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Applying Garment vinyl to SMALL Polo shirts
Hi,
Im looking for ideas on how people do this. I have a Swing aside Adkins heat press with a 15" X 20" platten size.
How do you press the vinyl onto the back of Small polo shirts? With big polos it is easy enough to pull the shirt over the platten so only the back is on the press and without stretching the garment. Problem with the small size is that it stretches too much when pulled over the platten.
If the polo is laid directly on the platten then it doesnt lay flat because of the buttons on the front side.
I have used 2 mouse pads with a gap between them to support the polo and let the buttons fall into the gap. Not always the best solution.
Has anybody a better idea?
Sorry , clear as mud.
Earl -
10 Replies
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I had similar problems, so replaced the base rubber with 10mm thick silicon foam rubber. This allows buttons to compress into the foam easier. It’s not cheap (coat me around £30 for 500mm x 500), but works really well.
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IF YOU HAVE A LOT TO DO – it might be worth thinking of getting a smaller custom platten
if not – i do as jason says – and have some silicone pads of different sizes – also handy for the panel in work overalls with deep surrounding seams
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I used to put a silicone pad or a piece of thick card (bigger than the area to be printed) inside small shirts. For large quantities I found this is too consuming.
Now I don´t use anything.
With the actual collar of the shirt just off the platten at the front … fairly heavy pressure, and re-press for 3 or 4 seconds after removing carrier.
Have probably done thousands this way with no comebacks.Chris
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hi earl,
the magic touch sell a sheet of heat resistant rubber for this purpose, I have one and it works, they also have an office in germany!regards
Dan
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I’ve wanted to buy a small press for these sort of jobs, anyone know of a decent small press? I remember seeing a circular one a few years back at P&P but can’t remember who’s stand it was at 😕
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Thanks for the tips . I don’t normally do too many of them so a new small platen is too expensive. My Adkins press is for changeable bases but they cost over 120 pounds plus transport so its not worth it. I have been meaning to buy a "proper" silicon mate for ages. Looks like you’ve just convinced me to buy one.
Thanks again.
Earl. -
coincidentally i have just got some sports bags to do for someone
they have thick metal zips – and the teeth are plastic (i once meted a plastic zip so am now very wary of them) along with unavoidable velcro etc
i think i have worked out an alternative to a new platten for my adkins – a cheap one – i’ll post in a couple of days if it works ok
meanwhile have a look here for silicone mat – it’s not the quality of the adkins pad – but is the same as you would find on a cheap heat press
http://www.uksignboards.com/viewtopic.p … highlight=
or i can send you a small piece if you only need a bit (fit in a a5 envelope size?)
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Hi Micky. Be interested to see your idea for the Adkins. Yesterday a friend came in and we talked about this problem. Turns out that he works as a fireman and has access to a metal work shop. He has taken measurements and is going to try and make a smaller platen for me. Including all the attachment gubbins that fixes it onto the machine. If it works then I will ring Adkins for a small pad or buy one from your supplier. If it works I will let you know.
Thanks again .
Earl -
Earl,
I have the same heat presses you use, and adkins can supply smaller platten’s for them. We have a couple of different sizes and they are very useful for many other jobs such as bags, garments with plastic zips etc.
Well worth the investment.
Darren
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Thanks Darren. I have the big platten and the 6inch square platten. Small one as you say is perfect for brollies, front of polos, bags etc. I would buy the next size up but I only print about 30 or so small polos a year. The rest will fit over the platten or I do half and half on the small one.
The cost of bringing the platten here to Germany is too high. Around 200 pounds platten and transport.
This is only my first year in business here. Maybe if things get better I will invest in the right size.
Earl.
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