Process
Pre-Press
A short heat press cycle on the bare garment before applying the transfer, used to remove moisture and flatten fibers.
Definition
Pre-press is a short heat press cycle (3 to 5 seconds) applied to the garment alone before the transfer is placed and pressed. The purpose is to drive off residual moisture, flatten raised fibers, and bring the fabric surface to a uniform temperature. Skipping pre-press is the most common cause of edge lift, especially on cotton fleece, ringspun cotton, and pre-washed garments that retain humidity. Pre-press is non-optional in a professional decorator workflow. It adds five seconds to the cycle and dramatically improves first-press bond quality on cotton substrates.
Related Terms
Heat Press
A machine that applies controlled heat, pressure, and time to bond a transfer to a substrate.
Platen
The heated upper surface and the cushioned lower surface of a heat press, between which the garment and transfer are compressed.
DTF
Direct-to-film transfer printing process used to produce full-color heat-applied graphics for apparel decoration.