smee 0 Posted November 15, 2009 Okay I'm new at this t shirt game. I did some polyester shirts for a friend of mine for there racing team using thermoflex, but in the process of pressing the shirts the platen has left a square on the shirt. I reduces the heat to try and prevent this happening but it still occurred. Is this normal and just a side effect of using polyester shirts or have I seriously stuffed up? Does anyone have any idea if there is any way I can deal with the marks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paradox 0 Posted November 15, 2009 See if it washes out. Could be press marks and it could be scorch marks depending on how bad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted November 15, 2009 Hopefully just showing the area where the moisture was removed from the garment - will probably come out when washed. I have heard of people even spraying water on it to remove the mark Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nonabelle 5 Posted November 15, 2009 one thing i have learned thru webinars and vendors in the industry. retail or store purchase apparel is not the same as most wholesale aparrel. for one thing the sizing is different, then retail tees and apparel has a special chemical for sizing and colorfastness. another thing is the cut and sizing is different. a lot of apparel decorators, me included do not process customer supplied apparel for this same rreason. last, but least, some of the colored apparel in retail color will not come back vs wholesale manufacturers. one tip is to put it in front of fan if ur in a hurry, that will cool it down and bring the color back if it's gonna return. good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chefgary 4 Posted November 15, 2009 Great information, Nonabelle. Thanks, Gary Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wwpro 1 Posted November 16, 2009 I'd say that platen marks are mostly due to excessive pressure. If you already tuned down the heat try less pressure, use a teflon sheet if you're not doing it now, so avoid any staining from the platen edges. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
midwaste 4 Posted November 16, 2009 Unless you have the pressure or temp dialed WAY up, it's most likely just due to the moisture evaporation mentioned above. You can spritz it with water if you are really worried about it, otherwise, it will go away as the shirt re-absorbs moisture from the air. A poly shirt is going to scorch before a cotton will, what temp/time are you pressing at? I used to be terribly worried about press marks, until I realized that most people don't even notice it, even right after the shirt is pressed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smee 0 Posted November 16, 2009 Hey guys thanks for your responses, much appreciated. I set the heat at 170 degrees celcius, not sure what that is in F. I used a teflon sheet and firm pressure. I have test washed a shirt but I can still see the square marks, albeit faintly Do people really not notice them? I guess I just have to be real careful when dealing with polyester in the future. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest HowardI Posted November 16, 2009 Are you using thermoflex plus, or thermoplex xtra? Howard Irwin Support Specialist US Cutter 425-481-3555 888-298-8143 - Option 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest fivestar Posted November 16, 2009 You may have used too much pressure, when I do 100% polyester I don't use very much pressure at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FBRsportmod68 109 Posted November 16, 2009 I set the heat at 170 degrees celcius, not sure what that is in F. roughly around 340 degrees F +/-....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smee 0 Posted November 16, 2009 Are you using thermoflex plus, or thermoplex xtra? Thermoflex plus Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest HowardI Posted November 16, 2009 Ok, that's only slightly too hot. T'flex plus says 330 to 335 degrees. I say it's pressure. Howard Irwin Support Specialist US Cutter 425-481-3555 888-298-8143 - Option 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smee 0 Posted November 17, 2009 Will pressure marks eventually disappear or wil the shirts have them for good. I'm not sure what I should say when I hand the shirts over. Boy am I in a pickle over this one! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
midwaste 4 Posted November 17, 2009 How long has it been since you pressed the shirts? When you say they are poly, are they poly T's or something different, like a dri-weave, football jersey, etc? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smee 0 Posted November 17, 2009 I pressed them three days ago and they are a 'cool breathe' polyester polo. You may have used too much pressure, when I do 100% polyester I don't use very much pressure at all. How do you get the vinyl to stick? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hugo Valencia Posted November 17, 2009 on you heat press there should be a way to adjust the pressure the platen presses the shirt, lower that a little bit and that would most likely help with the marks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest fivestar Posted November 17, 2009 I pressed them three days ago and they are a 'cool breathe' polyester polo. You may have used too much pressure, when I do 100% polyester I don't use very much pressure at all. How do you get the vinyl to stick? It sticks.....You don't need alot of pressure for polyester. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smee 0 Posted November 17, 2009 Does anyone know if the marks are be permanent or will they eventually disappear? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest fivestar Posted November 18, 2009 It's hard to tell for me without physically seeing them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
midwaste 4 Posted November 18, 2009 If they are still noticeable 3 days later on poly, they are probably permanent. The poly melted, leaving the mark. I try to steer away from dri-weave/wick, etc as much as possible, especially with heatpressing vinyl. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smee 0 Posted November 18, 2009 Okay, thanks for all your help and advice I think I have to put this one down to a learning experience. I'm going to try washing them to see if that helps, luckily I did them for a friend and not a paying job...that still doesn't really make me feel any better though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
