We test our fabrics at 330 degrees F for 1 minute exposure in a laboratory oven. At the proper curing dwell time, garment shrinkage is not a factor.
Keep dwell time in curing to within 45 seconds to 1 minute, maximum 320 degrees F. The surest printing method uses two layers of ink: Flood, stroke, repeat; Flash to just gel the ink; Flood, stroke, repeat; Remove from the platen and cure at the recommended temperature.
There are ink additives that decrease curing temperatures, but these additives reduce the opacity of the ink, and should not be used.
Size of design should be chosen carefully for Compression Fit styles. Full Chest and other large designs should be avoided due to distortion and possible ink cracking when compression fabrics are stretched. For these styles, left-chest or similar designs are best.
There are ink additives that increase the stretch of cured inks, but these additives decrease bleed resistance, and should not be used.
We suggest the use of International Coatings LF Series low bleed technology inks, a low-fusion (300 degrees F) line of ink. Other suppliers or brands of polyester ink technology include Rutland, Nazdar, Union, and One Stroke.