As a garment decorator, nothing is more frustrating than investing time and effort into a project only to see it ruined by scorching. Scorch marks can spoil the appearance of your apparel, leading to wasted materials and unhappy customers. The good news is, with the right techniques, you can significantly reduce the risk of scorching and produce professional-quality results every time. Here’s how to apply ARCH to your heat printing process.
What is Garment Scorching?
Garment scorching occurs when fabric is exposed to excessive heat during the heat printing process, causing visible burn marks or discoloration. This can happen when heat settings are too high, pressure is uneven, or the wrong materials are used. Scorching can leave unsightly yellow or brown stains on light-colored fabrics or cause shiny patches on darker materials. Understanding the causes of scorching is key to preventing it and ensuring a professional finish.
Here’s how to prevent garment scorching with ARCH:
A: Accurate Pressure
One of the leading causes of garment scorching is applying incorrect pressure during the heat printing process. This is particularly critical when dealing with left chest logos or raised designs, where uneven pressure can lead to scorching. Ensuring you have the perfect pressure is key.
STAHLS’ offers a Perfect Pressure Guide to help you achieve consistent results every time, preventing unnecessary marks on your apparel.
R: Reduced Temperature Transfer
Another major factor in preventing scorching is using the right transfer temperature. High heat can cause certain fabrics to scorch, especially on sensitive materials. The solution? Use transfers that can apply at 300°F or less. This approach is especially effective for delicate fabrics and reduces the chances of leaving scorch marks on garments.
For low-temperature transfer options, try UltraColor MAX™ DTF transfers and Inktra® Screen Printed Transfers. Both excel at applying at lower temperatures, significantly reducing the risk of scorching.
C: Correct Cover Sheet
Using the right cover sheet can make a significant difference in your heat printing results. Cover sheets act as a protective barrier between the heat platen and the garment, helping to prevent overexposure to high temperatures. However, it’s important to experiment with different types of cover sheets to see which works best for the fabric and transfer you’re using. In some cases, a thicker cover sheet might be necessary to fully protect the garment, while some transfers may not apply correctly using a thick sheet.
For those looking for advanced protection, consider using a Flexible Application Pad. This pad is designed to reduce the risk of scorching while allowing for even heat distribution across the garment.
H: Heated Lower Platen
Utilizing a heated lower platen can drastically reduce the risk of scorching. The lower platen heats the garment from below, allowing you to reduce the temperature of the upper platen and isolate any scorching risk to the inside of the garment. This technique is especially useful when working with materials that are more prone to heat damage.
For those using Hotronix® heat presses, the Power Platen is an excellent solution. It heats from below, providing the even temperature distribution necessary to prevent scorching, especially on sensitive fabrics.
Source New Styles and Test
As fabric technology evolves, so do the methods for decorating them. It’s crucial to stay ahead by sourcing new styles of garments and testing them with your heat printing equipment. Each fabric has unique characteristics that might require adjustments in temperature, pressure, or cover sheet type. By continually testing and refining your methods, you can avoid the pitfalls of scorching and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
Staying Competitive with Professional-Grade Equipment
While craft or budget presses might be suitable for hobbyists, they can’t compete with the consistency, high volume, and decoration capabilities of professional-grade equipment. Investing in professional-grade heat presses not only ensures more consistent results but also allows you to scale your operations and take on more complex projects.
Scorching doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of the heat printing process. By applying the ARCH method—focusing on accurate pressure, reduced temperature, the correct cover sheet, and using a heated lower platen—you can prevent scorching and produce high-quality, professional-grade results every time. Stay competitive, source new styles, and invest in the right equipment to keep your business on top.