How To Heat Press A Shirt

A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Custom t-shirts are in high demand—from birthday shirts and company uniforms to fashion brands and school merchandise. If you’re starting a clothing printing business, learning how to heat press a shirt properly is the first skill you need. A good heat press technique guarantees sharp colors, strong prints, and happy customers.
Here’s a beginner-friendly step-by-step guide on how to heat press a shirt like a professional.

What You Need
Before you begin, make sure you have:
• A Heat Press Machine
• A Design (HTV, DTF print, or transfer paper)
• A blank Cotton, Polyester, or Cotton-Poly T-Shirt
• Teflon sheet / Parchment paper
• Lint roller (to remove dust)
• Heat Tape (optional)

Step-by-Step: How to Heat Press a Shirt
STEP 1: Set Your Heat Press Temperature
Different printing materials need different temperatures:
Material Temperature Time Pressure
DTF Transfer 150–160°C 10–15 sec Medium
HTV / Vinyl 150–160°C 10–15 sec Firm
Sublimation 180–200°C 45–60 sec Light–Medium
Light Transfer Paper 180–190°C 20–30 sec Medium
Dark Transfer Paper 150–160°C 25–30 sec Medium
Allow the machine to preheat for 3–5 minutes.

STEP 2: Place & Pre-Press the Shirt
• Lay the shirt flat on the platen
• Remove wrinkles and moisture using a pre-press for 3–5 seconds
This improves print adhesion.

STEP 3: Position Your Design
• Measure the placement (usually 3–4 cm below the collar)
• Use heat tape if needed
Centering is key to professional results.

STEP 4: Press the Shirt
• Cover with a Teflon sheet (optional for protection)
• Apply heat, pressure, and time based on your printing material
Do not open before the timer completes.

STEP 5: Peel the Transfer
Different materials require different peels:
Material Peel Type
DTF Cold Peel
HTV Warm/Cold Peel
Sublimation No peel (paper removed after pressing)
Transfer Paper Warm Peel
Always follow the peel instructions on your product.

STEP 6: Post-Press (Optional)
Press again for 3–5 seconds to improve durability.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results
✔ Don’t press over seams or collars
✔ Use a lint roller before pressing
✔ Do not overheat (it burns fabric & fades design)
✔ Test temperature accuracy every 2–3 months
✔ Practice on cheap t-shirts before client orders

Ready to Start Printing Professionally?
To heat press like a pro, you need a quality machine that delivers accurate temperature and long-lasting performance.
Get high-quality Heat Press Machines in Uganda from YaYa Innovations!
YaYa Innovations supplies:
• Heat Press Machines (Clamshell, Swing, 8-in-1)
• Sublimation Printers & Inks
• DTF Printers & Consumables
• Vinyl Cutters + Accessories
Visit YaYa Innovations, Nasser Road – Elite Shops, Opp. Printers Arcade, Kampala
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +256 394 892 636
🌐 Website: www.yayainnovations.com
Power Your Printing Business With Professional Machines at YaYa Innovations!