What are some ways I can seal a heat transfer after it has been printed to keep it from peeling after the first wash? This question was posed to us recently by a customer on Printwear. Here is Sean’s response:
The first thing to do is follow the manufacturer’s application recommendations. They are responsible for establishing the application settings, and they typically do multiple wash tests before launching the product. The second thing you can do is test the temperature on the heat plate with a surface temperature probe to make sure the temperature is true to the thermostat display. If the recommended temperature, time, and pressure are correct, your transfer should hold up through multiple washes. Anytime you wash an embellished garment you should turn the garment inside out and wash it in cold to warm water, NOT hot water. Only when the transfer is designed for commercial washing should you wash at high temperatures.
When choosing a heat transfer, you should tell the manufacturer what type and color of material you will be adhering the transfer to. If you provide this criteria, a manufacturer can typically recommend the best-suited transfer for your material.Sean Savitch currently holds the position of research and design technician for Insta Graphic Systems located in Cerritos Calif. He has been associated with the imprinting of textiles for more than 20 years, working with innovative applications and new technologies in large print shops throughout North America.