Problems with t-shirts

[TonyM]

Hi all.

recently I asked about silicone wraps.
I purchased a roll and cut it into my size requirements.
Now, how much should i adjust my timing temps by?
I bought a sheet that is say a couple of mm thick. When I use it to even out the pressure I am having problems. Basically my things are underdone. it must be not as much heat is penetrating the wrap?
I ruined a couple of t-shirts earlier. (I am just starting on t-shirts so am learning)
The first one was totally wishy washy. I used the back next so as not to waste another one, This one was slightly better but still nowhere near vibrant. I then tried one using no covering and there is a slight yellowing on the edge. I think it was seconds from scorching. So I then tried the back of that one using teflon paper and although that was the best it was still a bit weak as i turned the temp down as I didnt want another scorch.
Is there a tutorial that I havent seen on here?
What methods do others use?
PS. I forgot the most stupid thing.
I tried one on another shirt using the teflon paper and didnt realise it had been folded and got a big crease pattern through my picture.
Also i was struggling lining up where I want things, as once it is on the plate to me it is just guesswork if it will be central. I cant imagine getting a logo on each sleeve in the same place
Shirts are not that easy are they?

BR
Tony

[John G]

Times, temp, vinyl, laser transfer, injet transfer, type of transfer and equipment used - peeps would need this info to give you any idea as to what's wrong!

Why are you using the silicon sheets, its teflon you should be using. Your heat press base should be covered in a rubber type material and any impurities on your heat platen should be ironed out by this rubber. You shouldn't be putting any rubber on top.

[Kaz]

You can buy a thing called a "tee square it" or "logo it" for lining up your images/text etc.

Both available from The Transfer Press

http://www.thetransferpress.co.uk/acata ... re-it.html

[Paul]

down with John on this one! silicon ruber can be used with hard items. not t-shirt. teflon is that you need.

[mrs maggot]

youtube will give you tutorials, but you need a good eye for lining things up, it comes with time

[djhutton]

Lining up is a problem sometimes, easiest way I've found is to line it all up on a flat table, make some guidance marks with tailors chalk (at the edges of your paper) then put shirt on the press, re align the paper and press. The chalk brushes off afterwards (except orange chalk which can be a bit reluctant!).

Usually the 'grain' of the fabric works as a guide, but not always.

DJ

[John G]

I saw a tutorial the other day and they folded the t shirt in half and give it a little press, when opened up again there was a press line going down the middle of the shirt - this would act as a guide line for centre and for running true.

I don't use this, it would take far to long on a big run - I just line up by eye and use my fingers to quickly measure side to side - just thought it might help.

[Kaz]

I line mine up with the neck tab in the tshirt, if it's not centred, I'm snookered, lol

[TonyM]

Hhhhm, I knew something was wrong.
So the thicker pad is for things like slate?
How about plaques?
I guess the lining up will comw with practice.

PS
Can I use the paper my wife uses to line her cooking trays with? (Dont laugh)

BR

Tony

[John G]

Yes, you could use it to protect you platen/heat press