How to Use a Heat Press for Screen Print Transfers?

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What is the point of investing in multiple
printing machines when you can do everything
with a heat press? A heat press is a powerful
machine with many uses, including printing
screen print transfers. Although this is rare,
there are ways to merge the two printing methods
for quality garment prints. In addition, most
printers avoid this method because of the tedious
processes. However, using a heat press for screen
print transfers is simpler with plastisol inks
with a similar shelf life to screen prints. Here
are some ways to use a heat press for screen
print transfers.
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Requirements
Heat press for screen print transfers Screens
Screen printing transfers require a thicker ink
consistency on the screen. Therefore, an 86 -
156 mesh is recommendable, with 110 being a
better option. Plastisol ink Transfer adhesion
powder to improve adherence to the material Heat
transfer paper for plastisol ink, either hot or
cold peel, or custom heat press transfer
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When making screens for heat press, it is
necessary to use thicker coats than when screen
printing a t-shirt. This is because the thicker
the ink, the more it deposits on the transfer
paper. During this process, the image should be
reversed to be upright when placed on the heat
press machine.
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When screen printing the transfer, it is
advisable to ensure consistency of the
off-contact through the entire screen. A spray
adhesive efficiently holds the transfer in
position when printing a few transfers. After
applying the ink to the transfers, use a transfer
adhesion powder on the fresh ink. The adhesion
powder makes it easier for the ink to stick to
the garment. Another easier alternative is using
custom heat press transfers that are print ready.
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In this step, you will take the ink for curation
in the heat press. The type of ink and print
details determine how long the gelling process
takes and at what temperatures. Thicker print
designs take longer than thinner designs. During
this process, it is crucial to watch for under
and over-gelling. A flaky ink consistency shows
the gel is insufficient, while a solid
consistency indicates excessive gelling. A
perfect gel consistency stretches perfectly
without chipping or breaking.
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This step is the final and also the easiest.
Since you had earlier set the heat press in the
curing phase, increase the temperature setting by
30 - 40 F. for plastisol ink, set temperatures
between 320 - 350 F and a heat press for 9 to
12 seconds, applying medium pressure. When using
a hot peel transfer, peel it off immediately. If
it is a cold peel transfer, let it cool down
before peeling. Finish by washing the t-shirt to
check whether the print adheres to the garment.
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That is all it takes to use a heat press for
screen print transfers. Although this can be a
painstaking experience, the results are
worthwhile. Custom heat press transfers
guarantee the best results since they are easy to
use. Source URL https//writeonwall.com/can-you-
use-a-heat-press-for-screen- print-transfers/
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