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Learning how to isolate fusing areas is key skill to master in taking the step up from beginner level. While the sun is shining now, your customers will be thinking about the products this autumn/ winter. And with this season comes zips, pockets, buttons and un-even pressure! Find out more with Andy Rogers, marketing manager at Target Transfers.
In this column I would like to address the importance of isolating print areas when creating products for your heat printing business. So, you can ensure that you are provide your customers with the high quality and long-lasting products is vital.
With zips and pockets, it is vital that you are fusing your transfer to garment on a completely flat surface. Any aspects to the garment or accessory you’re fusing onto, such as seams, zips, pockets, and buttons, will interfere with the pressure of the fuse, which will affect the accuracy of your application and the longevity of your product.
TIP: Remember, the three most important elements to consider when applying vinyl or custom heat transfers are time, temperature and pressure.
How to isolate print areas
Let’s take a tag-less neck label for example. You will want to apply the transfer purely to the inside of the neck of the garment without touching any of the seams around the front or back of the neck. This will require a small area to be isolated, an area of which a standard sized platen will not be sufficient for.
The best way to achieve an accurate fuse here, is to swap your lower heat press platen for a smaller one, a 10x10cm or 15x25cm platen for example. This will ensure that all seams are off the platen surface and you can apply the transfer purely to the inside of the neck label with confidence in an accurate fuse and a long-lasting product. This works great for left chest logos on workwear jackets too.
TIP: New for 2021 are 2-in-1 Tag Along platens. Fuse the front chest and neck at the same time.
Another way to do this is with Non-Stick Heat Printing Pillows. Heat printing pillows come in multiple sizes appropriate for neck labels, front chest prints, leg and sleeve details and more. An essential tool for any heat printer in my opinion.
You can also use foam pads to achieve this. Foam pads come in one size and can be cut down so whichever size you need. Perfect for applications in those smaller, harder to get to areas on a garment.
Start isolating print areas
These are some of my favourite ways to achieve a more accurate print. Find a technique that works for you and practise, practise, practise. Your customers will love the new possibilities you can achieve for them.
