Cold Peel refers to a specific requirement in the heat transfer process where the carrier sheet (also known as the liner or backing) must be removed only after the transferred design and the substrate have completely cooled to room temperature. This allows the adhesive to fully solidify and “set” into the fabric fibers before the protective layer is disturbed.
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Why It Matters: Impact and Use
- Consistency: For large orders, cold peeling allows for a final quality check. You can press the entire batch and then sit down to peel them all at once, ensuring a uniform look across the entire production run.
- Enhanced Adhesion: Some chemical adhesives in flex foils, such as MagiCut 123Premium, are designed to be fluid when hot. Peeling while warm would “pull” the design away from the fabric. Waiting for a cold peel ensures the bond is permanent and the edges are crisp.
- Production Workflow Efficiency: While “Cold Peel” might sound slow, it actually optimizes high-volume workflows. An operator can press one garment, move it to a cooling station immediately, and start the next press cycle. This “Press-Stack-Peel” method keeps the heat press active 100% of the time, increasing your CTR (Cycle Time Rate).
- Specialty Finishes: Many metallic, holographic, and high-gloss foils are strictly cold peel. Peeling these while hot can dull the finish or cause the “foil” layer to delaminate from the adhesive base.
All Cold Peel HTV’s
Comparison: Cold Peel vs. Hot Peel
| Feature | Cold Peel | Hot Peel |
| Removal Timing | 30+ seconds after pressing (Room Temp). | Immediately (within 1-3 seconds). |
| Finish | Often smoother or glossier. | Usually more matte or textured. |
| Workflow | Press all, then peel all. | Press, peel, repeat. |
| Common Media | Metallics, Gloss, DTF, certain Flex. | Standard HTV, fast-production foils. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I peel a cold peel transfer while it’s hot?
If you peel a cold peel transfer too early, the adhesive may still be in a liquid state. This can cause the design to lift off the shirt, create jagged edges, or leave adhesive residue on the carrier sheet.
How can I speed up the cooling process for cold peel?
You can use a ‘heat sink’ such as a cold metal table or a specialized cooling block. Rubbing the transfer with a blackboard eraser or a piece of cloth can also help dissipate the heat faster.
Is MagiCut 123Premium a cold peel foil?
Yes, MagiCut 123Premium is designed with cold peel properties, ensuring a professional, durable bond and a high-quality finish once cooled.
Related terms
- Pneumatic Heat Press
- Interchangable Lower Heat Press Platens
- Heat Press Bottom Plates
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