Using A Flexible Application Pad
Two of the biggest fears of a heat presser is either scorching the apparel or leaving a press mark. If you have a heat press mark on cotton apparel or blends, the mark is just the removal of moisture, and as moisture returns the press mark decapitates as the moisture return. You see this when you iron clothes as well. However, with polyester a press mark is a sure sign of scorching. Some have tried to reduce the scorching with the use of a flexible application pad.
What Is A Flexible Application Pad?
A flexible application pad is a soft, pliable silicone that is heat resistant. Some customers have used it to try and protect the apparel as a buffer between the garment and the heat.
How does it change the temperature?
At Transfer Express all testing is done to achieve success. When we note a temperature of 365 degrees, it is important that the temperature on the instructions reaches the transfer itself.
By using a flexible application pad either as a cover sheet or attached over the upper platen, you are blocking the heat. Our testing shows that you are blocking as much as 50 degrees from reaching the transfer when one is used.
How We Tested the Heat
We set our Hotronix Auto Open Clam at 390 degrees. We used our application test strips available in the application kit as well as ala carte. The strips show temperatures from 340-390 The strip was placed in the center of the press. We closed the press and applied the test strip for 10 seconds.
Without the use of the pad, we did show the press was accurately reading 390 degrees. When the pad was placed over the test strip, the 340 degree box discolored. The test shows that the flexible application pad blocks 50 degrees from reaching a transfer.
Can I Use a Flexible Application Pad?
If you do want to use a flexible application pad, you will need to set your temperature 50 degrees higher than the application directions provided. This will ensure the correct heat reaches the transfer for a durable application.
What is an alternative cover sheet?
None of the Transfer Express products require a cover sheet. The only time one would be needed is to protect an already applied transfer or printing. This might occur when adding a name to a uniform that already has a number. For this reason, we offer to transfer cover sheets that will not block the heat.
Preventing Scorching
Another way to prevent or reduce scorching is by using a low temperature transfer. Most apparel brands recommend using a temperature of 300 degrees or less on their heat sensitive polyester. UltraColor Max, our DTF transfer applies at 290 degrees. Elasti Prints, a screen-printed transfer also applies at 290. Champ Pro numbers are a number choice also applied at this low temperature.
Other alternatives for polyester are UltraColor Pro and UltraColor Stretch, both with polyester instructions of 290 degrees