DSF

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:

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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!