Some heat press tools help protect your gear, others improve print quality, and a few are total time-savers. Here's a breakdown of the most talked-about heat pressing supplies and why they belong in your setup.
1. Tee Pad It
This padded tool utilized to raise the surface area being pressed and prevents seams and garment ridges from being in the way, helping you properly press your garments with those extra seams, collars, zippers, pockets, and more. See it in action:
2. Pressing Pillows
Similar to the Tee Pad, but designed to allow surrounding areas to sink into the pillow, ensuring a flat pressing surface. It also features cushioned bounce-back foam which comes back to form after each press. Each pillow is wrapped in a heat resistant Non-Stick sheet. No longer will you have to worry about seams, buttons, or zippers--each of those items will be pushed down into the pad while your transfer gets 100% of the heat! See it in action:
3. Graphic Alignment System
The Graphic Alignment System combines the Tee Square It and Logo Grid It tools to help you perfectly position your transfers every time. The Tee Square It centers and aligns full-size designs with speed and precision, reducing wasted materials and reprints. Paired with the Logo Grid It, it makes chest graphic placement quick and consistent across every garment. Together, they take the guesswork out of alignment for professional-looking results. See it in action:
4. Pro Grade Nomex Heat Felt
The Nomex Heat Felt is a must-have for sublimating hard, fragile items like tiles, coasters, and ornaments. Its soft, heat-resistant surface protects delicate substrates from cracking under pressure while still allowing for proper heat transfer. It also helps achieve a smooth wrap around curved edges, giving your prints a clean, professional finish. Unlike firm silicone pads, the heat felt won’t retain permanent indentations, making it a more forgiving and reusable option for high-pressure pressing. See it in action:
5. HPN Signature Splitter Stand
This splitter stand is the perfect companion for your Signature Series Heat Press! Press one side of your shirt with ease, leaving the other side securely hanging below the lower platen. Pockets, zippers, and seams snugly rest on the underside giving you a completely flat even surface to press. See it in action:
6. Universal Heat Press Stand
The HPN Signature Series Heat Press Stand provides an even, sturdy surface to safely operate your heat press. At 28 inches in height, the HPN Signature Series Heat Press Stand provides the perfect operating height for any standard heat press size. Though it is designed specifically for the HPN Signature Series Heat Presses it can be used with all other heat press machines. See it in action:
7. Heat Tape
Thermal tape is designed to assist you in keeping your sublimation transfer in place on your substrate negating any shifting of your images such as ghosting or an otherwise "do-over" product. Sublimation heat tape is specifically designed to withstand temperatures up to 425 °F and is generally easy to peel after use.
8. Adhesive Spray
AlbaChem Eco Mist is perfect for use with sublimation, heat transfer paper, and any other application where you need a temporary adhesive with a spray application. This spray adhesive holds your transfer paper onto the substrate during pressing. Using a spray adhesive will keep the paper from shifting, which will help avoid ghosting and blurriness. The spray adhesive works best when applied to items such as garments, mousepads, fabric coasters or any other kind of soft sublimation substrates and can also be used with most heat transfer paper as well. See it in action:
9. Parchment Paper
This non-stick paper is intended to be used with all sublimation transfers. This paper will keep the heating element of your heat press free and clear of any residual sublimation ink. Pro Grade Non-Stick Parchment Paper can be used in a similar way to butcher paper when transferring your designs.
10. Pro Grade Non-Stick Sheet
Our Non-Stick sheet is used between the top heat platen and image transfer, vinyl or rhinestones when performing heat press transfers. This will protect the heat press platen from any residual mess and help to apply even heat. Our Non-Stick sheet is designed for long-time usage at peak performance. See it in action:
11. EZ-Off Platen Cleaner
A non-flammable gel for cleaning heating elements and removing accidentally pressed transfers. EZ-Off removes starch, soil, and foreign residue from the heating element. How To Use EZ-Off: HPN YouTube.
12. Vinyl Letter Remover (VLR)
AlbaChem Vinyl Letter Remover (VLR) is a fast-drying solvent designed to remove heat transfer vinyl and adhesive residue from most fabrics. It helps correct mistakes without ruining garments, saving you time and reducing waste. The precision spout allows for easy, controlled application with minimal mess.
The right supplies can simplify your process, protect your investment, and help you get the most out of your heat press. Explore the tools listed above and see which ones make sense for your next project.
