Peel Recommendations for Heat Transfer Films

By Jim Hingst

After you heat press an applique to a garment, how long should you wait before peeling the carrier or the hot mask from the applique?  A number of variables come into play, which are covered in my story: Heat Transfer Films: Hot, Warm or Cold Peel. The physical properties of the particular flex or flock film that you use greatly determines when you can remove the carrier or HotMask transfer tape. If you are using RTape heat transfer films, refer to the chart below as a guide for peel recommendations.

RTape Heat Transfer Film	Peel Recommendations - When should you remove the carrier or transfer tape following heat pressing?
FlexCut Sticky	Hot - Carrier removes easily immediately after heat pressing
FlexCut Sweet	Warm - Remove carrier 8 to 10 seconds after heat pressing
MetalFlex	Cool - 15 to 20 seconds after heat pressing (delaying removal of the carrier improves the gloss level)
Tatoo	Hot - HotMask removes easily immediately after heat pressing
ClearFlex	Warm - Remove carrier 8 to 10 seconds after heat pressing
VelCut	Cool - 15 to 20 seconds after heat pressing
EcoPrint	Cool - 15 to 20 seconds after heat pressing