Selecting the Right Transfer Tape for Printed Heat Transfer Appliques
To transfer a print and cut heat transfer vinyl applique from
its carrier to the garment you should use a polyester HotMask® transfer tape. While
many shop owners have used paper application tape
to transfer printed heat transfer vinyl films, you are much better off using the
right product for the application. The problem that I have with using paper
application tape is that it is paper. And paper can tear, especially on larger
appliques. This can slow down production.
 |
| Always peel the carrier or release liner from the backside of the applique rather than attempting to peel the applique from the release liner. |
RTape has developed a series of self-wound polyester HotMask® transfer tape, which are designed to aid the alignment
of the graphic to the garment and protect printed heat transfer material from
the high temperatures of heat pressing. These clear film transfer tapes are available in
different tack levels and different adhesive formulations.
Weeding
and Masking. After
printing and cutting your graphics, weed or remove the excess material from
around the printed design.
NOTE: Some ink systems take a while to dry completely. While a print may feel dry to the touch, any ink may take can take an additional ten minutes to a half hour to fully outgas. If the ink does not cure completely, the masking used to transfer the applique may not stick sufficiently.
Then, mask the printed graphic using the HotMask® transfer tape. RTape has developed different transfer tapes to work with specific heat transfer films. Refer to the chart below to select the right tape for your application.
NOTE: Some ink systems take a while to dry completely. While a print may feel dry to the touch, any ink may take can take an additional ten minutes to a half hour to fully outgas. If the ink does not cure completely, the masking used to transfer the applique may not stick sufficiently.
Then, mask the printed graphic using the HotMask® transfer tape. RTape has developed different transfer tapes to work with specific heat transfer films. Refer to the chart below to select the right tape for your application.
| SEF Material | HotMask® Transfer Tape |
|---|---|
| SEF Flex Film | |
| Tatoo | HM375 |
| Tatoo Nylon | HM375 |
| Tatoo Pearl | HM375 |
| Tatoo SBB | HM375 |
| ClearFlex | No Masking Required |
| SEF Flock Film | |
| EcoPrint | 485L |
To mask the printed Tatoo
films, we have developed a high tack transfer tape called HM375 HotMask®.
First lightly squeegee the masking over the top of the printed graphic to
removing the large air bubbles. Many people find it easier to begin squeegeeing
the masking from the center and working their way outwards. After the masking
is initially secured, resqueegee the masking using a nylon squeegee with firm pressure. To ensure good pressure always work on a hard work surface. Place
the masked graphic to the side and allow the adhesion to build for thirty minutes. This waiting period is important, especially with ecosolvent
inks, which can take a while to cure.
In most cases, you will print several appliques on the same sheet.
After the printed graphic is masked, you can cut the sheet apart to separate
the individual appliques. You can leave the masking on the graphic in storage
until you are ready to apply the appliques to garment. After the adhesive
builds to the optimal level, it will not continue to build.
To transfer printed flock films,
you will need a special HotMask®. Transferring printed flock films is extremely
difficult, because of the highly textured surface of the flock fibers. Standard
application tapes used for vinyl graphics, including ultra-high tack tapes,
just don’t work. For this very difficult application, RTape introduced its HM485L
HotMask®, which is designed to transfer printed flock films, such as EcoPrint. For information on HM485L, please read RTape Introduces 485L Hot Mask. The article describes
the step-by-step procedure in using this product, complete with photos.
HOTMASK® ADVANTAGES
●
During the heat process the Hotmask® protects the surface of printed heat
transfer material from heat related discoloration or any other damage.
●
The polyester (PET) film of the HotMask® withstands heat cycles as long as 60
seconds at 166°C (330° F).
● After
the heat transfer, HotMask® removes easily without any adhesive residue. For
best results remove the HotMask®, while it is warm.
●
NOTE: HotMask® transfer tapes work well with all
competitive brands of heat transfer vinyl for printing as well as being a matched component to the printable SEF films.
APPLICATIONS
●
RTape heat-activated polyurethane films typically require high tack HM375 HotMask®. Depending on the surface structure of the facestock and the desired release value, other brands of heat transfer lms may require the use of HM300 or HM350 HotMask®.
●
To transfer printed flock films, use HM485L HotMask® The higher tack silicone
adhesive is required for flocking material, because of the roughness of the
textile structure.
Heat Transfer Machines
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:
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"
● 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
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
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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