Pressing both sides of a T shirt with printed vinyl

[mr-gobby]

Got to heatpress some T shirts for a job on both sides with something printed with our BN-20 on Siser Cprint PU+ vinyl. It's 155 degrees for 15 secs medium pressure. Now we did a sample by pressing one side 10 secs then flipping it (leaving the TTD on) and pressing other side 15 secs using greaseproof paper both sides and hot peeling as is required. Worked okay but was just a sample not washed or tested out. It's not high volume but the sort of thing I'd expect to get for sponsored runs, cycles etc which isn't worn lots but does the advertising and photos for the events.

Friend suggested trying heat resistant silicone foam inside the T shirt to stop the heat going through so I ordered some 6mm think but in my haste bought A4 not A3 sheet which would suit our Adkins Maxi better and the size of the job (hey ho) I can sort that later.

Anyway I wondered what others did for this type of job so they can press oneside then the other without over cooking the vinyl & glue and if using silicone foam then what thickness is efficient enough, is 6mm overkill?

P.S. I suppose this A4 piece I got by mistake will suit small flat jobs I can lay under and it's almost like using a smaller platen size for items which the A3 would be too big.
Mark

[logobear]

we do it every day, full time both sides, works with all the producs we use EXCEPT high speed vinyl like 123

[mrs maggot]

i always press and peel side one, without repressing, then turn over, press and peel and re-press side 2 - never had any issues, the only thing i put underneath is a teflon sheet, to prevent the slight weave pattern in the lower platen/mat from being imprinted on the 1st side

[mr-gobby]

Guess it sounds like I'm being over cautious and just need to do one side at a time but perhaps allow to cool between sides to avoid over cooking the adhesives? I don't press with massive pressure having been on the sizer grafityp course which said that can squidge out the adhesive all a learning curve with lots of techniques I suppose that peeps have tried over time and found work with their equipment. Thanks for replies.
Mark

[ArferMo]

Some transfer media is very forgiving of temperature and time but some of the Sizer materials are very intolerant to the point where they will come off in the first few washes.

[mr-gobby]

Thanks arfermo, guess the silicone foam is back on the scene then. Do you use it and if so what thickness?
Mark

[ArferMo]

I use 10, 15 and 20mm depending if zips and thick hoodie seams are involved.

[kermit]

Aftermo, where do you get your foam from?

Keith

[kermit]

ArferMo where do you get your foam from?

Keith

[ArferMo]

Silex Ltd
Unit 4 & 5 Broxhead Trd Est
Lindford
Bordon
Hampshire
GU35 0NY