Removing prints from clothes – is it possible?

Removing prints from clothes is a challenge, as we develop our transfers to adhere well – correctly applied throughout the garment’s lifetime. So the short answer is: no, you cannot remove a logo from clothes.

However, it is an important issue as more and more companies try, or must, create circular processes and work models to become more sustainable. We can no longer throw away clothes that are intact, for example when businesses rebrand their logo or when clothes are misprinted.

So, how do you remove a print from clothes? Is it even possible? We delve into the subject.

Different methods for removing prints from clothes

There are various ways circulating to remove prints from clothes. For example, heating up the print again, higher than it can tolerate, and then trying to scrape it off. Alternatively, using different types of fluids, such as acetone. None of these methods are something that we at Hot Screen recommend, as there is a risk that the garment will be ruined in the process. Moreover, it is difficult to achieve a large-scale workflow with these methods.
Sustainability with a focus on waste is one of the aspects that is close to our hearts – to the greatest extent possible, to operate a business that both streamlines its own processes and helps customers make good decisions from a sustainability perspective. We sponsor, among other things, a sustainability project with the aim of removing prints from clothes, where we contribute with machines and materials. Before this has achieved success, we have our own solution when it comes to removing prints from clothes.

Prints adhere differently depending on the technology behind them!

Some prints sit on top of the garment’s fibers while others melt into them, thereby sticking firmly. Read more about different printing methods here!

Removing prints from clothes the Hot Screens way

Our own solution for removing prints from clothes is rather about covering up the old print with a new one. This method resembles a regular application but with a twist. We have developed a workflow that is important for you to follow for a good result.

New print over an old one – here’s how you do it

For the best results, choose our Stark Heat Transfer, possibly with a Blocker add-on (if, for example, you are printing a light logo over a dark one), so that the old print does not show through. We do not recommend using Flex Heat Transfer over an old Stark print, as this will “shine” through. The new print should also be slightly larger than the old one to cover the design properly – with too tight margins, it’s easy for the old print to show at the edge if you fail to apply the new print precisely.

With a new and slightly larger Stark print ready, you can then follow these steps:

Press down the heat plate directly on the old print and follow a full work cycle. Use a Teflon sheet if your heat press does not have it on its heat plate.
Place the new print over the old one.
Apply the new print with the recommended settings, and then proceed as usual.