How to Print on a T-shirt or Tote Bag
Make your file following the "How to Make a Sticker" guide and upload it onto the computer connected to the printer with a flash drive.
Note: When bringing the file into Versaworks, there are a couple of settings that are different from making a sticker.
STEP 1: Under the Layout tab, ensure the size of your image is appropriate. Measure the size you want on your bag/t-shirt and type that into the size box.
STEP 2: Under the "Quality" tab, change the Media Type to "Roland DGA HTM3: HeatSoft Plus."
STEP 3: As always, under the "Printer Controls" tab, check the "Cut Sheet After Output" box and "Use Custom Settings" box and change the Page Space to 0.
STEP 4: Under the "Cut Controls" setting, check the "Cut Image Boundaries" box and make sure to leave the Cut Passes at 1.
When it’s ready, print your design!
STEP 5: After printing, peel the material around the edges of your design so all that remains is what you want on your item.
If you have a complex design, you may have to "weed" the image, i.e. use tweezers and a pick to remove the small parts, such as the insides of letters, for example.
STEP 6: Cut a piece of Transfer Mask off of the roll, slightly larger than your design.
STEP 7: Peel off the backing of the Transfer Mask and lay it adhesive side up on the table.
STEP 8: Apply your design face down onto the Transfer Mask starting from the center and rolling the graphic outwards.
STEP 9: Once applied, roll and squeegee with firm pressure from the center out to ensure the design adheres properly to the mask.
STEP 10: Immediately after masking, lift the graphic off of the backing liner with a quick fluid motion at a sharp angle to ensure the design does not stretch.
STEP 11: Next, power on the heat press, located to the left of the vinyl printer-cutter and wait for it to heat up to 200C.
Change the timer from 60s to 20s using the settings button.
STEP 12: Once it has heated up, put on the gloves to prevent burns.
STEP 13: When you are ready to place your material on the heat press, lift the lever up and swing the top around.
STEP 14: Then place your tote bag or shirt without your design so it is centered about where the graphic will be placed.
STEP 15: Swing the top back around and close it for 3-5 seconds to remove wrinkles as well as moisture from the textile. You can start the timer by pressing the + button.
STEP 16: Next position your design in the desired location of the garment and press for 30-40 seconds. You can start the timer by pressing the + button.
STEP 17: Set your garment aside on a work table to cool down. Once cool, you can then peel the clear transfer mask off. Remove the transfer mask at a sharp angle to ensure that the design is not distorted or stretched in the process.
For additional durability, cover the graphic and press for another 2-3 seconds.
Wait 24 hours before first wash.
Do not dry clean.