the package. Don’t worry if this appears high; it should be for the design to stick well. This will typically be approximately 350-375°F.To test the press, you may always find an old shirt.
Set the pressure after that. As you turn the pressure knob, adjust it to the desired position. When applying pressure, thicker materials often need more, whilst thinner ones don’t.
In any situation, you should strive for medium to high pressure. To find the level that you believe produces the finest results, it is best to experiment a little. A lower pressure setting might make it more challenging to lock down the handle on particular presses.
6. Put your clothing in the press
When putting the material into the press, it is crucial to straighten it. A terrible print will result from any folds. To get rid of wrinkles, you can pre-heat the clothing in the press for 5 to 10 seconds.
Additionally, stretching the garment before putting it in the press is a good idea. By doing this, the print will slightly compress once you’re done, decreasing the likelihood that it may break in the future.
Make sure the side of the garment that will bear your print is facing upward. The t-shirt tag ought to be positioned such that it faces the press’s back. This will aid in properly positioning the print.It is significantly simpler to coordinate your pattern with some presses that additionally project a laser grid onto your clothing.
Your embroidered design should adhere with the sticky side down, and your printed transfer should be placed face-down on the garment. Although you don’t need to do this if your press includes a protective silicone pad, you can lay a towel or a small piece of thin cotton fabric on top of the transfer as protection.
7. EXPORT THE DESIGN
You can lower the handle after properly positioning the clothing and print within the press. You shouldn’t need to physically press the top for it to lock. According to the directions on your transfer paper, set the timer for between 10 and one minute.
Open the press once the time has elapsed and removed the shirt. While the transfer paper is still warm, peel it off. You should now be able to see that your design has been successfully embroidered onto your clothing.
If you’re producing more shirts, you may now repeat the procedure for fresh garments. Put cardboard inside the shirt first if you want to add a print to the side that has already been printed. This time, use less pressure to prevent reheating the first design.
8. MAINTAINING YOUR PRINT
Before washing your clothing, give it at least 24 hours to rest. This aids in the print setting. Turn the item inside out before washing it to prevent friction. Use mild detergents instead than harsh ones since they won’t damage the print. Air drying is preferred over using a tumble dryer.
