Hale Bound Company

Pressing Guide

Quick-reference temperatures, times, pressure settings, and preparation steps from our current product listings.

Before You Press

These instructions are starting guidelines. Heat presses vary, so you may need to adjust the time, temperature, or pressure for your equipment. Always follow the individual product listing when its instructions differ from this guide.

Sublimation MDF

380°FTemperature
50 secTime
NormalPressure
  1. Remove the protective film from both sides.
  2. Place the substrate on the sublimation transfer.
  3. Remove the transfer paper immediately.
  4. For double-sided pieces, repeat on the opposite side.

If the coating peels, lower the temperature by 10–15°F.

Example product

Sublimation Natural Wood

380°FTemperature
50 secTime
NormalPressure
  1. Remove the protective film from both sides.
  2. Place the substrate on the sublimation transfer.
  3. Remove the transfer paper immediately.
  4. For double-sided pieces, repeat on the opposite side.

If the coating peels, lower the temperature by 10–15°F.

Example product

Sublimation Acrylic

375–385°FTemperature
45–50 secTime
MediumPressure
  1. Do not mirror the design.
  2. Remove protective film from both sides.
  3. Place the white coating against the transfer, with the transfer facing down.
  4. If warping occurs, cool under a heavy flat object.

Example product

Aluminum Ornaments & Inserts

385°FTemperature
50 secTime
MediumPressure
  1. Mirror the design.
  2. Remove the protective film.
  3. Place the image face up and the coated insert or ornament face down.
  4. For double-sided ornaments, repeat on the opposite side.

Example product

Sublimation Puzzles

356°FTemperature
120 secTime
Med–FirmPressure
  1. Place the puzzle face up.
  2. Place the transfer paper face down.
  3. Press using medium to firm pressure.

Example product

Neoprene

385°FTemperature
120 secTime
MediumPressure
  1. Lint-roll to remove loose fibers.
  2. Pre-press for 10 seconds at 385°F.
  3. Press with the transfer paper face down.

Example product

Polyester Linen

400°FTemperature
60 secTime
Light–MedPressure
  1. Lint-roll to remove loose fibers.
  2. Pre-press for 10 seconds at 400°F.
  3. Use spray adhesive on the transfer and place it face down on the linen side.
  4. Remove the paper immediately.

Example product

Garden Flags

400°FTemperature
60 secTime
Very FirmPressure
  1. Make sure the flag is clean and free of debris or lint. Use a lint roller to remove any loose particles.
  2. Pre-press for 15–20 seconds at 400°F to remove moisture and wrinkles and create a smooth surface.
  3. Place the sublimation transfer on the garden flag and cover it with protective butcher paper.
  4. Press for 60 seconds at 400°F using very firm pressure. Keep the flag covered with protective butcher paper to protect the heat press and your design.
  5. Carefully remove the flag from the heat press and allow it to cool.

Example product

Microfiber Garden Flags

400°FTemperature
60 secTime
MediumPressure
  1. Lint-roll the substrate.
  2. Pre-press for 5–10 seconds at 400°F using medium pressure.
  3. Place the transfer paper face down on the substrate.
  4. Press for 60 seconds using medium pressure.
  5. Repeat the instructions for the opposite side.

Example product

Sequins

400°FTemperature
60 secTime
See ListingPressure
  1. Lint-roll the linen side.
  2. Pre-press for 5 seconds at 400°F.
  3. Place the transfer on the linen or sequin side.

Example product

Car Air Fresheners

400°FTemperature
60 secTime
Not ListedPressure
  1. Remove from the packaging and lint-roll to remove loose fibers.
  2. Secure the transfer with adhesive spray.
  3. Place the air freshener face up on protective paper, with the transfer face down on the linen side.
  4. Remove the transfer paper immediately after pressing.

Cooling tip: If the air freshener warps or buckles, place a heavy flat object on it while it cools.

Example product

Sublimation Leatherette

320°FTemperature
80 secTime
Not ListedPressure
  1. Place the sublimation paper face down on the leatherette.
  2. Secure the transfer in position with heat tape.
  3. Press for 80 seconds at 320°F.
  4. Allow the item to cool for 1 minute.
  5. Repeat the instructions for the opposite side.

Example product

Sublimation Foldable Fan

380°FTemperature
50 secTime
Light–MedPressure
  1. Print on one side only because the material is thin.
  2. Print your mirrored design onto sublimation paper.
  3. Do not pre-press.
  4. Place the fan face up on the press with the image face down.
  5. Use light to medium pressure. Too much pressure can tear the fan.
  6. Press for 50 seconds at 380°F.

Time and temperature are starting guidelines and may vary with your equipment.

Example product

Laser Leatherette Patches

225–330°FFinal press temperature
25–30 secFinal press time
6–22 secPre-press time
  1. Pre-press the blank hat: Press for 6–22 seconds to remove moisture, flatten the fibers, and start warm-tacking the adhesive.
  2. Position the patch: Center the laser-engraved, heat-activated adhesive patch on the crown.
  3. Cover: Place a silicone pad or protective sheet over the patch.
  4. Final press: Press for 25–30 seconds at 225–330°F.
  5. Cool completely: Remove the pad, flip or open the sweatband if needed, and let the hat cool completely undisturbed before handling or flexing the patch.

Can’t Find Your Product?

Check the individual product page for its exact instructions or contact Hale Bound before pressing.