The working of a t-shirt press machine can be simply summed up in this statement: A heat press machine applies heat and pressure to a graphic design in order to get it imprinted onto a substrate. There are a large number of surfaces that are receptive to a heat-pressed imprint, such as fabric, ceramic, etc. There are automatic as well as manual heat press machines, which we have discussed above.
Let us now take a closer look and observe how exactly does a heat press machine functions:
For the purpose of this section, we are assuming that you are printing something on a t-shirt. Depending on the size of the design and the size of the t-shirt, you need to ensure that your press can cover all of it. Your press shouldn’t be smaller compared to the size of the shirt that you are printing. Also, make sure that the fabric you choose isn’t one that can melt away easily upon heat. Cotton, nylon, and polyester are the three best options that you have.
You will then need to choose your design and have it printed on transfer paper. A transfer paper is basically made out of a pigment-rich waxy substance, which is then placed over the garment that you are printing and when heat is applied to it, the design gets printed on the cloth. One thing to keep in mind while printing is that you will need to print a mirror image of what you see on your PC screen as that is going to be reversed once again when you print it on a t-shirt.
Next, we come to the actual heat press. Turn it on, and then set the temperature by adjusting the knobs of the thermostat. Some fancier ones might have buttons via which you can adjust the temperature. Once you have reached the temperature that you want, the heating light will turn on. Wait till that light is turned off. Once that light is off, your heat press has reached the temperature that you want to operate it at.
Make sure you do not touch the platens and are operating it using safety gloves. Some heat presses will also have a pressure setting available to them. If you are using such a press, set the pressure that you wish to work at, else you’ll need to apply that manually. You should then set a timer for the amount of time you want the heat and the pressure to be applied. Once the timer rings, open up the press if it is a manual press. If it is an automatic one, it will open up on its own and your print is ready!
Once you have printed your design upon your t-shirt, your work is still not finished. You need to ensure that the design is given at least 24 hours to get firmly attached to the fabric by letting it be undisturbed for 24 hours. Do not wash it in this period or you risk smudging the print.
When you are washing these printed clothes, make sure that you are turning the clothes inside-out so that there’s no actual friction on the design. Also, make sure to use soft detergents and try air drying the clothes instead of tumble-drying them to ensure the longevity of the print.
