8
Tips for Polyester Fabric
Ø
Maintain appropriate heat press times.
o
Shortened pressing time will result in good surface color but the sublimation
dyes will not completely penetrate the polyester fibers. This leaves the dyes
more susceptible to wash out.
o
Longer pressing times will cause the dye molecules to penetrate deeper into
the fiber creating a washed out look. For guidelines on transfer times see the
section entitled
Heat Transfer Instructions.
Ø
Maintain appropriate heat press temperatures
o
The correct temperature setting is vital for achieving desired results. Higher
temperatures can damage the polyester fibers to the point that they cannot
properly “hold” the dyes. For guidelines on transfer temperatures see the
section entitled
Heat Transfer Instructions
Ø
Maintain appropriate pressure
o
Too much pressure on the heat press may cause the dyes to penetrate too
deeply into the fabric causing a washed out look. For guidelines on transfer
pressure see the section entitled
Heat Transfer Instructions
Tips for Metal
To obtain the best results when printing onto metal, place the transfer between the
metal and an absorbent cloth or fresh, non-textured paper towel. This will absorb
any dyes that pass back through the paper and any moisture released during the
transfer process. If you have problems with inconsistently filled areas, this may
alleviate the problem.
Tips for Ceramic Tiles and Mugs
When transferring onto ceramic tiles and mugs, immediately peel the paper off of
the ceramic after removing it from the heat press. Once the paper has been removed,
cool the ceramic by submerging it in cool water, or run water over it from a faucet.
If paper residue remains on the surface of the ceramic, clean with isopropyl alcohol.
If you experience a significant paper-sticking problem, call your SubliJet reseller
for assistance.
Tips for Hanes Soft L’Ink
Shirts
The presence of moisture in your fabric can lead to bleeding of the image. Remove
moisture by pre-pressing your shirt for 10 seconds. Use Teflon sheets between the
front and back of the shirt to prevent the inks from penetrating to the other side of
the shirt. If dye residue from your heat press is being deposited on your shirts at
any time, heat press a paper towel or similar absorbent material to remove residual
dye.
