Processing instructions

Achieving durable, high-quality results with toner transfers relies on tailoring your heat press settings to the specific product you are decorating. This guide organizes TheMagicTouch processing instructions by product category, detailing the critical parameters for time, temperature, and pressure.

General Processing Requirements

Regardless of the substrate, always follow these preparatory steps:

1. Print Preparation: Check if the image needs to be mirrored. Mirroring is required for light-colored items (using TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1, TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2, etc.). For opaque decoration on dark items (OBM, ORD), print the image as is (no mirror).
2. Substrate Pre-Press: Pre-press cotton garments for 5 seconds to eliminate moisture and wrinkles. Ensure all hard surfaces are clean and dry.
3. Accessories: Use the correct mat (A.Pad, T.Pad, or Application Sponge) to manage heat flow and guarantee even pressure distribution.

Textiles and Fabric Application Instructions

These settings ensure optimal washability and hand-feel for garments.

Light and White T-Shirts, Cotton, and Polyester

For these light-colored fabrics, you will primarily use TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1/3.1 Plus or the single-step TheMagicTouch T.ONE.

• Transfer Paper Used: TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1/3.1 Plus or TheMagicTouch T.ONE.
• Mirror Image: Yes.
• Pressure: High.
• Settings (TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1): Press at 180°C – 195°C (356°F – 383°F) for 10 – 15 seconds. Peel Hot immediately. Finish by post-pressing with Release Paper for 3–5 seconds.
• Settings (TheMagicTouch T.ONE): Press at the product’s recommended temperature (typically 140°C / 284°F) for 5 – 15 seconds. Use a Hot or Warm Peel. Crucially, post-press with TheMagicTouch T.Seal for 15 – 20 seconds for maximum durability.

Dark and Black T-Shirts and Apparel

When decorating dark garments, you require opaque layers using either TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 or the white toner system, TheMagicTouch WOW – Dark.

• Transfer Paper Used: TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 or TheMagicTouch WOW – Dark.
• Pressure: High.
• Settings (TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4): Print No Mirror. Pre-press cotton garments for 5 seconds. Press at a low 120°C (248°F) for 15 seconds to protect the fabric. Use a Warm Peel, then post-press with TheMagicTouch T.Seal.
• Settings (WOW – Dark): Print Mirror Image. Pressing temperature is higher, typically 130°C – 145°C (266°F – 293°F), depending on the specific step. A Hot Peel is required for marrying the A/B papers. Use the TheMagicTouch T.Pad for essential heat retention during the process.

Hard Surface Application Instructions

Hard substrates require careful control of heat absorption using specific press pads.

Ceramics, Metal, and Rigid Plastics (Smooth Hard Surfaces)

For these varied smooth substrates, the flexible TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 paper is utilized.

• Transfer Paper Used: TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2.
• Mirror Image: Yes.
• Temperature: 140°C – 150°C (284°F – 302°F). A lower temperature is applied for a longer duration.
• Time & Pressure: Highly product dependent. Time ranges from 2 seconds (coasters) up to 180 seconds (glass). Pressure varies from Medium (fragile items) to High (rigid items).
• Peel Instruction: Warm Peel. Allow the product to cool slightly before removal.
• Accessory Note: Use the TheMagicTouch A.Pad or TheMagicTouch T.Pad to modulate the heat flow and protect the substrate from temperature shock.

Wood and Cork (Rough and Porous Surfaces)

These highly porous materials require strong pressure to push the toner deep into the material texture using TheMagicTouch RST 9.1.

• Transfer Paper Used: TheMagicTouch RST 9.1.
• Mirror Image: Yes.
• Pressure: High.
• Temperature: 160°C (320°F).
• Time: 60 seconds.
• Peel Instruction: Wet Peel. This requires the Application Sponge to be used with minimal moisture to release the backing paper.

Thick Acrylic and Opaque Glass (Decorative Surfaces)

For solid, opaque decoration on these specific substrates, use TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1.

• Transfer Paper Used: TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1.
• Mirror Image: No (Print as is).
• Pressure: High.
• Temperature: 130°C (266°F).
• Time: 15 seconds.
• Peel Instruction: Cold Peel. Allow the product to cool completely before removal.
• Accessory Note: Use the Application Sponge for consistent and even pressure distribution.

Always conduct a small test press on your specific material to confirm optimal settings before proceeding with a full production run, ensuring maximum adhesion and product quality.