Tri-Blend T-Shirts: Heat Transfer-Friendly Or Not?

Tri-blend t-shirts are made from a combination of three materials: cotton, polyester, and rayon. This blend of materials creates a lightweight, soft, and stretchy garment. Due to the presence of rayon, tri-blend t-shirts can be heat-sensitive, so special care must be taken when using heat transfer printing on these shirts. It is important to choose a heat transfer with a low-temperature adhesive to avoid scorching the fabric. Additionally, using a lower platen and applying pressure evenly during the heat transfer process can help prevent scorch marks and ensure successful results. While tri-blend t-shirts can be tricky to print on, following these guidelines will allow you to successfully decorate these popular and comfortable garments.

Tri-blend t-shirts are made from cotton, polyester and rayon

Tri-blend t-shirts are made from a combination of cotton, polyester, and rayon. The blend typically consists of 50% polyester, 25% cotton, and 25% rayon, though these proportions may vary slightly. This combination of fabrics gives tri-blend t-shirts a unique set of characteristics that sets them apart from regular cotton t-shirts.

Cotton is a natural, breathable fabric that provides comfort and improves the durability of the garment. It is a key component in t-shirts as it allows the wearer to stay cool and comfortable. Polyester, on the other hand, is a synthetic material known for its durability and resilience. It adds strength to the fabric and improves its ability to hold up over time.

Rayon, the third component of tri-blend t-shirts, is an intriguing fabric. Originally designed as a substitute for silk, rayon is soft, lightweight, and thin. While rayon alone may not be ideal for t-shirts due to its drapey nature, when combined with cotton and polyester, it adds a luxurious softness and subtle stretch to the fabric. Rayon also enhances the breathability of the fabric, making it suitable for athletic and athleisure wear.

The combination of these three fabrics creates a t-shirt that is exceptionally soft, lightweight, and breathable. Tri-blend t-shirts have a distinctive dappled look and are often sought-after for their fashion-forward, trendy appearance. They are a popular choice for those who want a t-shirt that is comfortable, stylish, and of higher quality.

The unique composition of tri-blend t-shirts, however, presents some challenges when it comes to printing designs or graphics. Due to the presence of rayon, which is heat-sensitive and can scorch under high heat, special care must be taken during the printing process. Lower temperatures and specific heat transfer materials, such as CAD-CUT Premium Plus heat transfer vinyl or Elasti Prints® screen-printed transfers, are recommended to successfully print on tri-blend fabrics without damaging the fabric.

Rayon is a synthetic fibre and a silk substitute

Tri-blend t-shirts can be used for heat transfer. However, as rayon is a component of tri-blend fabrics, and rayon is heat-sensitive, it is important to use materials that apply at a low temperature to avoid scorching the fabric.

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fibre with the same molecular structure as cellulose. It is obtained from natural sources of cellulose, such as wood and agricultural products, especially wood pulp. Rayon is a popular fabric in the fashion industry as it is soft, breathable, drapes well, has moisture-wicking properties, is resistant to stains, does not shrink, has a shiny appearance, is easy to wash, and dries quickly. It is also a wonderful silk substitute as it has all the qualities of silk but is not as expensive.

Rayon was first discovered in the 1880s by Frenchman Count Hillaire de Chardonnet, who found that nitrocellulose from rags or wood pulp could be turned into fibre, thread, and fabric. De Chardonnet began bulk production of the fibre in the United Kingdom in 1905, and it soon became famous for its lustre, texture, and soft feel. Initially, it was called artificial or imitation silk. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially recognised and confirmed the term 'rayon' as the regenerated cellulosic fibre in 1925.

Rayon is also known as 'viscose' and is commercialised in some countries as 'sabra silk' or 'cactus silk'. It can be woven or knitted to make textiles for clothing and other purposes. Rayon is a versatile fibre and can imitate the feel and texture of natural fibres such as silk, wool, cotton, and linen. It is easily dyed and has a similar drape and slipperiness to nylon.

The production of rayon involves solubilising cellulose to turn the fibres into the required form. The three common solubilisation methods are the cuprammonium process, the viscose process, and the Lyocell process. The viscose process is the most common today and involves using alkali and carbon disulfide. The Lyocell process is considered more environmentally friendly as it uses fewer harsh chemicals.

Tri-blends are heat-sensitive

Tri-blends are made from a combination of three different threads: typically polyester, cotton, and rayon. This blend gives the fabric a unique look and feel, and it is sought after for its softness and drape. However, due to the presence of rayon, tri-blends can be heat-sensitive and prone to scorching during the heat transfer printing process.

Rayon is a synthetic fibre originally made as a substitute for silk. It has a soft, smooth finish and some stretch. When combined with cotton and polyester, it creates a lightweight, super soft, and stretchy fabric. However, rayon's heat sensitivity means that tri-blend fabrics can scorch under high heat during heat transfer printing.

To successfully print on tri-blend fabrics using a heat press, it is essential to choose the right heat transfer with the right low-temperature adhesive. This is because tri-blends are sensitive to heat, and using the wrong transfer material can result in the transfer not adhering properly or reducing its durability. The key is to use a heat transfer that applies at a low temperature to prevent scorching.

There are several recommended heat transfers for tri-blends, including CAD-CUT Premium Plus, Elasti Prints, and SuperTEK. These heat transfers are designed to be applied at low temperatures, reducing the risk of scorching. It is also important to use the correct pressure when heat printing tri-blends and to consider using heat printing accessories, such as a smaller lower platen or pads, to ensure even pressure and accurate application.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right materials and settings, it is possible to successfully heat print on tri-blend fabrics while avoiding the heat sensitivity issues that can occur with this unique and fashionable fabric blend.

Use a heat transfer with a low-temperature adhesive

Yes, you can use a heat transfer with a low-temperature adhesive on a tri-blend t-shirt. This type of t-shirt is typically made from a combination of polyester, cotton, and rayon, and is known for its extreme softness and drape.

When using a heat transfer with a low-temperature adhesive, it is important to follow these steps:

Choose the Right Heat Transfer:

Select a heat transfer with a low-melt adhesive that is specifically designed for tri-blend fabrics, such as Elasti Prints® screen-printed transfers or CAD-CUT® Premium Plus™. These transfers apply at a low temperature, preventing the fabric from melting or scorching.

Prepare the Heat Press:

Use a heat press with a lower platen that can be warmed up separately. This will help cure the adhesive from the underside of the garment while the top heated element is set at a slightly lower temperature. Ensure that the heat press is set to the correct temperature and pressure for the chosen heat transfer.

Pre-heat the T-shirt:

Before applying the heat transfer, it is recommended to pre-heat your tri-blend t-shirt. This helps ensure that the adhesive activates properly and adheres to the fabric.

Apply the Heat Transfer:

Follow the instructions provided with your chosen heat transfer for the specific application process. Typically, you will need to cut the transfer in reverse, weed excess material, and apply it to the pre-heated t-shirt using the heat press. Use light pressure and the recommended temperature and time settings to avoid scorching the fabric.

Peel the Carrier:

After applying the heat transfer, peel off the carrier sheet while it is still hot. This will help ensure that the transfer adheres properly to the fabric.

Allow to Cool:

Let the t-shirt cool down completely before handling it further.

Wait Before Washing:

It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before washing the t-shirt for the first time. When washing, use mild detergent and either warm or cold water. Hang the item to dry, and avoid dry cleaning.

By following these steps and choosing the right heat transfer with a low-temperature adhesive, you can successfully apply a heat transfer to a tri-blend t-shirt without scorching or damaging the fabric.

Use a lower heat platen to avoid scorch marks

Tri-blend t-shirts are made from three different fibres: cotton, polyester and rayon. Cotton gives the fabric breathability, rayon gives it drape and polyester gives it durability. However, the rayon in the fabric can scorch under high heat, so it's important to use a low-temperature material and a heated lower platen when heat pressing tri-blend t-shirts.

The lower heat press platen adds a heating element to the underside of the garment, curing the adhesive from underneath while the top heated element is set at a slightly lower temperature. This ensures that there won't be any scorch marks or heat press boxes on the finished side of the garment.

To avoid scorch marks, it's important to choose the right heat transfer with a low-temperature adhesive. CAD-CUT Premium Plus heat transfer vinyl is one of the recommended heat transfers for tri-blends. It can be applied as low as 280 degrees. Before printing your shirt, it's also important to warm up the lower platen.

The size of the lower platen is another consideration when setting the pressure. If you are heat-pressing a smaller print location and have moved to a smaller platen, you may be over-applying pressure without realising it. In this case, you should cut back on the pressure slightly.

Using a smaller lower platen on your heat press will also help to move areas off the press that may interfere with accurate application. For example, you can load a raglan tee onto the heat press without worrying that the collar or shoulder seams will get in the way while heat printing. Using an even pressure, your application will be a success because you isolate the print location.

To summarise, when heat pressing tri-blend t-shirts, it's important to use a lower heat platen to avoid scorch marks. This involves choosing the right heat transfer with a low-temperature adhesive, warming up the lower platen before printing, and adjusting the pressure and platen size as needed. By following these steps, you can ensure that your tri-blend t-shirts are heat-pressed successfully without any scorch marks or heat press boxes.

Frequently asked questions