Transfer is not sticking
Increase pressure first, then confirm flat contact and peel timing. If needed, repress about 4 seconds and peel from another corner.
Houston Press Settings + Troubleshooting
How to Apply Plastisol Screen Print Transfers
Houston is not the place for close-enough heat pressing. Humidity, warm storage, and rush jobs amplify setup mistakes.
Plastisol transfers need two things to look clean and hold up: correct heat and time, plus enough pressure (usually more than expected).
This is the no-fluff press-side playbook for clean peels, sharp edges, and durable output.
Scroll to discover
Quick Settings (Start Here)
These are starting-point settings. Every press, garment, and environment behaves differently, and Houston humidity is part of that environment.
| Setting | Target |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 335-350°F |
| Time | 12-15 seconds |
| Pressure | High |
Manual press: tighten until it will not close, then loosen gradually until it closes with firm resistance.
Hotronix / Geo Knight baseline: 8-9 pressure.
Pneumatic baseline: 40-50 PSI.
Remember: most plastisol failures are pressure failures.
What You Need Before You Press
- ▸Heat press (not a household iron).
- ▸Teflon or parchment sheet.
- ▸Lint roller (optional, but useful).
- ▸Test shirt for dialing press behavior.
Houston reality check: blanks stored in warm or non-conditioned areas often hold moisture. Moisture becomes steam under heat and can reduce adhesion quality.
Pre-press the garment every run, not just when something looks wrong.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Set temperature, pressure, and time. Use 335-350 degrees F, 12-15 seconds, and high pressure.
- 2Pre-press for 10 seconds. Remove moisture and reduce shrink surprises before transfer placement. If garment feels damp, add a short second pre-press.
- 3Press transfer for 12-15 seconds. Keep garment flat and avoid seams, thick folds, or hard spots under platen contact.
- 4Peel warm to lukewarm-cool. Too hot can smear; too cool can resist. Adjust peel moment slightly if needed.
- 5Final press with Teflon/parchment for 20-30 seconds. This helps lock adhesion and improves durability.
Pro tip: let your press fully stabilize before production starts. Displayed target temp can be reached before platen heat evens out.
Troubleshooting (Real-World Fixes)
Peel is tearing or feels glued
Adjust peel temperature point slightly warmer or cooler, then re-test. Repress briefly if peel is still unstable.
Edges lift after wash
Usually pressure too low, second press skipped, garment moisture retained, or wash heat too high.
Over-pressed look or scorch risk
Lower temperature toward 335 degrees F, tighten dwell, and always barrier-cover final press.
Puff transfer rule: do not run a second press on puff after peel.
Washing and Care
- Wash inside out.
- Use cool water.
- Use cool or low dryer settings.
FAQs
Which garments work best with plastisol transfers?
Plastisol is strongest on 100% cotton tees. For broad blend and polyester use, DTF can be the more flexible method.
What if I need transfers faster than plastisol timing?
DTF is typically the faster path in urgent scenarios.
Why do settings fail randomly after working fine?
Houston humidity and storage conditions can shift garment moisture. Pre-pressing consistently reduces those random failures.
Should I test press every production run?
Yes. A quick test press on a spoiled tee is the fastest way to dial in your exact press behavior.
Related Houston Resources
Next Step
If you only needed press instructions, you are ready. If you need transfers made with Houston-friendly timing, place the order now.