Optimum timings for using heat press on T shirts

[Bruno]

I bought an Epson 7890 and an Adkins heat press for the purpose of printing T shirts.
I then bought some Russell shirts 65 % poly 35% cotton to print on.

The company I bought the equipment from told me to set the heat press to 200 degrees and press for 60 seconds.
I ruined several shirts burning them (pale yellow) as I was printing front and back so I reduced the temperature to 180 and press for 45 seconds - this worked better. But...

My problem is throughout various trials I can't seem to get good blacks in my image. The printed paper displays solid black and I've even tried isolating the black in photoshop and boosting it off the scale but it still comes out dusty. Is this because I'm not using 100% polyester? or maybe the ICC profile the company I bought from wasn't set up correctly?

Is there a timings chart I could refer to?

Any suggestions would be welcome.

[Paul]

lets back to the basics.
you can sublimate on POLYESTER ONLY.
so less polyester content in your t-shir, then your image will be more pale. so no chance for true black on poly cotton tee with as much as 35% cotton in it.
200C sounds bit to much. I would go 190C max on 100% poly.
On cotton mix you need to go lower as cotton burn faster. but you know that already

[Bruno]

Thanks Paul - I shall give the 100% poly shirts a try - looks like I was given the wrong advice on the poly / cotton shirts then.


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[A11kns]

http://youtu.be/mjNV9m00Dls

[Bruno]

[emoji4]


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[Kevzo]

Hi Bruno. I've also been using the Russell HDT poly-cotton t-shirt to sublimate with very good results. I use my Adkins Beta Maxi at a medium pressure at 185 deg for 50 secs. I experimented with higher temps and times and scorched a few shirts so 185 and 50 secs works for me. I'm also using a SG800 printer and Trupix paper. This uses the Powerdriver software for colour management which pruduces very good blacks in my experience (and i'm a complete beginner).

Hope this helps

[KathG]

I like the Russell HD, but they do give a more muted finish. Which is OK if you like the more vintage look.

[socialgiraffe]

Just a suggestion....

I used to use Xpres budget sublimation paper for printing on to hi viz vests. It worked pretty well. Anyway, was in a bit of a bind and needed a couple of sheets urgently so purchased Tesco Basic's paper (£2.50 for 500 sheets). The black is better using Tesco paper than any other paper I have ever seen. The ink release is superb.

Perhaps one of you could try it on a tee and report back....