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 Mug |
150-300 seconds |
350 - 400° F 180 - 204° C |
High (40 PSI) |
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 |
75 seconds |
365° F 185° C |
High (40 PSI) |
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 |
45 seconds |
400° F 204° C |
High (40 PSI) |
Pre-press shirt for 3-5 seconds to eliminate moisture. Tack spray transfer and use blow-out sheet to avoid ghosting. |
Neoprene |
45 seconds |
400° F 204° C |
High (40 PSI) |
Look for a tight knit and high white point for more vibrant color. |
Metal |
60 seconds |
400° F 204° C |
High (40 PSI) |
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 |
High (40 PSI) |
Remove plastic coating. Remove transfer paper immediately after pressing. |
Glass or Ceramic Tiles |
420 seconds |
400° F 204° C |
High (40 PSI) |
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 | 375° F 190° C |
High (40 PSI) |
Remove plastic coating. Remove transfer paper immediately after pressing. |
Acrylic |
60 seconds | 375° F 190° C |
High (40 PSI) |
Remove plastic coating. Remove transfer paper immediately after pressing. |
MDF/Hardboard |
60 seconds |
400° F 204° C |
High (40 PSI) |
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 |
Felt |
60 seconds |
400° F 204° C |
Medium (30 PSI) |
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 (High) | Peel transfer paper while hot. If the marble has attachable cork or material, wait for the substrate to cool before attaching. |
Polyester Linen |
60 seconds |
400° F 204° C |
40 psi (High) | Press with substrate facing up and transfer paper on top. Press with substrate facing up and transfer paper while hot. |
Polyester Coated Wood |
60 seconds |
400° F 204° C |
40 psi (High) | 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 'Help' button on the bottom right of the page, or click here.