5 Common Heat Pressing Mistakes & How to Easily Fix Them

Are your sublimation prints turning out faded, blurry, or scorched? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Every beginner makes mistakes. The key is learning how to identify and fix them. We’ve compiled the 5 most common heat press mistakes and simple, actionable ways to solve them, helping you troubleshoot your way to perfect prints.

Mistake #1: Ghosting or Blurry Images

The Problem: Your final print has a faint, shadowy double image or looks slightly out of focus.
The Cause: The transfer paper shifted slightly when the heat press was opened or closed.
The Fix: Always use heat-resistant tape to secure your design firmly to the blank. Apply it on at least two sides. When you open the press, do it in one smooth, fluid motion to avoid creating a vacuum that can lift the paper.

Mistake #2: Faded or Uneven Colours

The Problem: The colours in your print look dull, washed out, or are vibrant in some areas and faded in others.
The Cause: This is usually due to one of three things: not enough pressure, incorrect temperature, or moisture in the garment.
The Fix:

• Increase Pressure: Adjust your press for firm, even pressure. The press should be slightly difficult to close.
• Check Temperature: Use an infrared thermometer to verify your heat platen’s temperature matches the display. Cheap presses can have inaccurate readings.
• Pre-Press Everything: Always pre-press your blank for 5-10 seconds to remove any moisture.

Mistake #3: Scorching or Yellowing

The Problem: Your white polyester garment has a yellowish tint or brown scorch marks where the press was.
The Cause: The temperature is too high or the pressing time is too long for the material.
The Fix: Lower your temperature slightly (try reducing by 5-10°C) and decrease the pressing time. Also, ensure you are using a Teflon sheet or parchment paper between your transfer and the heat platen to help distribute heat more gently.

Mistake #4: Pressure Marks from the Paper Edge

The Problem: You can see a faint rectangular outline on your garment from the edge of the transfer paper.
The Cause: The pressure is too high, and the sharp edge of the paper is creating an indentation in the fabric.
The Fix: Tear the edges of your transfer paper by hand instead of cutting it with scissors. The feathered, uneven edge softens the transition and prevents a hard line from forming. You can also place a heat press pillow inside the shirt to raise the print area.

Mistake #5: Transfer Paper Sticking to the Blank

The Problem: After pressing, the transfer paper is stuck to your mug, tile, or other hard-surface blank.
The Cause: This can happen if the coating on the blank is of poor quality or if the temperature is excessively high, causing the coating to melt and fuse with the paper.
The Fix: First, ensure you are using high-quality sublimation blanks from a reputable supplier like Maker’s Supply. Second, double-check your temperature settings and reduce them if they are above the recommended range for that specific blank.

For more preventative advice, check out our 10 tips for professional heat press results. By understanding these common sublimation errors, you can quickly troubleshoot issues and save yourself time, money, and frustration!