Hot fix crystals & vinyl issues.

[Sara1983]

I'm self taught and usually good at problem solving but I've hit a brick wall and I'm hoping someone may be able to help me.

My business is small and its my only income so every customer is really special to me. I've been printing in vinyl and hotfix crystals for over 18 months but suddenly I'm having an issue ive never had before.

One of my customers who has been with me the whole 18 months is saying that crystals are randomly falling off clothing, I've explained the best I can and problem solved the best I can but just as you think it's solved, she reports back with the same issue again.

Shes also having the same issues with vinyl. She has names on the front of hoodies and some detail on the back, whilst there's no report of a problem with any vinyl on the back, the names on the front are "falling" off.

My process is the same, my equipment the same, the brand of clothing the same, my roll of vinyl and shipment of crystals all still the same.

Is this something I'm doing wrong?

The problems are occurring over not all items worked on but just some of them. She has leotards, hoodies, vests, Tshirts, holdalls. She's reported tonight that a child bought a leotard and the crystals have come off and it's not been worn, there are photos on good old facebook showing the child wearing it but I don't know how long for. Obviously I can't presume or accuse.

I'm at my wits end, PLEASE someone help :(

thanks

Sara

[Paul]

crystals will come off no matter what :(
i aways add little plastic bag with extra few and explain how to apply them with home iron.

What is your temperature? what heat press?
you said there is a problem with vinyl too. maybe you heat press is to cold?

[Sara1983]

I have explained about wear and tear but this one the first wear of items, and apparently, items that haven't even been worn yet, she buys a fair bit from me and the problem has only just occurred. The lady has a business where she resells my items so providing extras isn't really an option.

The heat press isn't branded, it's just a black one that was purchased when I began, the temperature is between 145-155 which is what I have always used.

[Paul]

thats very low temp. i use 170C for 10-15sec. i think you may use not enough heat.

[Sara1983]

Really? I use the recommended guidelines. I shall try a higher heat though. Thank you.

[Paul]

what size are your crystals?

[Sara1983]

I use a variety but the crystals of issue in this case seem to be ss10 & ss16

[Paul]

right. so you need longer times too.

[Sara1983]

I adjust as needed. I use up to ss20 and they have up to a maximum of 45 seconds depending on the fabric, the amount of crystals and how the test piece went. But ive even ver adjusted the temperature.