How to Decorate Performance Garments
The latest trend in sportswear, performance garments are becoming more popular every day. With name brands like Under Armour®, Myogrid®, Nike®, SanMar Sport-Tek®, these synthetic materials are light, stretchable, and engineered for breathability, moisture wicking, and quick drying.
Common obstacles to decorating performance wear
- Adhesion - Due to most performance wear being made of synthetic fabrics, not all heat transfer materials adhere properly.
- Scorching - With high-temperature heat transfer materials, there is a risk of scorching or melting the synthetic fabrics used to make performance wear.
- Heat Press Marks - The combination of high heat and high pressure can leave imprint marks on performance materials.
Heat printing accessories to make decorating performance wear successful:
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Flexible Application Pad – This thin silicone rubber pad helps reduce the direct heat applied when decorating performance wear. Apply heat transfer materials for a longer duration at a lower temperature, reducing the risk of scorching and heat press marks. |
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Silicone Upper Platen Cover - This silicone cover attaches to the upper platen of the heat press and helps reduce marks and indentations on heat-sensitive materials like polyester, neoprene, and spandex. |

CAD-CUT® Premium Plus™: recommended for decorating moisture-wicking, stretchable fabrics.
- Applies to a wide variety of materials
- Applies at lower temperatures, reducing the risk of scorching
- Excellent stretch and rebound properties
- Light, with a soft hand

CAD-COLOUR® TEK™ Digital Materials: developed specifically for sportswear and performance garments.
- Adheres to almost any material
- Is lightweight, with a soft hand
- Offers exceptional stretch and rebound
- Applies at a low temperature, making it safe for heat-sensitive fabrics
Videos for Materials, Services & Equipment
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See the latest innovations in CAD-CUT® heat transfer materials and learn tips, tricks, and instructions on creating the best designs possible.
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