Some screen printers, who print directly onto t-shirts or who
print plastisol heat transfers, will stretch the garment before printing or
heat pressing. By doing this, the weave of the shirt opens up allowing the ink
to better penetrate the fibers of the fabric. This practice is believed to
prevent cracking of the ink.
While stretching garments may work when printing t-shirts or
heat pressing plastisol heat transfers, you should not stretch
shirts prior to heat pressing a polyurethane heat transfer film. Here’s
why. After the shirt is washed, it will shrink back to its original
shape. When this happens, the polyurethane appliqué will contract, resulting in the puckering of
the heat transfer film. See the photo below.
Do
not stretch the garment prior to heat pressing or the appliqué will pucker after the first washing.
|
Instead of stretching a garment prior to pressing, you should
pre-press it. This causes the shirt to shrink. In addition, if there is
any moisture in the fabric, pre-pressing will dry the shirt. Moisture can
potentially cause adhesion problems. Pressing the garment also provides a
smooth surface for the application of the heat transfer appliqué..
ABOUT SEF: For
more than 35 years, SEF has provided the screen printing and garment industries
with high quality flex films and flock films. Manufacturing at SEF is totally
integrated. The factory formulates, casts and adhesive coats its own
polyurethane (PU) films. SEF even manufactures its own flock fibers. With a
corporate commitment to a greener environment, all of its film and adhesive
formulations are water based. This ensures that no solvents pollute the
atmosphere. Its only emission is water vapor. Today, SEF is recognized as a
leading producer of heat transfer films for used in the fabrication of heat
press appliqués for textile decoration. Its ultra-thin polyurethane films and
super soft flock films are easy to plotter cut and digitally print.
FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT: SEF Americas provides a toll-free technical support service at 844-720-9601. NOTE: If your call is not answered by a tech support person during normal business hours, 8am to 5pm EST (Eastern Standard Time), please leave a message and we will do our best to return your call within an hour. Should you need to contact us after business hours, an alternate tech support number is 480-987-8028. You can also get answers to your technical questions by emailing: techsupport@SEFamericas.com.
About this blog: SEF Americas Heat Transfer Blog is dedicated to providing
technical information about flex and flock films for heat pressing appliques to
textiles. SEF, a leader in flock materials and polyurethane films, serves the
garment, sign and screen print industries. SEF brands include Tatoo,
Classicprint, Clearflex, Fiberplus, Metalflex and Reflexcut.
For More Information About SEF Americas:
14476-201 Duval Place West
Jacksonville, FL 32218
904-423-0211 - Phone
904-423-0899 - Fax
844-720-9600 - Toll Free
Ordering: sales@SEFamericas.com
Click Here: SEF Americas Shared Public Folder
Click Here: SEF Product Application Guide
Click Here: SEF FlexCut Product Color Guide
Click Here: SEF Print & Cut Product Guide
Click Here: For SEF Documents
Click Here to Access Printer Profiles
© 2015 Jim Hingst
