How to Press Shirts on a Commercial Press
"Commercial presses" can also be called by other names, such as heat press, T-shirt press or heat transfer machine. Just so you have an understanding of what you will be using, a commercial press is a large rectangle-shaped flat iron that is designed to heat up in order to transfer images onto fabric. These presses are often found in graphic design studios and businesses that require custom orders for sports teams and things of that nature. You will be able to operate one quickly and easily and hopefully take your business to the next level.
Instructions
- 1
Read the instruction manual thoroughly before operating the press. Be sure to read the label in the shirt before putting it on the press. This will affect the heat setting.
- 2
Turn the heat press on and allow it to heat up. Locate the bar that opens and closes the machine. Locate the timer as well.
- 3
Grab your shirt and place your compatible transfer onto the shirt. Use some special heat transfer tape to keep the transfer in place. Put the graphic onto your shirt exactly where you want it. Keep in mind once your press it it is permanent, so take your time now to line it up perfectly. Use a ruler and pencil mark it if you need to.
- 4
Carefully pull up the arm to open the machine, if you haven't done that yet. Place the T-shirt slowly and carefully onto the bottom plate. Pull all of the wrinkles out of the shirt. Double-check the transfer design, and be sure it has not shifted.
- 5
Be sure the design is perfectly placed. Once you are ready, firmly grasp the arm and press down on the top plate until the machine locks. You will know it has locked because you will hear it "pop" into place and the timer will start counting down. Use your body weight and lean over the machine in order to get it to lock.
- 6
While the timer is going off, grab the arm and pull up as hard as you can in order to "pop" the machine open. Slowly and carefully pull the shirt off without creating wrinkles. Some transfers are hot and could be sticky, so do not allow any fabric to touch the graphic until it has cooled. Place the shirt flat where it can cool and be left undisturbed.
- 1
Tips & Warnings
Let your shirt cool for at least 5 minutes to allow the transfer to set. It's best to do your order a few days in advance, just in case you make a mistake, because the chances of that happening are very high. Always order extra shirts and graphics for back-up.
In order to avoid fires, keep papers and supplies away from the press. Keep a special designated work area just for pressing shirts. If you notice a strange smell while using it, this is normal. It may steam a little as well, but do not panic. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for safety.
