Teflon sheet? Pressing lines? A few noob questions...

[hidehi]

Morning all

When using heat transfer vinyl, I've read that its good practice to sandwich the t-shirt being pressed between two sheets of paper ie. paper, garment, paper. Can someone help me out please by telling me what paper I should use and also where I can buy it? Some have mentioned a teflon sheet, whilst others say silicone paper.

Also, having read forum threads and watched youtube videos etc, I'm worried about causing permanent pressing lines in the t-shirts. I will be using mdp hotflex so how likely is it that the edge of the mylar(?) backing sheet could cause lines? What can I do to prevent these?

Am feeling a tad overwhelmed at the moment as my t-shirt order is due to arrive tomorrow and I can't afford to have them go wrong. I do have a couple of tees that I can practice on though so any hints & tips in advance would be very welcome! Thanks so much :biggrin:

[AdamB]

Hi,

in my experience it depends on the garment.

For normal cotton products I just use baking paper from Wilkinsons (not grease proof paper as this sticks). You can get this elsewhere but I've found that the one I use works great for transfer paper also (note, grease proof paper DOES STICK to transfer paper).

I have had a few shiny marks left with polo shirts that have a higher polyester count so I switch to silicon baking sheets for these (the very thin ones that I also got from Wilkinsons).

Hope that helps - and note, I don't work for Wilkinson's (lol) but if they want to send me a few quid for plugging their products It'll be more than welcome

[AdamB]

And another thing - isn't silicone paper EXACTLY the same as baking paper - just packaged differently?
(seems so when I compared it??)

[hidehi]

Thanks Adam, that's really helpful. Yes, I think baking paper is the same as silicone paper so I will make sure I stock up! The t-shirts I've ordered are 100% cotton, so hopefully there will be no shiny marks...hopefully no edge imprints either.

[AdamB]

No probs

Don't forget to pre-press to remove any moisture - as this can affect anything from a print transfering to a substrate to garment flex sticking to a garment.

[Paul]

same here!
baking paper in roll or el cheapo tescos coping paper.

also little tip from me (no offense please!): dont take any orders until you crack it!

[hidehi]

Okey dokey, will remember to pre-press, thanks Adam.

Paul, thanks for the tip. Thankfully this is a tiny order from an existing customer who knows I'm just dipping my toe into vinyl transfer. The t-shirts are for a one-off charity event so they won't be worn again. I think I will press an extra t-shirt for myself so that I can wash it a few times to see how it holds up. Definitely won't be taking any larger orders until I'm 100% happy that I get no imprint marks, no burns and no peeling vinyl even after being washed!

[mrs maggot]

depending on which flex you are using for some now you must not press press, so the assumption that you pre-press all garments is not right. you should not need a sheet under the garment, only a teflon sheet over (keeps the plate nice and clean as well) I remember Paul showing a video where he used no sheet at all, but for most its common practice to use a sheet, a teflon baking sheet is a cheap alternative and will give 100's of pressings, i personally dont like the greasproof/baking sheets, as if they have a crease in them, it can get pressed into the vinyl and leave a line. the other alternative is to get a purpose made teflon sheet that is actually permanently attached to the top of the press (think upsidedown ironing board cover) these are expensive £20/£30 but are there for years

[Paul]

If its only one off then ise transfer paper and ink jet printer cheaper

[hidehi]

Thanks MrsMaggot, am more confused now, but hey I think its gonna be a case of trial and error (hopefully not too much error). I will try it using a sheet and also without, to see what gives the best results.

I could use a printer Paul, but that won't give me the practice!