Printing on pockets

Printing on pockets - how to do it

Issues can often arise when applying heat transfers near on pockets. That’s because applying a transfer requires that the area the heat plate is pressed against is completely smooth and even. A pocket is something raised, which makes the entire printing area uneven which in turn can lead to a worse result or, in the worst-case scenario, a transfer that becomes loose in certain areas after washing.

We have therefore produced a list showing you step-by-step how to successfully apply your heat transfers on pockets. Follow the steps shown below.

Preparation

Start by configuring your transfer to the recommended settings according to the product you have chosen. Then adjust the pressure on the machine based on the size of the sub-plate being used. We recommend a pressure of 2–3 bar for a small sub-plate and 5–6 bar for a large sub-plate on the heat press.

Preheating the garment

Make sure your garment is lying straight and flat, and that there are no seams or buttons in the way of or on the pocket you are applying the transfer to. The entire surface touching the base plate must be lying smooth to ensure a good result.

We recommend preheating the garment for at least 5 seconds before the heat transfer is applied. Preheating makes the garment shrink, giving you a nice flat area that the print can stick to properly.

Raising the pocket with a rubber pad

To achieve a good application on a pocket, we recommend “raising” the pocket using rubber pads (see articles 3014, 3012, 3011 & 3003).

You can do this by quite simply placing the rubber pads in the pocket so that the fabric you want to print on is raised up above the seam surrounding the pocket, giving you a properly flat area for the application.

Applying the heat transfer

Now, place your transfer on the flat pocket and begin applying. Since the area has been raised using a smaller rubber pad, we recommend reducing the pressure even more. For small rubber pads, you may need to reduce the pressure to less than 2 bar. Our transfer presses automatically end the application when the set time ends.

ATTENTION! On heat presses not manufactured by us, you may need to end the application manually.

Remove the carrier

Once the transfer is complete, remove the transfer carrier. When using STARK & FLEX Heat Transfer, the carrier can be removed while it’s still warm. When using REFLEX Heat Transfer, the carrier should only be removed once it’s cold.

Check your transfer

Once you have finished applying your transfer, we always recommend running your hand over the transfer to ensure that the adhesive has melted correctly. You will easily be able to tell if the adhesive has not melted correctly. If this happens, place a piece of protective paper (art: 3016) on top with the matte side facing down and run the heating iron over it for 10 seconds. Then immediately remove the protective paper and your application is complete.