Hot Split Plastisol Transfer Pressing Instructions
These instructions are for Starline Pacific's hot split transfers on to 100% cotton or polyester-cotton blends. We do not recommend that our transfers be used on any other type of material. Before you begin pressing please be aware that there are several factors involved in getting a good transfer such as the garment composition, humidity, time, temperature, and pressure. Use these instructions as a guide rather than precise steps. If you are unsure of adjusting time, temperature or pressure always test first before going into full production.
1.
Be sure that your Heat Press is heated to 380 F
2.
Set machine pressure to 45-50 psi (Heavy pressure)
3.
Place the garment in the heat press so the area that will receive the transfer in centered.
4.
Press the garment for about 2-3 seconds to remove excess moisture
5.
Place the transfer on the garment and press for about 8-10 seconds and peel the transfer sheet off immediately in a smooth fluid motion starting from one corner and peeling to the opposite corner. Do not peel part way and stop and do not allow the garment to cool before peeling.
6.
Once the transfer paper has been peeled away you can stack, fold, hang or wear the garment
TROUBLESHOOTING
My Heat Machine does not have a pressure gauge. If your machine does not have a pressure gauge you try the "paper pull" test to determine pressure. While the machine is cool, cut several 2" x 6" strips from a regular sheet of paper. Next place them around the outer edge of the heat press so that they are half sticking out and close the press. Next tug at the paper and try to pull it out. If the paper can be easily pulled out the pressure is too light, tighten the machine pressure. Repeat test until the paper cannot be pulled out.
When I peeled the Transfer the ink had a "Pizza Cheese" effect When the transfer is in the Heat Machine for the 8-10 seconds the ink becomes quite gooey and if the transfer is peeled with too much vigor the gooey ink can become stringy like the cheese on a hot slice of pizza. Although it is important to peel the transfer sheet right away you may want to allow it to cool for about ½ a second and/or peel it away a little bit slower or with less vigor.
The garment color is showing through the transfer If the garment is pressed for too long or the temperature is too hot the transfer can soak too deep into the garment. With colored inks this isn't as much a problem but with white ink it can distort the overall image (ie the white may look a little pinkish when press too long onto a red shirt). Be sure the temperature is 375 F and try shorting the press time, ½ a second at a time, until you get a better transfer.
The Transfer is peeling off the garment If the transfer is not adhering to the garment there may be one or more factors involved. Be sure that you have set the proper pressure, and temperature. Also try pre-pressing the garment to remove excess moisture. If you use a Teflon Sheet to protect to top of your heat press add about a second to the press time as the sheet can insulate the garment and won't allow the same amount of heat through as when you press without one.
