UK guide
Heat press settings you can start from
Pick a method and a fabric. You get temperature in Celsius, with Fahrenheit in brackets, plus time, pressure and peel. Each card is a published manufacturer example, not a number we averaged.
Settings lookup
Charts checked 7 October 2026.
Loading the published examples for this combination.
Methods
Standard HTV
Everyday PU, including Siser EasyWeed at 150°C and Garment Films One Flex at 140°C.
Glitter HTV
Sparkle films that usually want around 160°C and a warm peel.
Flock HTV
The velvety films. Peel warm or cool, not hot.
Stretch, metallic, holographic
Three families with different heats and peels, from 120°C EcoStretch to 160°C holographic.
Sublimation on polyester
Sawgrass at 205°C for 45 seconds, Xpres at 190°C for 60–70 seconds.
Sublimation on mugs
Sawgrass ceramic mugs: 180–205°C for 150–300 seconds in a mug press.
Hard blanks
Coated MDF, metal, slate and acrylic. Slate is minutes, not seconds.
DTF transfers
Full colour on cotton. Published press ranges run from about 140°C to 160°C.
Fabrics and blanks
When it goes wrong
Tools
Common questions
Are these the exact settings for my press?
No. They are published starting points. Presses, platens and blanks differ, and the dial is often not the real platen temperature. Use the chart for the product in your hand, then test on a scrap.
Why do the charts disagree?
They are for different films and inks. Siser EasyWeed is 150°C for 10–15 seconds. Garment Films One Flex is 140°C for 8 seconds. Sawgrass polyester sublimation is 205°C for 45 seconds, while Xpres publish 190°C for 60–70 seconds. The lookup shows those examples separately instead of blending them.
Can I sublimate a cotton T-shirt?
No. Xpres state that sublimation needs light-coloured polyester or a polymer coating, and will not work on cotton or dark garments. Use heat transfer vinyl or a DTF transfer on cotton.