The successful application of heat transfer film depends on three main variables: time, temperature and pressure. Not all heat transfer hot presses are in the same setting. Getting hot is not always better. In fact, higher temperatures can make things worse. Before hot pressing, please refer to the manufacturer's literature for the recommended time and temperature settings.

Stress is equally important. Many times, heat transfer will not work properly due to insufficient pressure. Increasing the temperature setting or dwell time usually does not help. Manufacturers of heat transfer materials will provide advice on proper settings in their technical bulletins.

Press to warm up. The hot press takes some time to warm up to the optimum temperature. Allow your press to warm up about 30 minutes before production. Set the time, temperature and pressure settings of the heat transfer film you want to use.

Set the time, temperature and pressure settings of the heat transfer film you want to use.

Preheat the clothing. Always press the garment for three to five seconds before hot pressing the transfer pattern. This has three important functions. First, it dissipates moisture, which inhibits adhesion of the heat transfer material. Second, it smoothes the garment, eliminates wrinkles, and provides a smooth surface for heat transfer. The garment has no wrinkles, meaning that the graphic applique has no wrinkles. Third, preheating the fabric will cause it to shrink. It would be great if you were stacking several different materials. If preheating is not done, the first layer of the shirt and graphics will shrink together. This will make registration of subsequent layers impossible.