Over time, we’ve gone through the process of heat pressing several times, even discussing various materials! But we know there are times you may wonder how far the heat press methods can take you. Whether it’s a particular type of material or artwork type, we’re here to help. So today’s focus remains on the question, can you heat press on nylon jackets?
In short, yes, BUT only once the heat press method is refined, and properties in the material are altered to suit the process.
1. The Technicalities of Nylon Material
Before we give you the method of printing on nylon, it’s only logical we take you through how nylon works, what it contains and how it’ll impact the printing process. Therefore you’ll be more prepared when trying out a new material.
a) Is Nylon Waterproof?
Nylon ISN’T waterproof. Though, nylon can be altered to become water resistant. Large companies add extra materials and coating to create durability in the garment (a durable water repellent) to provide water resistance. If you want to get technical, nylon is a hygroscopic material – it’s made to absorb water.
b) Is Nylon Permeable?
Nylon can generally be heat pressed; however, you have to work extra hard to get a perfect result. This is dependent on the type of nylon you’re using. If your material doesn’t have mechanical stretch, your garment won’t be as permeable. Therefore it’ll be hard for ink to pass through the garment and won’t bond with the fabric. Mechanical stretch can be found in fabrics with two layers, and less commonly, three layers of material. An example of materials that cannot be screen printed on are elastase garments, which contain three layers.
c) Is Nylon Stretchy?
Different types of nylon of course, have different properties, which means not all of them will react the same way. Essentially nylon is stretchy, but one’s that aren’t physically stretchable may have textiles within the fabric that have the capacity to stretch. As we covered above, the physical stretch of the garment isn’t what determines whether it’s permeable or not. Since plastisol and water-based inks are both forms of liquid, you need nylon with mechanical stretch that can absorb the ink for best results.
Need tips on using your heat press? Check our our blog ‘How to Get the Best From Your T-Shirt Heat Press Machine‘!
2. Printing on Nylon Material
The heat press process isn’t much different from a regular process with polyester garments, however, it’s important to get it right to avoid dwell marks. If you’re unsure of the temperature, test out a lower temperature for more amount of time to balance out the pressure the garment will receive. This way, you won’t risk scorching the nylon.
a) Will the Heat Press Melt Nylon?
Nylon will not melt on a heat press, but it can burn easily! That’s why the heat press method needs to be refined to suit the properties of nylon. Whenever you heat press anything with zips and buttons, be sure never to have them on the platen’s surface area; instead, hang the area off the heat press machine to avoid contact with the upper platen. This is because zips and buttons can easily melt, but no, nylon itself will not melt, only scorch.
b) What Temperature Should You Heat Press Nylon?
If you’ve read most of our blogs, you might notice we always recommend a temperature of 165ºC for 6 seconds. That’s not the case with nylon. Instead, reduce the temperature to 140ºC (as you would for cold peel) and heat press for 8-9 seconds.
The reason for this is pretty much the same as what I’ve stated above. Nylon is more susceptible to dwell marks, which means a balance between time and temperature is needed.
3. Why Can’t You Use the Standard Heat Press Method on Nylon Jackets
If you use the standard method of 165ºC, the ink will bond with the fabric as needed, but the material will take damage from this. Lowering the temperature and increasing the time allows the material to absorb the ink before the garment becomes at risk.
4. How Can Innotex Transfers Help With Heat Pressing Nylon Jackets
Check out our other blogs on heat pressing on different materials and all around tips for printing custom designs. At Innotex Transfers, we specialise in rapid ink transfers and heat press equipment, so if you’re looking for guidance on your heat press journey, give us a call at 020 3617 8710, and we can get you custom heat press transfers at the lowest price!
