Instructions for Applying Heat (Iron On) Transfers
If you created your own or purchased custom transfers * Do not remove the backing until you are ready to use the transfer. * Your transfers will be delivered as a shiny sheet of rhinestones with a white or translucent backing.
Applying Transfers with an Iron:
You will NEED:
◾ Either an iron (preferably with NO steam holes) or a 'heat press'
◾ An ironing board (if you are using an iron),
◾ Scrapes of old sheets or muslin (or Teflon Sheets (muslin works just as well).
◾ Suitable Fabrics: any fabric that can withstand a minimum of 290-300 degrees F, (wool setting on iron). These generally include: cotton, wool, Lycra, stretch Velour, Polyesters, nylon, Linen, Denim, Silk. Therefore, most T-shirts, Leotards, shirts, skirts, Jeans, pants, blouses, hats, and sweaters are suitable. BUT! Test iron or heat press at settings advised by applying heat to area and applying heat with pressure for 25-30 seconds. Colored items may change color when hot, but usually return to normal when they cool. IF any damage due to heat (melting, scorching, etc.) the item is unsuitable for transfer work. Be very careful of Acrylics, Acetates (generally unfriendly to this process), and anything white. If discoloration occurs to white T-Shirts, this will usually disappear when washed, but testing is the operative word. Rhinestone Guy takes NO responsibility for damage to garments during this process ....common sense rules!
Ready?
• Arrange garment on ironing board or heat press so that transfer can be applied. If garment is arranged so that front and back are 'stacked' (such as T-shirt placed on ironing board with both front and back as two layers), then insert a scrape of clean muslin, bed sheet, or Teflon Sheet between layers...this will prevent adhesive from going through front layer and bonding to back.
• Examine the transfer carefully. If any rhinestones have moved during shipping, now is the time to repair design (very rare occurrence, but can happen). Repair by removing backing, reposition stray rhinestone(s) with tweezers and replace shiny-side-down on sticky side of tape. The errant rhinestone(s) will stay where placed. IF all is well, then: peel off backing of Transfer. The 'Tacky Tape' of the transfer is very sticky, so place transfer carefully where you want it (you will not be able to move the rhinestones once they are heat bonded to fabric!
• Cover the transfer with a scrape of clean muslin or Teflon Sheet. (if you are applying transfer to Stretch Velour, we recommend a scrape of Organza covering under muslin).
• Apply heat by lowering iron straight down on transfer area and push hard for 25-30 seconds. DO NOT move iron around! You will dis-center rhinestones. If you are using a heat press, adjust pressure to about 15 pounds pressure...do not overdo this pressure thing, you will leave pressure marks on garment.
• Remove iron/open heat press, allow to cool for about 5-10 seconds, then remove Tacky Tape. (do not allow Tacky Tape to remain on area, remove when still warm to touch). The rhinestones will remain on garment. The Tacky Tape may pull up nap which is visible, but you can re-iron and this will disappear.
• Test stones by gently picking at them. They should be well attached. Do not try to pull them off with too much picking! You will succeed!
Applying transfers with a heat press:
In commercial use you will be using a Heat Press. There are many manufacturers of heat presses and the best type are those that have temperature control and timers. Different rhinestones, different rhinestone sizes, hot fix nailheads will have different application times. Get familiar with your heat press before you start pressing an expensive job. Test different items on various test fabrics and see how your particular heat press works.
