Getting Started with a Heat Press: T-Shirts, Mugs and More
A heat press opens up a whole world of personalised gifts and small-business products: custom T-shirts, tote bags, mugs, caps and more. Here's what beginners need to know.
Two main methods
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV): you cut a design from special vinyl with a cutting machine or by hand, weed away the excess, then press it onto fabric. It works on cotton and many other fabrics.
Sublimation: you print a design with sublimation ink onto sublimation paper, then heat-press it. The ink turns to gas and bonds with the item. It only works on polyester fabrics (ideally light-coloured) and specially coated "sublimation blank" mugs and other items, but the result is permanent and won't crack or peel.
Which press?
- Flat press: for T-shirts, bags, cushion covers and other flat items.
- Mug press: a curved heating element for mugs and tumblers.
- Multi-function presses come with interchangeable attachments for flat items, mugs, plates and caps.
When buying any electrical machine, check it has a UK plug or the right voltage for UK mains (220–240V).
Basic steps for a T-shirt
- Pre-press the shirt for a few seconds to remove moisture and creases.
- Position your design (HTV shiny side up, or sublimation print face down).
- Cover with a protective sheet such as baking paper or a Teflon sheet.
- Press at the temperature and time recommended for your vinyl or paper.
- Peel hot or cold, as the instructions say.
Safety
- Presses get extremely hot. Keep them away from children and never leave them switched on unattended.
- Always follow the temperature and time guidance for your specific materials.
See heat presses, mug presses and printable vinyl in our heat press and vinyl range.
