How to Become a Heat Printer

Step 1: Learn What Heat Printing Is

Heat printing, also known as heat transfer printing, is the process of applying heat transfer materials to various items (i.e., substrates) with a heat press. Heat-applied materials contain a heat-sensitive adhesive on one side; when heat is applied by a heat press to the material, the material adheres to the substrate, resulting in a decorated garment.

Step 2: Choose What to Make with Your Heat Press

Decorating with a heat press is an easy, cost-effective way to enter the garment decoration industry. It provides the opportunity to personalize a wide variety of items.

• T-shirts – this wardrobe staple has endless placement opportunities–from full fronts and backs to sleeves, left chest, and more
• Team uniforms – use a variety of materials and placement options to help teams stand out from the competition
• Bags – add personalization to backpacks, cinch bags, and sports bags with a variety of heat transfer materials
• Fan wear – help fans cheer on their favorite teams or players by adding a personalized touch to apparel and more
• Corporate – heat applying traditional left chest logos is an easy way to add a professional touch to apparel
• Small businesses – help build brand recognition by adding a custom tag or logo to your decorated apparel
• Clubs – reach out to local clubs and organizations to create gear for their upcoming events
• Schools – decorate lunch boxes, backpacks, pencil cases, and apparel in school colors, mascots, and more
• Fashion – create apparel with trendy sayings and designs in a variety of colors and finishes

Step 3: Focus on the Top 3 Heat Printing Factors

Three key components to consider when decorating with a heat press are: time, temperature, and pressure. Every heat transfer material has its own heat printing instructions.

• Time: The amount of time, in seconds, that heat must be applied to the design/garment.
• Temperature: The optimal degree at which the design will adhere to the garment.
• Pressure: The amount of downward force needed when heat applying.

Step 4: Choose the Right Heat Press

How do you know which type of heat press is right for your business? There are several key factors to consider:

• Space: How much space do you have in your work area?
• Production: How much will you use the heat press?
• Size: What type of garments are you decorating?
• Experience: How much experience do you have working with heat presses?
• Cost: How much do you want to invest in your heat press equipment?
• Manufacturer: Do you know where your heat press is from? Is the company quick to resolve issues and has reliable customer service and tech support?