3G JET-OPAQUE® Heat Transfer Paper was designed in 2009 to apply decoration to dark fabrics. The thorough evaluation of prototypes, trial runs and finished products included evaluation on synthetic fiber t-shirts. 100% co
tton, 50/50 blend and 100% synthetic fiber garments were used in the evaluation. Performance fabrics that contain lycra were not included since this is a film transfer and not designed to be breathable.
The dyes used for polyester fiber have a tendency to sublimate if they are heated very hot. To reduce this, it is recommended that the application temperature be reduced and the dwell time be increased. Since the amount of dye, type of dye and how readily it sublimes varies significantly across the number of products available we recommend starting with 350 F and working down in 25 degree increments until the dye no longer sublimes. As the temperature decreases increase the dwell time from 30 seconds to insure that the transfer is bonded and will have good wash-durability. Use the following as a starting point:
-
350 – 30 seconds
-
325 – 40 seconds
-
300 – 60 seconds
It is possible that if the garment is oversaturated with dye or has dye in the surface starch some sublimation may not be preventable. We have not seen any that have that but we have heard others say it is possible. This also causes the transfer to become dirty or darkened in the wash cycle as they dye washes out of the fabric.
As always we recommend a test area before proceeding to make an order to verify that the process will meet the needs.
By Abdu Bunch Research Scientist Neenah Paper