What temperature and time should heat press be?

In the ever-growing world of customization, a comprehensive heat press guide is an indispensable tool for business runners. However, the lack of a detailed heat press guide on temperature, time, and pressure can hinder many from fully enjoying the convenience and efficiency of this technology. Despite the abundance of posts discussing this topic, we have noticed a gap in the market—none of them provide a comprehensive guide for those utilizing multiple customization methods. That’s why we have written this post, aiming to fill that void and provide you with a complete heat press guide. Whether you’re engaged in dye-sublimation printing, DTF printing, HTV, laser transfer paper, or screen printed transfer for customization, this guide will offer valuable insights and helpful tips. Keep reading and don’t hesitate to share your own tips if you have different ideas.

Where to Use a Heat Press: Common Applications

Heat press is an indispensable tool in multiple customization methods, serving to apply heat and pressure for a complete heat transfer process. If you’re utilizing transfers, such as transfer papers or transfer films, for customization purposes, a heat press becomes an essential requirement. Among the numerous printing technologies available, five highly prominent methods that cannot be overlooked include dye-sublimation printing, DTF printing, HTV, screen printed transfer, and laser transfer paper.

Dye-sublimation

During sublimation printing, several elements are involved in the heat transfer process.

• Sublimation ink: These heat-sensitive inks contain dyes that can directly convert from a solid to a gas state.
• Sublimation paper: This specialized paper is crucial for retaining the dyes and inks on its surface during the transfer process.
• Substrate: Sublimation printing is primarily suited for polyester-based fabrics and polymer-coated hard surfaces. The polymers present in polyester or the coating on substrates facilitate bonding when exposed to heat.

When sublimation paper is applied heat and pressure through a heat press, the sublimation inks and dyes undergo a transformation from solid to gas. The heated gas then permeates the fabric fibers and becomes fully infused within the fabric. Because the ink must convert directly from solid to gas without transitioning into a liquid state, this process requries extra heat compared to other printing techniques. This is also one reason why the heat transfer process in sublimation printing typically requires more time.

Tumbler Press Machine for Tumbler & Mug Sublimation

DTF Printing

DTF printing is primarily intended for textile printing, making DTF transfer films particularly suitable for fabrics. The components involved in the process are as follows:

• DTF inks: These specially formulated pigment inks come in Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, and White colors. The White Ink serves as a foundation for the print on the film, onto which the colored design is printed.
• DTF films: These films act as carriers for the design and are where your design is printed. They typically have a thickness of around 0.75mm and can be purchased in sheets or rolls. The films are categorized as either hot-peel type or cold-peel type, depending on the peeling method used after the transfer.
• DTF powder: The DTF powder functions as an adhesive between the prints and the substrates. It has adhesive properties and is evenly distributed over the prints to ensure secure adhesion of the entire design to the fabric.
• Substrates: DTF printing is compatible with various fabric types.

During the heat press process, the adhesive powder is melted into a liquid state, effectively binding the prints with the fabric. When comparing DTF printing to sublimation printing, DTF printing generally requires less time for heat transfer since a significant portion of the heat is utilized for melting the adhesive powder.

HTV

Heat transfer vinyl works by using heat and pressure to activate the adhesive on the vinyl, allowing it to bond with the fabric fibers. The heat press machine ensures consistent heat distribution and pressure, ensuring a durable and long-lasting transfer.

It’s important to note that different types of heat transfer vinyl may have specific application instructions, so always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal results.

Plastisol Transfer Printing

A plastisol heat transfer can be screen printed with standard plastisol ink or a special plastisol ink specifically designed for screen printing transfers. The ink is printed onto a heat transfer paper that has a special coating on it which will release the ink once heat pressed. After the last ink color is printed, the adhesive powder is sprinkled onto the wet ink (this is what helps the transfer to adhere to the shirt during heat pressing). The ink is then gelled — but not cured. To gel an ink is to get it to a stable, dry state where the ink can’t be smudged if accidentally bumped against something. Once gelled, the transfer can be heat pressed onto a garment at any time.

Laser Transfer Paper Printing

The laser transfer paper employs toner instead of liquid inks for printing purposes. In the laser printing process, the toner is melted by the laser printer and fused onto a heat-resistant coating on the transfer paper, resulting in the desired design formation. When applied to heat and pressure using a heat press machine, the melted coating facilitates the bonding of the toner to the fabric. Due to its heat-resistant properties, laser transfer paper typically requires extra heat compared to other mentioned heat transfer techniques. In fact, it’s worth noting that not all heat press machines available in the market offer the necessary pressure for laser transfer paper. For instance, among the Galaxy heat press family, only the GS-105HS and GS-303 models are compatible with laser transfer papers.

Heat Press Major Settings

Prior to delving into specific setting configurations, let’s take a moment to explore the three fundamental settings that hold utmost importance in a heat press: temperature, time, and pressure.

Temperature

Temperature is the primary setting in a heat press because it plays a crucial role in the heat transfer process. Achieving the optimal temperature is vital for obtaining vibrant, durable, and professional-looking results in heat pressing applications. The correct temperature ensures that the materials being pressed, such as transfer paper or vinyl, reach the required level of heat for effective bonding with the substrate. If the temperature is set too high, it can lead to scorching, burning, or discoloration of the materials, resulting in poor quality transfers or damage to the substrate. On the other hand, if the temperature is set too low, the adhesive properties may not activate properly, leading to insufficient bonding and the transfer not adhering securely to the substrate.

Heat Press Settings: Temperature & Time Demo

Time

Time is a critical setting in heat pressing because it determines the duration for which heat and pressure are applied to the materials. The appropriate time ensures that the heat is evenly distributed and allows sufficient bonding between the transferred design and the substrate. If the time is set too long, it can lead to overexposure of the materials to heat, potentially causing scorching, discoloration, or even damage. Additionally, excessive time may result in the design becoming distorted or the substrate being compromised. On the contrary, if the time is insufficient, the heat and pressure might not be effectively applied, leading to weak adhesion and a transfer that easily peels off or fades over time. Precise timing is crucial for achieving optimal results, ensuring a durable and well-adhered design that withstands washing, wear, and tear.

Pressure

Adequate pressure ensures proper contact between the transfer material and the substrate, allowing for effective heat transfer and bonding. Finding the right balance of pressure is essential for achieving a successful heat transfer, ensuring a durable and professionally finished result. If the pressure is set too high, it can cause the materials to be squashed excessively, leading to distortion, imprints, or even damage to delicate fabrics. This excessive pressure can also result in the transfer material sticking to the upper platen or causing uneven distribution of the design. Conversely, if the pressure is set too low, there may be insufficient contact between the materials, resulting in incomplete or weak adhesion. This can lead to the design peeling off or fading prematurely.

Heat Press Guide: Time, Pressure and Temperature Chart

In order to gain a better understanding of the various heat press configurations suited for different substrates and printing techniques, we have provided a chart outlining the recommended time, pressure, and temperature settings for each technology. However, it is crucial to note that these recommended settings serve as general guidelines. Different manufacturers of heat press machines may offer their own specific suggestions, and users may need to calibrate the settings based on additional factors such as design size, fabric thickness, and the base color of the substrates they are working with.

Sublimation Heat Press Settings Guide

Sublimation is limited to polyester-based fabrics or polymer-coated hard surfaces. It is crucial to ensure that the design is transferred onto a compatible substrate before initiating the printing process. The materials listed in the table below represent commonly used substrates for dye-sublimation printing. It’s worth noting that certain materials may have different names from various suppliers, and it’s extremely important to conduct trial printing before proceeding with large-scale production.

MaterialTemperatureTimePressureGeneral Fabric320–383°F (160-195°C)45-80SMedium to HeavyLinen420°F (215°C)45SHeavyCanvas350°F (180°C)80SMediumAluminum350°F (180°C)45SMediumPhoto Slate350°F (180°C)300SLightPU350°F (180°C)60SMediumMDF350°F (180°C)60SMediumPET350°F (180°C)60SMediumSequins350°F (180°C)60SHeavyGlass350°F (180°C)180SMediumCrystal350°F (180°C)180SMediumFelt350°F (180°C)60SMediumCeramic350°F (180°C)150SMediumSandstone350°F (180°C)80SLightPuzzle350°F (180°C)60SMediumHat350°F (180°C)60SMediumHPP350°F (180°C)60SMediumMugs375°F (190°C)20SMediumHeat Press Settings Time & Pressure & Temperature Chart for Sublimation Printing

DTF Heat Press Settings Guide

While numerous suppliers assert the utilization of DTF printing on various hard surfaces, the outcomes often fall short of expectations. It is evident that DTF printing will predominantly continue to be employed for garment customization in the foreseeable future. Therefore, our focus will solely revolve around heat press settings for transferring designs from DTF transfer films to fabrics.

MaterialTemperatureTimePressureCotton320-350°F (160-180°C)10-15SMedium to Heavy50/50 Blends320-350°F (160-180°C)10-15SMedium to HeavySynthetic & Polyester Fabrics280-300°F (140-150°C)10-15SMedium to HeavyHeat Press Settings for DTF Printing

Considering that fabric thickness, base color, design size, and various other factors can influence the final outcome, it is advisable to engage in practice runs to ascertain the appropriate settings. If the transfer does not adhere properly to the fabric, you can attempt multiple presses, ensuring to allow sufficient time for the fabric to cool between each press.

Heat Press Settings for Screen Printed Transfer

Plastisol transfers find extensive application in the textile industry, particularly in the customization of apparel such as T-shirts, hoodies, and various garments. The versatile nature of plastisol transfers allows for the creation of intricate designs with vivid colors, making them a popular choice among apparel decorators and screen printers. It requires a heavy pressure during the heat press application. The pressure should be so heavy that it’s challenging to open the press afterward. For detailed heat press settings and guidelines, refer to the following chart:

Transfer TypeTemperatureTimePressureRemarksRough/Low Heat Transfers325-350°F
(163-177°C)5-7SHeavy (Hard to Open Press)Gently hot peel; if issues, press for 2-3 more secondsSoft/High Heat Transfers350-375°F
(177-191°C)7SHeavy (Hard to Open Press)Gently hot peel; if issues, press for 2-3 more secondsHeat Press Settings for Screen Printed Transfers

Heat Press Settings for Laser Transfer Paper Guide

Laser transfer film is another fantastic option for personalized apparel, promotional items, and more with vibrant colors, fine details, and versatility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced heat press enthusiast, we hope the following settings will assist you in achieving professional-quality transfers.

MaterialTemperatureTimePressureCotton300 – 320°F (150 – 160°C)30SMedium to HeavyPolyester248 – 266°F (120 – 130°C)30SMedium to HeavyPolypropylene220°F (105°C)30SMedium to HeavyBlend Fabric285 – 305°F (140 – 150°C)30SMedium to HeavyPaper/Carton210°F (100°C)15SLight to MediumBook Covers230 – 250°F (110 – 120°C)15SLight to MediumHeat Press Settings for Laser Transfer Paper

HTV Heat Press Settings Guide

While this guide provides instructions for heat press machine users, it’s important to note that some DIY users may prefer using an iron for heat transfer vinyl applications. If you fall into the category of iron users, it is recommended to seek alternative resources specifically tailored for iron-based methods. Suppliers or online platforms can provide valuable information and tutorials suited for your needs. This guide primarily caters to heat press machine users and serves as a general reference for their heat transfer vinyl projects.

MaterialTempTimePressureSmooth305° F (150° C)10 – 15 secMediumFlocked320° F (160° C)15 – 20 secMediumGlitter320° F (160° C)10 – 15 secHeavyMetallic305° F (150° C)15 – 20 secMedium to HeavyReflective320° F (160° C)15 – 20 secMedium to HeavyFabric320° F (160° C)15 – 20 secHeavyIridescent320° F (160° C)15 – 20 secMedium to HeavyGlow-in-the-Dark345° F (175° C)20 – 25 secHeavyPrintable for Light Fabrics345° F (175° C)15 – 20 secHeavyPrintable for Dark Fabrics345° F (175° C)15 – 20 secHeavyPrintable Fabric Texture345° F (175° C)15 – 20 secHeavyHeat Press Settings for HTV

Extra Tips

Although the heat press setting chart provides a general guideline for temperature, pressure, and time, it’s essential to recognize that there are numerous factors that should not be overlooked. To navigate the intricacies of heat press printing and achieve outstanding results in your projects, the following tips will help you fine-tune your approach and account for these additional considerations. By incorporating these suggestions, you’ll be well-prepared to optimize your heat press settings and unlock the full potential of your printing endeavors.

• Factors Beyond Settings: While heat press settings are crucial, it’s important to consider other factors that can affect the results, such as equipment, substrate type, bottom color and thickness, and material quality.
• Calibration and Experimentation: Use the recommended settings as a starting point, but be prepared to calibrate and adjust them based on real-time observations and specific conditions. Conduct test runs and make incremental changes to achieve the desired outcome.
• Seek Additional Resources: Don’t hesitate to seek additional resources, such as supplier guidelines, online forums, and expert advice, to enhance your knowledge and troubleshoot any challenges you may encounter.
• Practice and Refinement: Mastering heat press techniques takes practice and patience. Embrace experimentation, learn from your experiences, and continuously refine your skills to achieve professional-quality prints.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive heat press guide, we provide a variety of recommended heat press settings for DTF printing, sublimation printing, heat transfer vinyl, screen printed vinyl, and laser transfer paper. These settings serve as a helpful starting point for achieving successful results. However, it’s important to remember that other factors, such as equipment, environmental conditions, substrate type, and material quality, can impact the outcome. To ensure the best results, it is recommended to calibrate the settings based on real-time observations and make small adjustments as necessary.

As you delve into the world of heat pressing, don’t hesitate to experiment, conduct test runs, and seek additional resources for guidance. Collaborating with fellow enthusiasts and consulting with experts can provide valuable insights and troubleshooting tips. With practice and a keen eye for detail, you’ll be able to achieve exceptional prints and unlock endless possibilities for your projects. Happy heat pressing and may your creations exceed all expectations!

September 29, 2021

Crafting with heat transfer vinyl or HTV can be a fun hobby or even a full-blown business. However, one thing that many HTV users struggle with is getting their heat press machines at the perfect temperature.

 

Household irons don’t often reach high enough temperatures for HTV fusion. 

HTV comes with a recommended heat press temperature, but HTV needs a range of temperatures that depend on the HTV brand and fabric type.

However, heat press machines are well worth the learning curve, as they are one of the best ways to print directly on a surface. And they can help you to print multiples quickly.

Related: Layering HTV A Beginner’s Guide

Once you have your HTV, one of the most important things to do is figure out the best heat press temperature for HTV. Some HTV brands are thicker and softer than others, some HTV comes with higher recommended temperatures, and some HTV needs a lower temperature.

The good news is that this guide will help you find the perfect temperature you need.

Heat Press Temperature Chart

1. Polyester: 270° F

2. Cotton: 380°F

3. Stretch Material: 335°F

4. Full Color: 350°F

5. Vintage: 350°F

6. Reflective Fabrics: 305°F

7. Metallic Finish: 320°F

8. Multi-Purpose Material: 350°F

9. Glitters: 350°F

10. High-Quality Digital Prints: 305°F

11. Glow in the Dark Fabrics: 350°F

12. Stubborn Fabrics: 330°F

13. Photo Transfer on Light Fabrics: 385°F

14. Photo Transfer on Dark Fabrics: 356°F

So as you can easily see, there is a range of temperatures you can use on your machine.

Avance Vinyl offers an array of heat transfer vinyl for all of your crafting needs. Shop now.

How to Set the Time and Temperature Setting for a Heat Press

Each machine will come with its own guide. However, many of them have these same essential functions. Guides are also easy to misplace.

Related: Printable HTV vs. Heat Transfer Paper

To make sure that you get the temperature right, here is how you set the time and temperature settings for a heat press for HTV.

Setting the Time on the Heat Press Machine

Setting the time on your heat-press machine ensures that your HTV transfers properly over to the item you are customizing.

Depending on what machine you have, there are two ways that you can set the time on your heat-press.

Manual

You have to input the minutes and seconds for the desired time. You will either see buttons or a dial on your machine where you can change the time length.

Automatic

Your HTV transfer has a pre-made guide that will be transferred onto your product at the end of pressing. Each of these machines has its own shut-off method to alert you when your project is done.

If you are unsure of how long you should set your timer, here is an equation to help.

Heat Press Time Formula:

Time(min) = (Desired HTV Temperature(˚C)) - (70 + (5 ˚C for every additional HVC per 5 seconds))

Press time formula: Ex: For HTV at 100˚C, 70 is the base amount.

Setting the Temperature of Your Heat Press

You will notice that machines have both F and C settings. It will either be a dial or arrow keypad. However, these machines work pretty much like an oven.

Your HTV should have come with an instruction manual that will tell you exactly how long it takes your HTV brand to reach its desired temperature. Some HTVs take only 30 seconds or less, while others could take more than 5 minutes.

Heat Press Time and Temperature Guide

The quality of your transfer will rely on factors like time, pressure, and temperature.

The HTV needs to be kept between 100 and 305 degrees Fahrenheit. Press time can vary depending on the thickness of HTV, design size, and color. Avance Vinyls HTV should be treated according to the chart based on the material you are binding to.

Light fabrics often require lower temperatures and lighter pressure. HTV that is darker, thicker, or contains metallic elements generally requires a higher temp and more pressure. The HTV type you choose will help determine the ideal time and temperature for your project.

Related: Summer Shirt Ideas

Polyester or Sublimated Fabric

Both of these fabrics are sensitive to heat and hence don't require much. Polyester HTV can be printed at 270 degrees Fahrenheit with light pressure. The HTV will remain soft and malleable until after it is done cooling.

For the best results, peel your transfer while it's still warm. Always pre-test your HTV before using it on an actual project.

Cotton

This popular fabric is commonly used for shirts and is an excellent option for heat transfer vinyl. HTV requires higher temperatures and more pressure when printing on cotton.

A good rule of thumb is to use 380 degrees Fahrenheit for upwards of 15 minutes. HTV applied to a cotton garment should only be peeled off before it cools.

Stretch Material

Stretch material can be hard to work with, even in the best of situations. However, you can still use your heat transfer press with this fabric. HTV applied to stretch material should only be peeled when it's cooled.

HTV applied at a higher temperature will typically remain on stretch material much longer than HTV applied at a lower temperature. Press stretch material at 335F for only about ten seconds.

Glitters

These textured designs may be intimidating to a beginner. However, it's not difficult as long as you have the right time and temperature. HTV glitters require a specific heat setting to ensure that it doesn't turn white.

HTV glitter should only be applied to non-stretch material and at a short exposure time of about 15 seconds at 350F. And be sure to peel it off while the HTV is still warm.

Metallic Finish

Metallic is an impressive finish for many projects. HTV metallic can be applied to both stretch and non-stretch material. HTV metallic takes a full 20 minutes at 320F. Make sure that you wait to remove the backing until your design is completely cool.

Conclusion

There are so many HTV options on the market these days. Whether you're looking for glitters, metallics, or other unique HTV designs, there's something out there for everyone. But don't forget that HTV works best under specific temperature settings; read through this article to familiarize yourself with HTV heat press temperatures.

Also, don't be afraid to test your settings on a test project before finalizing your project. Make sure you're using HTV products correctly. HTV designs may lift or shift if they aren't attached properly to the item you want them applied to.

Are you ready to begin crafting? Get crafting with Avance Vinyl. They offer a variety of HTV for all your needs.