In sublimation printing, we often encounter various sublimation problems such as marks and lines on our t-shirts and other fabrics. There are various reasons for this problem. Most beginners in the sublimation printing business need to follow the proper guidelines, which results in scorching, burning, box marks and fading of colors on shirts.
These heat press marks can be eliminated from tees by selecting the suitable fabric and applying the right temperature and pressure in the presence of heat press foam.
In the following lines, we will discuss the various methods to get rid of the heat press lines on the t-shirts.
How to avoid Heat Press Marks on T Shirts?
It is easy to dispose of the heat-pressing marks on fabrics. We have tested a lot of shirts and applied the following ways to counter the marks.
These all resulted in a positive response. So, if you follow any of the methods according to your requirements, you will get the fabric free from heat press marks.
Read more: Common sublimation problems
Select the Suitable Fabric for Heat Press
Selecting the fitting shirt for heat pressing is an important step. Most beginners need to learn about heat transferring and the type of fabrics. They start sublimation and heat pressing, which produce messy results.
The reason behind this is the incompatibility of shirts and heat press. Selecting a compatible accessory means you have chosen the right kind of HTV best heat transfer for the fabric.
For example, popular fabrics for heat presses, such as polyester, UV-protected fabrics, and moisture-free shirts, are highly susceptible to heat. This means all the fabrics are not compatible with heat transfer vinyl.
So, you have to be sure that the heat transfers must be compatible with the fabrics. The heat transfers which require less threshold temperature are suitable for heat-sensitive fabrics.
Nowadays, experts advise using tri-blend fabrics for heat press applications. Tri-blends are a mixture of rayon, polyester, and cotton. These fabrics are also heat-sensitive. You have to ensure the right blend of different fabrics can bear the heat and produce the right results.
Test on Cheap Shirts
If you are a newbie, the best thing is to buy cheap shirts and start heat pressing. This is only for practice purposes.
Place the cheap shirt on the table and iron-press it at a low temperature. Select the unnoticed area of shirts, like the inside or under the shoulder. Keep the time and temperature values up to the suggested ones.
If you have successfully completed the test, you can start heat pressing the shirts by following the time-temperature requirements.
Read more: Heat Press Replacement Parts
Proper Placement of Fabric on Platen
The proper placement of the shirt on the bottom plate can give the best results. Otherwise, you will find banding, wrinkles, marks, and discoloration.
You can buy a cheaper and more suitable heat press from Amazon if you are low on budget. If both of its platens are working right and show no misalignment, then they will not produce thread ability. The ability is observed in sublimation printing due to improper placement of fabric blank on the lower platen.
Therefore, a suitable heat press is highly required to eliminate heat press marks. Also, keep the zip sides, buttons, and laces away from the heat press platens.
Select A Heat Press with the Right Size of Platen
While purchasing a heat press, it must be kept in mind that the machine has multiple platens. If you have a fixed platen, it will be difficult to heat press small items like bags, onesies, and youth clothes.
Small items require a small platen; otherwise, heat press marks will appear on them. You cannot heat press a bag on a 16 x 20 platen. Similarly, the quarter pullover cannot be heat pressed on a 16 x 20 platen, which may result in discoloration and scorching.
So, always use the suitable size of the platen for heat press according to the substrate size.
Suitable Heat Press Accessories for Substrates
The right kind of heat press accessories helps ease the process and eradicate heat press marks. Some of the suitable equipment is discussed below.
Heat Press Pillows
The press pillows are just like foams which have smooth and non-sticky surfaces. These can be placed under the garments to absorb shocks. Zippers, buttons, and other parts of fabric can be absorbed in these foams.
No heat marks and heat press lines are observed on the edges due to the placement of heat press pillows.
Flexible Pads
A flexible pad is a silicone and thicker than brown or other non-sticky cover sheets. Pre-press it for about 30 seconds and stick it on the lower plate of the heat press.
You only need to pre-press it for the first time. Then it becomes straight and wrinkle-free. Then place the fabric you want to heat press. Lay the flexible over it and start heat pressing. It helps eliminate the heat press marks. Keep the temperature as recommended for heat pressing for each fabric.
You only need to increase the time, as the presence of a flexible pad will hinder the transfer of heat to the substrate.
Use of Power Platens
Power platens are like auxiliary equipment having built-in heaters which can be used with multiple heat presses. They are available in various sizes and can use interchangeably. You need to fit the platen and start heating and using it.
They can produce heat up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit, and fabrics like rayon and polyester can be heat pressed without any heat marks and scorching effects.
Read more: Sublimate over Sublimation shirt
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use any color glitter heat transfer vinyl?
Absolutely yes. You can apply it to any color heat transfer vinyl, but the right suggestion is to use white color glitter HTV to have shade-free images.
Is the heat-resistant foam special in any way?
It can withstand high temperatures when the heat press process is in progress.
Can I use a towel, Easy Press mat, or anything else I have on hand?
They can work, but there is always the risk of heat press marks. A better option is to use a pillow or heat-resistant foam. Easy press mat doesn’t come in different sizes, so it will be challenging to carry heat pressing.
Conclusion
These methods will help you out in eliminating the heat press marks. Keep testing with different sorts of fabrics to have maximum exposure to heat pressing. Follow the guidelines provided by manufacturers to process the fabrics.
Most apparel, bags, huddles, and tops can withstand heat press at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. You must use any methods mentioned above to keep the fabrics free from heat press lines, marks, and scorching effects.
Related Post: How to Make Sublimation Prints Brighter?