But some fabrics cause problems, such as nylon and 100% polyester.  The problem with nylon is that the film can sometimes not to adhere correctly, usually because of the range of different coatings used by manufacturers.

It is often difficult to tell with some nylon garments whether it has adhered correctly. For example, you press your logo onto the garment, release the carrier and all looks great. Then your customer takes their nylon jacket and after just a few weeks returns with parts of the logo hanging off.

This is because the coatings on the garment have prevented your nylon transfer from bonding to the fabric and have allowed moisture to get in behind the transfer and attack the adhesive. 

The only way to combat this and be confident in what you are supplying to your customers is to pre-test prior to undertaking production.

To do this, apply your transfer with a specialist nylon product, such as easiMARK nylon. Leave the garment for 24hrs to let the adhesives set. Wash the garment, then try to peel back the transfer. If the film has not taken correctly this will easily peel.

Another fabric that customers must be careful when using is 100% polyester. Adhering the range of heat-seal films available will not be a problem as the adhesives will work effectively on this fabric. But where caution should be taken is when pressing light coloured transfers onto something like red or striped football shirts.

What can happen here is that when you fuse your transfers onto the 100% polyester you activate the sublimated inks used on the shirt. These will then migrate through your transfer causing it to discolour.

There are films available on the market to prevent this from happening (easiMARK Premier White for instance) and all garment decorators should take note as there is nothing worse than pressing a full kit, then coming in the following morning to find that the pattern on the shirt has come through on all your transfers.

Victory Design Ltd supplies a wide range of equipment, software and materials to the garment personalisation market.

Established in 1987, Victory Design is one of the largest suppliers in the UK. Its brand easiMARK, offers customers a comprehensive range of films, finishes and styles to suit a wide variety of fabrics. An extensive cad cut range is one of the main strengths of its brand including printable materials, whether you use inkjet, sublimation, solvent or thermal ribbon. It also offers customers an exclusive trade print transfer service.

Should you have any further questions following this article then please call Glynn at Victory Design on 01246 570570 or email sales@victorydesign.co.uk. Full details on the easiMARK range can be found at http://www.victorydesign.co.uk/

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