Learn the Basics of Heat Printing

Woman using Fusion IQ® Heat Press in a workspace with custom apparel featuring CAD-CUT® heat transfer designs, showcasing heat printing basics.

How to Become a Heat Printer

Step 1: Learn What Heat Printing Is

Heat printing, also known as heat transfer printing, is the process of applying heat transfer materials to various items (i.e., substrates) with a heat press. Heat-applied materials contain a heat-sensitive adhesive on one side; when heat is applied by a heat press to the material, the material adheres to the substrate, resulting in a decorated garment.

Step 2: Choose What to Make with Your Heat Press

Decorating with a heat press is an easy, cost-effective way to enter the garment decoration industry. It provides the opportunity to personalize a wide variety of items.

T-shirts – this wardrobe staple has endless placement opportunities–from full fronts and backs to sleeves, left chest, and more
Team uniforms – use a variety of materials and placement options to help teams stand out from the competition
Bags – add personalization to backpacks, cinch bags, and sports bags with a variety of heat transfer materials
Fan wear – help fans cheer on their favorite teams or players by adding a personalized touch to apparel and more
Corporate – heat applying traditional left chest logos is an easy way to add a professional touch to apparel
Small businesses - help build brand recognition by adding a custom tag or logo to your decorated apparel
Clubs – reach out to local clubs and organizations to create gear for their upcoming events
Schools – decorate lunch boxes, backpacks, pencil cases, and apparel in school colors, mascots, and more
Fashion – create apparel with trendy sayings and designs in a variety of colors and finishes

Step 3: Focus on the Top 3 Heat Printing Factors

Three key components to consider when decorating with a heat press are: time, temperature, and pressure. Every heat transfer material has its own heat printing instructions.

Time: The amount of time, in seconds, that heat must be applied to the design/garment.
Temperature: The optimal degree at which the design will adhere to the garment.
Pressure: The amount of downward force needed when heat applying.

Step 4: Choose the Right Heat Press

How do you know which type of heat press is right for your business? There are several key factors to consider:

Space: How much space do you have in your work area?
Production: How much will you use the heat press?
Size: What type of garments are you decorating?
Experience: How much experience do you have working with heat presses
Cost: How much do you want to invest in your heat press equipment?
Manufacturer: Do you know where your heat press is from? Is the company quick to resolve issues and has reliable customer service and tech support?

Download this Heat Press Buying Guide to help you get started

Stahls' Hotronix® Auto Clam Heat Press featuring auto-open technology and digital controls, ideal for applying CAD-CUT® heat transfer materials.

Hotronix®Auto Open Clam

What Is a Clam Style Heat Press?

The auto open clam design is equipped with an auto release feature allowing you to multi-task without running the risk of burning garments.

Best for beginners
Takes up the least amount of space
Most portable option
Available in 3 sizes to fit any budget

Stahls' Fusion IQ® Heat Press featuring a swing-away design and advanced controls for precise application of CAD-CUT® heat transfer materials.

Hotronix® Fusion IQ®

What Is a Draw or Swinger Heat Press?

The swinger/draw press gives you the ability to quickly thread garments onto the lower platen while providing a heat-free workspace.

Best for experienced heat printers
Produces a higher volume of work
Choose from preloaded material instructions or enter your own
Takes up more space than the auto open clam
Cloud-based technology provides insight into job and operator performance

Stahls' Air Fusion IQ® Heat Press featuring advanced touch screen technology and adjustable pressure for precise heat transfer applications.

Hotronix® Air Fusion IQ®

What Is an Air Heat Press?

The air swinger/draw design reduces operator fatigue by using compressed air.

Ideal for high-volume businesses
Provides a heat-free workspace
Most expensive option
Wireless technology allows you to manage your business from anywhere

COMPARE HEAT PRESSES

Step 5: Order Heat Printing Supplies

Three key components to consider when decorating with a heat press are: time, temperature, and pressure. Every heat transfer material has its own heat printing instructions.

CAD-CUT® Heat Transfer Vinyl – If you own a vinyl cutter, we have an extensive line of roll goods for every job, fabric, garment, and textile.
Custom Logo Services – When you’re at capacity let us do the work for you. Upload your art and we’ll deliver a premium design in the material of your choice.
Patches & Emblems – Turn your custom logo into a genuine leather patch or highly-detailed emblem in a variety of colors and finishes.
Wholesale Blank Apparel – We offer the perfect canvas for all your heat printing needs—from T-shirts and polos, to outerwear and accessories.
Additional Equipment – Expand your product offerings by adding heat print accessories, vinyl cutters, print/cut machines, and more to your shop.

Woman using Stahls' Fusion IQ® Heat Press to apply CAD-CUT® heat transfer designs, with custom apparel displayed in a professional workspace.

How to Become a Heat Printer

Step 1: Learn What Heat Printing Is

Step 2: Choose What to Make with Your Heat Press

Decorating with a heat press is an easy, cost-effective way to enter the garment decoration industry. It provides the opportunity to personalize a wide variety of items.

T-shirts – this wardrobe staple has endless placement opportunities–from full fronts and backs to sleeves, left chest, and more
Team uniforms – use a variety of materials and placement options to help teams stand out from the competition
Bags – add personalization to backpacks, cinch bags, and sports bags with a variety of heat transfer materials
Fan wear – help fans cheer on their favorite teams or players by adding a personalized touch to apparel and more
Corporate – heat applying traditional left chest logos is an easy way to add a professional touch to apparel
Small businesses - help build brand recognition by adding a custom tag or logo to your decorated apparel
Clubs – reach out to local clubs and organizations to create gear for their upcoming events
Schools – decorate lunch boxes, backpacks, pencil cases, and apparel in school colors, mascots, and more
Fashion – create apparel with trendy sayings and designs in a variety of colors and finishes

Step 3: Focus on the Top 3 Heat Printing Factors

Three key components to consider when decorating with a heat press are: time, temperature, and pressure. Every heat transfer material has its own heat printing instructions.

Time: The amount of time, in seconds, that heat must be applied to the design/garment.
Temperature: The optimal degree at which the design will adhere to the garment.
Pressure: The amount of downward force needed when heat applying.

Step 4: Choose the Right Heat Press

How do you know which type of heat press is right for your business? There are several key factors to consider:

Space: How much space do you have in your work area?
Production: How much will you use the heat press?
Size: What type of garments are you decorating?
Experience: How much experience do you have working with heat presses
Cost: How much do you want to invest in your heat press equipment?
Manufacturer: Do you know where your heat press is from? Is the company quick to resolve issues and has reliable customer service and tech support?

Download this Heat Press Buying Guide to help you get started

Hotronix®Auto Open Clam

What Is a Clam Style Heat Press?

The auto open clam design is equipped with an auto release feature allowing you to multi-task without running the risk of burning garments.

Best for beginners
Takes up the least amount of space
Most portable option
Available in 3 sizes to fit any budget

Hotronix® Fusion IQ®

What Is a Draw or Swinger Heat Press?

The swinger/draw press gives you the ability to quickly thread garments onto the lower platen while providing a heat-free workspace.

Best for experienced heat printers
Produces a higher volume of work
Choose from preloaded material instructions or enter your own
Takes up more space than the auto open clam
Cloud-based technology provides insight into job and operator performance

Hotronix® Air Fusion IQ®

What Is an Air Heat Press?

The air swinger/draw design reduces operator fatigue by using compressed air.

Ideal for high-volume businesses
Provides a heat-free workspace
Most expensive option
Wireless technology allows you to manage your business from anywhere

COMPARE HEAT PRESSES

Step 5: Order Heat Printing Supplies

Three key components to consider when decorating with a heat press are: time, temperature, and pressure. Every heat transfer material has its own heat printing instructions.

CAD-CUT® Heat Transfer Vinyl – If you own a vinyl cutter, we have an extensive line of roll goods for every job, fabric, garment, and textile.
Custom Logo Services – When you’re at capacity let us do the work for you. Upload your art and we’ll deliver a premium design in the material of your choice.
Patches & Emblems – Turn your custom logo into a genuine leather patch or highly-detailed emblem in a variety of colors and finishes.
Wholesale Blank Apparel – We offer the perfect canvas for all your heat printing needs—from T-shirts and polos, to outerwear and accessories.
Additional Equipment – Expand your product offerings by adding heat print accessories, vinyl cutters, print/cut machines, and more to your shop.

How to Become a Heat Printer

How to Become a Heat Printer

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