Heat transfer paper is commonly used to transfer images onto fabrics, such as cotton, polyester and polycotton. However, when working with polyester fabrics, there can be some challenges due to the nature of the material.
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is sensitive to high temperatures. When exposed to excessive heat, polyester can undergo a process called sublimation. Sublimation occurs when a solid material transitions directly into a gas without going through the liquid phase. In the case of polyester, the excessive heat causes the polyester fibres to turn into gas, resulting in a blurred or beige effect on the transferred image.
To prevent or minimise the sublimation effect on polyester fabrics, it is recommended to lower the temperature used during the heat transfer process. By reducing the temperature, you can avoid subjecting the polyester fibers to temperatures that would cause them to sublimate.
For a 50:50 polycotton fabric blend, it is generally recommended to use a temperature of around 150°C (302°F). The higher cotton content in the blend provides some protection against sublimation, allowing for a slightly higher temperature.
On the other hand, for 100% polyester fabrics, a lower temperature of around 135°C (275°F) is recommended. This lower temperature helps prevent the polyester fibres from sublimating and maintains the integrity of the transferred image.
It's important to note that these temperature recommendations can vary depending on the specific brand and type of heat transfer paper, as well as the equipment being used. fabric composition, you can achieve better results and minimise the sublimation effect, ensuring a clear and vibrant image transfer onto polyester and polycotton fabrics.
