A highly-requested, yet nearly impossible to decorate item for many apparel print shops is high top shoes. They are very popular amongst clothing and streetwear brands, and they often come with a high markup, which can lead to high profitability for your shop. Therefore, having the means to fulfill those orders is essential. In this project, we'll be showing you how to use your Face Mask Kit for Heat Press to do just that, so you never have to turn down that order again!
For full instructions on how to print your own DTG transfers with your DTG printer (similar to DTF transfers), click here!
Preparing Your Heat Press
First things first. To set up your heat press to complete the job, remove the press's standard base and replace it with the Heat Press Adaptor that comes in your Kit.
Installing and Changing Out the Face Mask Platen's Top Plates
Each Face Mask Kit comes with three different sizes of Top Plates to cater to the multitude of apparel types it is capable of decorating! The 3x6 Poly Top Plate is a hexagonal, large Top Plate on which adult-sized fabric face masks fit best. The 2.5x5 Poly Top Plate is a slightly smaller hexagonal Top Plate for decorating youth-sized fabric face masks. And, the 3x4 Top Plate is a rectangle Top Plate for decorating on the panels of center-seam face masks. Each Top Plate can also be used to decorate various other types of apparel outside of face masks! And, each Top Plate also comes with a corresponding Hoop of the same dimensions for securing down the apparel on to the Top Plate itself. To change out the Top Plates:
- Unscrew the two screws on the back of the Face Mask Platen and take the Top Plate off, this can be done with a Phillip's head screwdriver or a drill
- Replace it with the Top Plate you want to use by aligning the holes for the screws with the holes on the back of the platen, the Top Platen and platen should fit together like puzzle pieces
- Screw the small screws back in to the holes and it is set for use
Loading the Face Mask Platen to Decorate the Shoe Tongue
- For the tongue of the shoes, we will be using the 3x4 Top Plate, so install that one on to your Face Mask Platen first
- Place the tongue of the shoes over top the Top Plate and hold it in place by setting the 3x4 corresponding Hoop around the Top Plate
- Place your DTG Transfer in its intended placement and heat press according to your transfer's suggested time and temperature settings (you may choose to tape the transfer down with heat tape for added stability). The settings we used are 300F for 30 seconds
- After pressing the shoe tongue, peel off the film in one fluid motion
- Repeat this process for the other shoe tongue
Loading the Face Mask Platen to Decorate the Side of the Shoe
- Next, we will be using the 3x6 Poly Top Plate to decorate the side of the shoes, so follow the instructions above to switch out the Top Plates
- Place the side of the shoe over the 3x6 Top Plate and use a small box, book, or your hand to support the base of the shoe while you put your transfer in its intended placement
KEY TIP: Ensure the shoelace eyelets are not resting on the surface of the Top Plate, as the pressure of the heat press can cause the eyelets to puncture the Top Plate's foam base - If you are supporting the shoe with your hand, MAKE SURE to move your fingers out of the way of the hot plates and heat press the transfer on to the shoe according to the suggested time and temperature settings
- After pressing, peel the film off the transfer in one fluid motion
- Repeat the process for the other shoe
Now, you can offer custom shoes in your shop!
Products Used in This Project:
Want to know what else your Face Mask Kit for Heat press can do? Check out this project! Interested in learning how DTG Transfers can benefit your shop? Click here!
Want to See More of These Products in Action? Schedule a Demo Session with Us!
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