Teflon

What IS it?

You'll probably be hearing about Teflon. You know it keeps eggs from sticking in a frying pan, but what in the world does that have to do with making T-shirts?

Below you'll find a number of reasons you'll want to have a sheet or two of Teflon around. As we come up with additional uses, I'll add them as well.

I've known of some people going years without ever once using Teflon sheeting, so it's entirely possible that you can survive heat transfers without ever having a sheet of Teflon, but if you think any of the uses below might apply to you; it might be a good idea to get one.

What it is used for?

1) Mousepads- put under mousepad, place transfer (that is about 1/2" larger than mousepad) over the pad, drop plate, when you lift it, the Teflon caught the hangover carrier, no damage to the bottom pad.

2) Heat sensitive materials-acts as a barrier for heat sensitive materials that would otherwise melt more quickly or potentially damage the press.

3) Bleeding materials- I do totes that have colored straps and they sit under the press. When I pressed a shirt after a black handled tote, the black shadow that apparently got onto the top heat plate, then bled onto the next sweatshirt  that I pressed. I always used Teflon over the tote handles after that!

4) Two-Sided transfers- Often when you customize transfers,  the customer will ask for something on front and back both. If you press the first side as you would a one-sided shirt the next step is to remove the pressed shirt. Then place the sheet of Teflon down onto the bottom platen. Put the shirt down on the bottom platen with the transferred side down facing the Teflon. Press the second side of the shirt as usual. Remove the shirt. Your Teflon sheet protected the first transfer as well as the bottom platen.

5) Re-Do- You'll likely find yourself at a point when you need to transfer sometime twice on the same side. For example, I once did a pocket print and had the job done. Then the customer called and wanted their name added above the pocket print. This can be done easily. You simply place the shirt back under the press. Cover the previously placed transfer under the Teflon. Press the add-on transfer as usual. The Teflon has protected the previously transferred design.

General Info

Teflon comes in a variety of thicknesses. These are usually measured in 'mil' ranging from about 5 mil to even as thick at 20 mil. It also comes in different colors. I'm not sure if these are different brands or what the difference is, but while some might be better than others, the job it's intended to perform should be the same regardless of color or thickness.

Etc., Etc.

There are a few other Teflon equipped items available at a variety of sources as well. There are pillows and bottom platen covers in addition to the basic Teflon sheets.

The not-so good thing about Teflon is that it's commonly pretty expensive. However, one thing to remember is that it is likely to last you forever and if you save just a few blanks over the time you used it, the cost is recouped.

If you have any other uses that you found Teflon sheeting helpful for, please email me and I'll add it to our list so others can benefit as well.

 

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