Master T-Shirt Printing: Easy Home Techniques

Screen printing is a popular method for printing designs on fabrics like t-shirts, and curing is a crucial final step in the process. Curing involves drying and heating the printed fabric to ensure that the design stays on the shirt and doesn't fade or crack. While it may seem like a challenging task, curing printed shirts can be done easily and affordably at home using various methods, such as a heat press, an oven, a hairdryer, or even air drying. The chosen method depends on factors such as the type of ink and fabric used, temperature settings, and desired curing time.

Curing using a heat press

• Allow the ink to dry completely before curing. This usually takes around 24 hours, depending on the ink type and humidity. Touch the ink lightly to check; if it feels sticky or tacky, it is not ready.
• Preheat the heat press to the recommended temperature for your ink type. The temperature varies depending on the ink, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Place the t-shirt on the heat press, ensuring it is flat and smooth.
• Cover the design with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper to protect the shirt and prevent ink transfer to the heat press.
• Press the shirt for the recommended time, typically between 30 and 60 seconds. Apply even pressure and maintain a consistent temperature throughout.
• Allow the shirt to cool completely before washing or wearing it.
• Wash the shirt after 24 hours to ensure the ink is fully cured and bonded to the fabric.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of ink you are using, as curing times and temperatures may vary. Additionally, use a clean, smooth surface when curing to avoid wrinkles or bumps in the design.

Curing using an oven

Curing printed t-shirts in an oven is a simple process, but it requires your full attention to avoid accidents. It is also important to note that using an oven for curing is not recommended, as most home ovens are unable to produce constant and even heating. There is also a health risk associated with the chemicals released during the curing process. Therefore, it is advised to use a separate oven that is not used for cooking food.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set the oven temperature to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature depends on the type of ink used, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure to use an oven thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the T-shirt

Place the printed t-shirt on a baking sheet or aluminium foil, ensuring it is flat and smooth. If you are using liquid ink, you may want to cover the design with parchment paper to protect it from any potential dripping or smudging.

Step 3: Cure the T-shirt in the Oven

Place the baking sheet with the t-shirt in the oven, preferably on the middle rack. Keep a close eye on the t-shirt during the curing process. For water-based inks, you will notice some vapour or smoke, which is normal and indicates that the water is being released from the ink pigments.

Step 4: Check the Temperature

Use a temperature gun to check if the ink has reached the desired curing temperature. This step is crucial to ensure that the ink properly adheres to the fabric.

Step 5: Remove and Cool the T-shirt

Once the t-shirt is cured, carefully remove it from the oven using heat-resistant gloves or oven mitts. Allow the t-shirt to cool down completely before handling it further.

Step 6: Perform a Stretch Test (Optional)

Before washing or wearing the t-shirt, you can perform a stretch test to ensure that the ink is properly cured. Gently stretch the printed area and check for any cracks or tears in the print. If the ink is fully cured, the t-shirt should return to its original shape without any damage to the design.

Step 7: Wash and Care Instructions

After curing, it is recommended to let the t-shirt air dry for at least 24 hours before washing or wearing it. This allows the ink to fully cure and bond with the fabric. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for washing and drying the t-shirt to ensure the longevity of the print.

Curing using a hair dryer

Curing printed t-shirts with a hair dryer is a popular technique for DIY screen printers. It is a convenient and safe method, as hair dryers are typically stored in the home and have a lower risk of scorching the fabric than other methods.

However, hair dryers are not ideal for high-temperature curing. Commercial hair dryers usually max out at 100-140 degrees Fahrenheit, so this method is not suitable for plastisol inks, which require temperatures of 290-330 degrees Fahrenheit to cure.

Hair dryers can be used to cure water-based inks, but only if the ink is a low-cure variety that cures well below the typical 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Even then, it will take a long time to reach the desired curing temperature.

Another issue with using a hair dryer is the risk of ink bleeding, caused by the rapid air blowing. Therefore, this method is not recommended for curing printed t-shirts, and should be reserved for one-off art projects.

Curing using a heat gun

Curing with a heat gun is a popular way of curing ink on a budget. These portable heat machines are small flash units that can reach up to 1200°F, which is plenty of heating power for curing.

However, curing with a heat gun can be time-consuming, especially if you are producing batches of t-shirts or curing larger-sized prints. It can be difficult to maintain heat consistency throughout, and there is a risk of scorching the garment if the heat gun is held too close. It is also hard to determine whether the ink has reached the correct temperature with a heat gun.

If you are using a heat gun, it is recommended to practise on scrap clothing first. Pay attention to the distance you need to hold the heat gun at, and always keep a temperature gun nearby to avoid overheating.

To cure plastisol ink with a heat gun, hold the heat gun directly above the print until the garment is dry to the touch. Then, perform a wash test. For water-based inks, first mix a low-cure additive, such as Warp Drive, into your ink. Then, use the heat gun to evaporate the water from the ink until the print is dry to the touch. Let the garment sit for 48 hours, and the additive will chemically cure the ink.

Air-drying

To speed up the process, you can use a fan to create airflow. However, do not aim the fan directly at the t-shirts as the force of the wind could cause them to move and smudge against each other, risking smearing the ink. If you do use a fan, the drying process will take between 24 and 48 hours.

If you are using regular water-based inks, you may want to combine air-drying with another curing method, such as using an oven, iron, or hair dryer.

Before air-drying, make sure the ink is completely dry. This usually takes around 24 hours, but can vary depending on the type of ink and the humidity of the environment. To check if the ink is dry, touch it lightly with your fingers. If it feels sticky or tacky, it is not ready for curing.

After air-drying, it is important to let the t-shirt air dry for at least another 24 hours before washing or wearing it to ensure the ink is fully cured and bonded to the fabric.

Frequently asked questions