Thick, tough, and full of seams. Denim and canvas take our standard setting — you just have to manage the bulk.
The number on your press is a suggestion. Presses ship miscalibrated, read differently across the platen, and drift over time — the panel can say 280°F while the print only sees 240°F. What actually bonds a transfer is the print reaching 280°F for 3–5 seconds at firm pressure. So you may need to set your press higher — often 300–310°F — to get there. Dial in your press once, then trust it.
Presses read differently and drift — it's not uncommon for even new heat presses to be off by 20% or more. Answer a few quick questions and we'll get you a good starting point to dial in from.
A 2–3 second tap flattens the garment and drives off any moisture. Our film no longer needs it to bond — but a flat, dry surface still gives the most even contact, so it's worth it in humidity or on a garment that's been sitting.
280°F · 3–5 sec · firm 90 psi. Heat and pressure settle the TPU into the fibers. Hit the number and lift.
Cover the design with a textured sheet and press again. It seats the adhesive deeper for wash durability and gives a softer, matte hand feel. Skip it only for rush or throwaway merch.
| Feel | Pneumatic (psi) | Manual dial (1–9) | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 20–40 | 1–3 | Paper slides out easily |
| Medium | 30–50 | 4–5 | Paper drags a little |
| Medium-firm | 40–60 | 5–6 | Firm tug to pull paper |
| Our spec — firm | 90 | 7–9 | Paper won't budge |
On a pneumatic press, set the gauge to 90 psi. On a manual clamshell, aim for a solid two-finger effort to latch, then confirm with the paper-drag test.
Closes at a slight angle, so thick seams take more force at the hinge. Great for flat tees — just latch fully for even contact.
The platen comes straight down for the most even pressure. Best on thick goods like hoodies, denim, and canvas.
Air holds identical pressure every cycle — set 90 psi once and every press matches. Ideal for volume.
Use a pressing pillow to cushion thick seams and even out the surface.
Avoid pressing directly over rivets, buttons, or zippers.
For tote bags, slip a board inside so you press a single layer.
Expect the canvas weave to telegraph slightly through the print — that's normal.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edges lift near a seam | Uneven contact where the fabric steps up over a seam | Use a pressing pillow and re-press that area | Adhesion |
| Weave texture visible in the print | The canvas surface itself | Expected — a firm post-press minimizes it | Finish |
Yes. Slip a board or heat-press pillow inside the bag so you're pressing a single flat layer, and expect the heavy weave to show through the print a little.
Use a pressing pillow to cushion the seam so the whole design gets even pressure, and avoid pressing directly over rivets or buttons.
Upload a design and our preflight scores how it'll press on denim & canvas — ink density, hand feel, and adhesion, before you order.
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