Specialty Materials -- Tips-Tricks
This forum is where you, the heat applied graphics crafter, who has gained hands-on experience using our materials, can share your knowledge with the rest of us. If you have any Tips or Tricks to better use our products please Contact Us and drop us a note or just give us a call and we will post your suggestions below. Thanks!
June 15, 2007
I found that pressure is key when applying the film to your material. Years ago I was using a clam-shell model press that only had a knob adjuster for the pressure when I heard about the dollar bill test. Put a dollar bill half out of the press and close the top. If you can pull the dollar out then you don't have enough pressure. Turn the knob until you can't budge the dollar bill using all your might.
Old Timer
January 8, 2010
Proper cutting speed and downforce are essential to the use of these products. When proper cutting speed and downforce are used, they are very easy to weed and the designs will come out with the best quality. It is very important to always perform a small test cut before beginning production as your blade could have dulled from the last time you used it and will not work with the same settings as it did before.
Specialty Materials Technical Support Group
February 29, 2010
Sometimes you need to apply Thermoflex Xtra or Reflite to a nylon which has been treated for waterproofing. Some of these treatments will make material partially adhere or not adhere at all. A really good way around this problem is to keep some rubbing alcohol handy. When you encounter this problem, or think you are going to, swab the area you will be applying the material to with the alcohol, let it dry, and then do your application. The alcohol removes or weakens the treatment, allowing the adhesive to better bond with the garment.
Specialty Materials Technical Support Group
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