Transfer Application Troubleshooting Help and Tips

Transfer Troubleshooting

We know it’s frustrating to have difficulty applying your transfers. If you are using a product for the first time, please use the extra transfer included with your order to test on a piece of scrap apparel. This will help our customer service team help diagnose any problems before you start the full order run.

To help you have better success, here are some common issues decorators face during application.

Review these troubleshooting tips and information so you can decorate with confidence on every order.

Accurate Time, Temperature, & Pressure

It all starts here. To have success with every transfer you are applying, it’s critical to follow the recommended time, temperature, and pressure settings. Following the transfer’s application instructions is the surefire way to avoid errors, misprints, and wasted transfers.

Over Application

If your transfer is over-applied, you’ll experience ink smudging, uneven prints, and an overall spongey appearance. If you see these failures, it’s typically a result of too much pressure, heat, dwell time, or a combination of these factors.

Under Application

Under-applied transfers will easily crack, peel, or lift from the garment. You may see areas of the designing that have not transferred or ink that hasn’t released from the carrier sheet. Under application occurs from not enough heat, dwell time, or pressure during application.

Uneven Pressure

There are many variables to achieving the right pressure. Start with light, medium, or firm, depending on the transfer’s recommended setting. Try to allow obstructions on the apparel like seams, buttons, or zippers to hang off the platen so they don’t interfere with your heat seal. If you are using a pad or interchangeable platen, be sure to adjust the pressure on your heat press accordingly.

TIP: Check the pressure of your heat press with a few sheets of paper placed in each corner. With the upper platen closed, try to pull the sheets out. If they remove easily, your heat press is not providing even pressure across the upper platen.

Inaccurate Heat Press

Unfortunately, not all heat presses provide consistent heat. If you’re finding that some of the areas of your transfers aren’t adhering, it might be due to cold spots in your heating element. Periodically check the temperature of your upper platen to avoid any issues during transfer application.

TIP: Use a Heat Press Test Kit to determine the actual temperature of various spots in your upper platen.

See the Heat Press Test Kit in Action

The video below demonstrates how to use the Heat Press Test Kit to test the temperature and pressure of your heat press. Watch now to learn more about the importance of ensuring accuracy and proper application with every heat transfer.