Author Topic: Dye Sub Trucker Hats  (Read 853 times)

Offline Pangea

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Dye Sub Trucker Hats
« on: June 21, 2018, 10:16:24 AM »
Does anyone have a suggestion on what brand/model of heat press to purchase for sublimating trucker hats? We've bought a few cheap ones in the past but they always left really bad creases, to the point that we weren't comfortable offering them.

Also, any helpful tips such as time and temp would be appreciated.
« Last Edit: June 21, 2018, 10:18:44 AM by Pangea »


Offline Frog

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Re: Dye Sub Trucker Hats
« Reply #1 on: June 21, 2018, 11:15:15 AM »
The price of the press is not what's making the crease. Low cost presses are usually cheap because they aren't built to withstand commercial application. They aren't durable.
The creases are an ongoing problem for many with the better machines as well. I rarely do dye sub, but the creases don't care what media we use.
I get creative and make pads of cardboard, folded paper towels, whatever it takes! Place them where the heat platen edge hits. Can't be too thick though.
Have covered the entire area with a folded over protective silicone sheet as well, but that takes some experimentation due to resulting changes in temp and time
« Last Edit: June 21, 2018, 11:35:50 AM by Frog »
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline Frog

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Re: Dye Sub Trucker Hats
« Reply #2 on: June 21, 2018, 02:59:51 PM »
With "crease" I was thinking of the press marks.
If it's really a crease, then it sounds a bit like the hat is not on the press with enough tension (as it should be a bit stretched from the strap to the brim)
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline Pangea

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Re: Dye Sub Trucker Hats
« Reply #3 on: June 21, 2018, 05:32:52 PM »
Yup, press marks is the issue. We've been using a really (extremely) cheap press that's platen is similar to a mug press heating element so I suspect that may be part of the issue. I asked another shop what they've been using and they made some great suggestions so it's looking like we'll end up getting a Stahl's hat press soon.

Offline ericheartsu

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Re: Dye Sub Trucker Hats
« Reply #4 on: June 21, 2018, 05:34:44 PM »
we have a geo knight air powered one, and we like it alot!
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Offline Frog

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Re: Dye Sub Trucker Hats
« Reply #5 on: June 21, 2018, 05:40:50 PM »
we have a geo knight air powered one, and we like it alot!

And you never get press marks, even without any "band-aids"?
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?