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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Rules for Overlaying Heat Transfer Films

Learn the proper way to layer plotter cut heat transfer films. 


The array of colors in the SEF flex and flock film product line opens the door to endless design possibilities. While many different films can be heat pressed on top of one another, you should follow the few simple rules listed below for trouble-free applications.

  • You can overlay any polyurethane flex film with any other flex film in the SEF heat transfer film product line.
In the design pictured, FlexCut Sweet Black was heat pressed first for four seconds; then FlexCut Sweet Yellow  was applied over the black for four seconds. Finally, Flexcut Sweet Red was pressed for 15 seconds.  The total time for heat pressing amounted to 23 seconds. 


  • While you can heat press a flock film over any polyurethane flex film, never apply any other heat transfer film over any flock film, nor should you apply any flex or flock film over a puff film.
In the applique above, VelCut Neon Pink is heat pressed over the initial layer of FlexCut Sticky White.

  • When overlaying multiple layers of film, heat press each layer for four seconds except the last layer which you should press for 15 seconds. Avoid exposing heat transfer films to protracted periods of heat, which can compromise the adhesion of the applique to the garment.  

  •   Limit the total number of layers of heat transfer films to four films.
Four different films were used to create the graphic pictured. FlexCut Sticky Black was heat pressed for four seconds. Next, FlexCut Sticky Green and FlexCut Sticky Yellow were each pressed for four seconds each. The fourth layer of FlexCut Puff White was pressed for 15 seconds.  The total time for heat pressing was 27 seconds. 

About Heat Press Machines for Heat Transfer Vinyl


Selling heat transfer appliques to your existing customer base is a great way to increase your shop’s sales at high profit margins without a lot of effort.  The manufacturing process is not very complicated, so there is not much to learn. What you will need is a good heat press machine. Hotronix is one of the best brands on the market. Here are  some of their best selling models:  


Hotronix Hover 16x20" Heat Press Auto Open  - Heat Transfer Press Machine 



Features of the Hotronix Hover 16” x 20" Heat Press Machine:

● Heavy-duty professional grade machine with proven performance.

● Opens automatically. This prevents scorching of heat transfer films.

● Opens wide providing safe and easy layout and removal of garments.

● Easy to read digital display.

● Clamshell design saves space.

● Easy to use.

● Made in the U.S.A.





Hotronix Fusion Heat Press 16" x 20"

The Hotronix Fusion 16" x 20" Heat Transfer Press provides the following features:

● Large 16" X 20" heat platen accommodates most garments.
● Modern, easy-to-read digital display for time, temperature and pressure.
● Durable, scratch resistant powder coat finish.
● Easy to operate. Require minimal training.
● Heavy-duty construction for reliable performance.
● Energy-saving sleep mode.

● Made in the U.S.A.



Hotronix Air Fusion 16"x20"



 Hotronix Air Fusion 16"x20" Heat Press Swing-Away Table Top features the following:
● Heavy-duty version of the FUSION® Heat Press is designed for high volume work.
● Powered by an air compressor. Pneumatic regulator which auto-adjusts pressure.
● High-tech power with hands-free auto-swing for superior ease of use.
● Touch screen controller.
● 16"x20".


Hotronix MAXX Cap Heat Press 


Hotronix MAXX Cap Heat Press 3.5" x 6" provides the following features:

● Easy-to-read digital time and temperature display.

● Consistent heat and pressure from edge-to-edge.

● Coated non-stick heat platen.
● Lightweight and portable for mobile heat printing.
● Interchangeable platens available.




ARTICLES ABOUT HEAT TRANSFER FILMS

Laminating Application Tape and Hot Mask Films
Stretching Garments Prior to Heat Pressing
The Differences Between Polyurethane and Vinyl Films
Printing Tatoo with Seiko Fluorescent Inks
Reflective Heat Transfer Films
SEF Heat Transfer Films Instructions
Introducing Tatoo Printable Heat Transfer Films
HotMask Polyester Transfer Tapes
Correcting Plotter Cutting Problems When Cutting H...
Which Films Stick to Coated Fabrics? 
The Difference between FlexCut Sticky and FlexCut ...
Heat Transfer Films Product Application Chart
Rules for Overlaying Heat Transfer Films 
Comparing Heat Transfer Films with Screen Printed ...
Peel Recommendations for Heat Transfer Films
Heat Pressing Appliques on Leather 
Plotter Cutting Heat Transfer Films
Cutting & Weeding Tips for Heat Transfer Films
The Trouble with Shrinking Shirts
Caring for Garments with Heat Transfers

For More Information About SEF Americas:


14476-201 Duval Place West
Jacksonville, FL 32218
904-423-0211 - Phone
904-423-0899 - Fax
844-720-9600 - Toll Free




About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer.  Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for  publications, such as  Signs Canada, SignCraft,  Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and  Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.



© 2015 Jim Hingst


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