RTP Apparel Style 1600 Pink ModelOne of the most common questions asked about RTP Apparel products is how to properly use them when DTG printing. We have put together a quick tutorial for our users so they can find the best solutions in using RTP in their shops.

 

  • PRE-PRINTING PREPARATION:
    • ALWAYS pre-press the shirt prior to printing. This is to remove the moisture.
    • You can use any heat press, but the BEST option is to use high pressure and a cover sheet (protects the shirt from anything on the heating surface of the heat press).
    • Ensure NO moisture is coming off the shirt  – that’s when you know it is ready to print.
    • Pre-Pressing also helps flatten any fibers if present.
    • Whenever heat pressing the shirt prior to printing OR curing the inks – always thread the shirt onto the platen (i.e. press only one layer of fabric at a time to avoid moisture blowing into the other side of the fabric).
  • PRINT LIKE NORMAL. These shirts DO NOT change the way you print.
  • CURING THE INK with a HEAT PRESS:
    • Follow your ink manufacturer’s curing process.
    • Always thread the shirt onto the heat platen to cure the ink. This will help avoid potential issues for subsequent printing locations.
    • Always use a cover sheet. Find the best that works with your ink set.
    • Remember – cover sheets wear out. Sometimes they can transfer images to other shirts. Always be aware of this to avoid screwups!

  • CURING THE INK with a Conveyor Dryer:
    • You may need to insert a slip sheet in-between the front and back of the shirt to avoid moisture burn off from your ink set. Excess moisture evaporation can cause potential printing issues for multiple locations.
  • POST HANDLING:
    • DO NOT STACK hot shirts on top of each other. Allow them to cool properly before stacking.
    • Stacking shirts while hot and too many in a stack (they get heavy) the inks still are reacting and gassing off as they cure. During this process vapors can discolor or ghost to other fabric. Allow to completely COOL.
  • WASHING OF RTP APPAREL:
    • To get the best durability of your RTP Apparel shirt and print;
      • Allow 24 hours after printing and curing BEFORE washing.
      • Wash in cold water.
      • Wash inside out like any other shirt.
      • Tumble dry low heat or hang dry.
      • Normal Shrinkage is +/- 5% when washing as noted above.
  • STORING OF RTP APPAREL:
    • Store out of direct sunlight.
    • Store in climate controlled area if possible.
    • Keep dry.
  • PRIOR TO WEARING RTP APPAREL:
    • Always wash an RTP Apparel shirt before wearing the first time (just like your underwear or other garments you purchase)
    • Keep out of direct sunlight. UV light can be harmful to the shirts.

If you have other questions or suggestions for us, please let us know via our Contact Page.