DIY Application guide

If you are a large company wishing to improve running costs by outsourcing transfer production or your starting your own promotional merchandise business, or you just wish to know how we apply our transfers at VAL in more detail here is our guide to DIY transfer application!

Now there are a few basic rules to applying transfers with any kind of press.
You can learn the difference between hot and cold peel methods here but for now we recommend the cold peel method for any VAL manufactured transfers.

Temperature
Different products can tolerate different temperatures. Synthetics and delicate materials often require a lower heat, but the standard temperature for most transfers is 150 centigrade.

 

Pressure
To make your transfer bind to the product requires pressure, and this pressure needs to come from the heat source. The press you use is important as it must be suited to the shape and size of the product. Ensuring both the product and the press surfaces are clean, unblemished, and free from dents or bumps when applying transfers will give you the best results.

Time
The time it takes for a transfer to bind to the product really depends on the temperature used. At 150c we can apply pressure for just 5 seconds to seal the bond from transfer to product. Adjusting time for lower temperature applications is necessary, for example a 100c application would need 10-15 seconds of pressure.

Peeling
Once your transfer has cooled, you can peel the paper from the product/transfer, don't forget if the transfer 'lifts' (is still stuck to the paper) you have either not applied enough heat/duration when pressing, or you haven't let the transfer cool sufficiently!

Applying transfers at home

VAL transfers are also home transfer friendly!
All you need is an iron, your chosen garment, and a flat surface..

Of course there are a few specific requirements for best results, and by following these rules you can hope to achieve this!

• Use an iron without Steam or Steam Holes (don't forget to turn off the steam nozzle if your iron does have them)
• Place your garment on a flat firm surface (such as an ironing board)
• Place your iron firmly onto the transfer for approx 5 seconds, ensuring the whole transfer is heated.
• Allow to cool the slowly peel back the paper.
• If the transfer lifts, replace the paper and re-press the transfer.
• Don't forget to take care of your transfer and DO NOT iron its surface after the paper has been peeled!