The following chart should serve only as a starting place. Producing quality end products is a matter of suitable substrates, a calibrated heat press, smart color management, following manufacturer guidelines, testing and practice!
If you are having difficulty or the substrate is not listed below, contact your reseller or the substrate manufacturer for their specific recommendations.
We also recommend checking out our heat press videos on our channel:
Surface |
Press Time |
Temp |
Pressure |
Tips/Comments |
Ceramic Mugs |
150-210 seconds | 350-400° F | 40 psi (medium) | Time varies with press. Mugs should be cooled down after transfer paper is removed in either a bucket of warm water or using a cooling plate. |
Stainless Steel Tumblers |
60 - 90 seconds | 365° F 185 C |
40 psi (medium) | Time varies with press. If you are doing a full wrap, press for 60-90 sec. then rotate your tumbler 180 degrees and press a second time for 60-90 sec. |
Polyester Fabric |
35-45 seconds | 400 - 410° F 204 - 210 C |
40 psi (medium) | Pre-press shirt for 3-5 seconds to eliminate moisture. Tack spray transfer and use blow-out sheet to avoid ghosting. |
Vapor Apparel |
45-55 seconds | 380°-390° F 193 - 199 C |
40 psi (medium) | See vaporapparel.com for tips on reducing press lines. |
Polyester with Foam Backing (Koozie / Mousepad) |
45 seconds | 400° F 204 C |
40 psi (medium) |
Look for a tight knit and high white point for more vibrant color. |
Metal/Chromaluxe (Unisub brand) |
60 seconds | 400° F 204 C |
40 psi (medium) | Remove plastic coating before pressing. Use blow-out paper. |
Metal (Other Brands) |
60 seconds |
375°-400° F 190 - 204 C |
40 psi (medium) | Time varies with metal manufacturer (always consult 40 psi manufacturer for correct time and temp). Place absorbent sheet on bottom of heat press. Then, place product transfer side DOWN on top of the absorbent sheet. |
Unisub Products |
60 seconds | 400° F 204 C |
40 psi (medium) | Remove plastic coating. Remove transfer paper immediately after pressing. |
Glass or Ceramic Tiles |
300 - 720 seconds | 400° F 204 C |
40 psi (medium) | Time varies depending on tile type and size. Always consult manufacturer. Press tiles from back (transfer side down). Press into silicon pad. |
Fire Retardant Plastics |
40-75 seconds | 350 - 400° F 177 - 204C |
40 psi (medium) | Remove plastic coating. Remove transfer paper immediately after pressing. |
Hardboard |
60 seconds | 400° F 204 C |
40 psi (medium) | Remove plastic coating and press with the transfer paper on top. Remove immediately after pressing unless the surface is textured, then wait for substrate to cool and remove the transfer paper |
Glass |
180 - 240 seconds | 360 - 400° F 182 - 204 C |
40 psi (medium) | Be careful not to put too much pressure on the glass. This can shatter it. Wear protective gear. Always check with the substrate manufacturer for pressure and heat settings. |
Felt |
60 seconds | 400° F 204 C |
30-40 psi (light/medium) | Felt can curl as it cools. Place a heavy object on the substrate immediately after pressing and allow to cool while compressed. |
Marble |
120 seconds | 390° F 199 C |
40 psi (medium) | Peel transfer paper while hot. If the marble has attachable cork or material, wait for the substrate to cool before attaching. |
Siser EasySubli |
15 - 30 seconds | 310° F 154 C |
40 psi (medium) | Make sure to remove the backing before pressing. You can press with a mask if needed. Peel mask immediately after pressing. Do not wash for at least 24 hours. |
Polyester Linen |
55 - 65 seconds | 385 - 425° F 196 - 218 C |
40 psi (medium) | Press with substrate facing up and transfer paper on top. Press with substrate facing up and transfer paper while hot. |
Wood |
60 seconds | 400° F 204 C |
40 psi (medium) | Remove any plastic coating. Press with the transfer on top. |
If you are still experiencing issues or have further questions regarding the press process, please contact our Sawgrass Care Team for assistance by click the 'Support' button on the bottom right of the page, or click here.