Pressing Pillows Can Avoid Sublimation Press Marks! - The Heat Press Lab

Sof-Fusion Pressing Pillows ➜ heat.press/pillow
Have you ever pressed the perfect sublimation transfer onto a polyester T-shirt, but find that your heat press left marks around it? Join Ryan on this episode of The Heat Press Lab, where he'll be looking into how the Sof-Fusion Pressing Pillows can help solve this common sublimation issue for both medium-sized designs and chest logos.
HPN CraftPro Heat Presses ➜ heat.press/CraftPro
Sublimation Products ➜ heat.press/sublimation
More Available ➜ heat.press/nation
Get More Great Tips - Subscribe ➜ heat.press/YTSub
Show us what you’ve created by using hashtag on Facebook or Twitter #HPNCreators

[@pejdpink]

Great video! Thank you!!

[@RELAXUDESERVEIT]

Thank you so much Ryan M!!!!

[@jameskastner2062]

The answer. Thank you Ryan

[@lizziec7794]

Thanks !

[@mikejefferson5354]

Thank you

[@danutababei65]

tx.

[@parisian_nicole]

What brand is that poly shirt you were using?

[@ARMA2ARMENIA]

Hallo, great colors ! what is the best temperature and time setting for t-shirt and ceramic mugs ? please

[@HeatPressNation]

Hi there! It would depend on the heat transfer paper you are using. We would recommend going by the manufacturer's recommended settings. For some general transfer settings, you may visit: heat.press/instructions.

[@ARMA2ARMENIA]

Thank you 👍@@HeatPressNation

[@Debbief2644]

I notice the press marks more on colors other than white. My shirts look way better using the pillow and light pressure with the butcher paper large enough to go over all edges.

[@mikejefferson5354]

❤❤❤❤

[@shannonvincent3710]

Should I place parchment paper/butcher paper between the layers of the T-shirt when sublimating?

[@HeatPressNation]

For thinner t-shirts, yes. This will prevent any ink from seeping through and imprinting onto the other side. Some thicker materials may not require this step. If you're unsure, we recommend testing it with a sheet of parchment paper inside first.

[@DUCKSJO]

I tried sublimation on a white tote bag; all came out beautifully except there was a couple of marks on the tote; not sure what I did wrong. I had a pad under it and used a hand held heat press - would i need a larger pad underneath or what?

[@HeatPressNation]

Hi Joanna! What type of marks did the tote have? Were they press marks or stains?

[@DUCKSJO]

@@HeatPressNation more like a stain. I will take a picture and get back to you

[@websurfer2344]

What printer was used for the image please?

[@HeatPressNation]

This was printed using a Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer - heat.press/sg500kit

[@AICMPHILLY]

Can I sublimate on cotton? Or just polyester?

[@HeatPressNation]

Direct sublimation (as shown in this video) is only possible on polyester and poly-rich materials. Sublimation dye does not bond with cotton fibers.

[@squirrellyshirley6238]

How on earth do I get bright and vibrant color like this?

[@HeatPressNation]

If you're using a Sawgrass printer, there are a few things you can do.
- In Sawgrass Print Manager, set the color mode to "vivid"
- Use TexPrint DT Light sublimation paper (gives slightly better saturation than DT Heavy)
- Use 100% polyester fabric (poly/cotton blends won't be as vibrant)

[@sunrise1704]

What about if you have a smaller press? 12x15

[@HeatPressNation]

If you have a smaller press, you'll want to use one of the smaller pillows that come in the set. You can also custom cut a piece of heat foam - heat.press/foamkit . In any case, we always recommend that your pillow or foam be larger than the transfer, but smaller than the press.