Tips and tricks

Elevate your print quality, washability, and product durability by mastering these expert tips and utilizing the full range of TheMagicTouch accessories. Learn how to select the correct mat or cover sheet for every transfer application, from textiles to hard surfaces.

The Essential TheMagicTouch Accessories

Choosing the right heat press mat or cover sheet is crucial for controlling heat, pressure, and temperature build-up.

Press Pads for Temperature Control

• TheMagicTouch A.Pad (Solid Synthetic Rubber)
  • Use: Primarily with TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 for heat-sensitive hard surfaces, such as aluminum and magnetic foil.
  • Purpose: Offers moderate dampening for hard surfaces. For TheMagicTouch WOW – Dark, TheMagicTouch WOW – Light and TheMagicTouch WTT the mat ensures a smoother surface and  better heat retention, which is vital for easy and clean A-sheet removal. 
• TheMagicTouch T.Pad (Light Waffle Texture)
  • Use: With TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 for materials like acrylic and PU leather, and essential for TheMagicTouch WOW – Dark, TheMagicTouch WOW – Light and TheMagicTouch WTT textile transfers.
  • Purpose: Offers moderate dampening for hard surfaces. For TheMagicTouch WOW – Dark, the mat ensures a smoother surface and better heat retention, which is vital for easy and clean first step removal.
• TheMagicTouch Application Sponge (Lightweight Spongy Material)
  • Use: With TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 (for rough surfaces like wood) and TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 (for artificial leather and some plastics). Also with TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 (for glass and acrylics) TheMagicTouch Gloss Finish and TheMagicTouch Coverseal. (for an enhanced finish of TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 applications) 
  • Purpose: Provides minimal dampening. Its open material allows for the addition of a small amount of moisture (steam), which helps the toner adhere more securely to imperfections and the porous nature of materials like wood and rough surfaces.
• TheMagicTouch M.Pad (Mini A.Pad for Mugs)
  • Use: Exclusively with TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 transfer paper in mug presses.
  • Purpose: Ensures gradual and consistent temperature build-up on mugs and cups, and prevents the structure of the heating element from bleeding through into the final image.

Covering and Protection Sheets

• TheMagicTouch T.Seal (Special Rubbery Coating)
  • Use: Designed for post-pressing TheMagicTouch WOW – Light, TheMagicTouch WOW-Dark, TheMagicTouch WTT, Hot Stamp Foil, MagiCut HTV and DTF Magic transfer applications. 
  • Purpose: The rubber coating melts and effectively folds the transfer around the fabric fibers, ensuring optimal bonding for maximum washability and stretch (superior to standard release paper).
• Teflon Sheet (Non-Stick Barrier)
  • Use: Essential for all sublimation applications.
  • Purpose: Functions as a barrier (both above and below the product) to prevent gaseous sublimation pigments from escaping and contaminating the press platen or mat (which can cause ‘ghosting’).
• TheMagicTouch Release Paper (Specialty Baking Paper)
  • Use: For the post-pressing of all transfer applications on polyester and for protecting existing prints during a second pressing. For post-pressing on cotton, TheMagicTouch T.Seal is the better alternative. 
  • Purpose: Protecting the print during post-pressing, creating a better bond between fabric and transfer. It is a safer alternative to standard supermarket baking paper, which can sometimes rub off on lighter fabrics. 

Transfer Paper Tips & Techniques by Type

Achieve the highest quality standards by applying these specialized techniques.

Textile Transfers

• TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 (Light Textiles)
  • Ensure the bottom plate of the press is warm; this aids in a smooth ‘hot peel.’
  • Wait 5 seconds after pressing before removing the paper. Leave the garment on the press and pull the fabric slightly apart under the transfer to find a starting point. 
  • If the transfer cools too much, cover it with TheMagicTouch Release Paper and re-press for 10 seconds to reheat the adhesive layer for easier removal.
• TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 (Dark Textiles)
  • Pre-Peel: Pull back a corner of the backing sheet before trimming the white edges; this speeds up the final removal significantly.
  • Freestanding Design: Use Medium Tack Eco-Solvent Application Tape to position the freestanding design onto the fabric.
• TheMagicTouch WOW – Dark (White Toner Textiles)
  • First Press Step: Ensure the bottom plate and TheMagicTouch T.Pad are hot before the first press to maximize the time available for clean A-sheet removal.
  • Delicate Fabrics: Lower the temperature for the second press step and final pressing to 110°C (230°F). In this case, press for an additional 5 seconds to allow the adhesive to set optimally.

Transfers for Hard & Rough Surfaces

• TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 (Hard Surfaces)
  • Improve Scratch Resistance: Place the printed product in an oven for 15 minutes at 150°C (302°F) or use a heat gun.
  • Finish: Use TheMagicTouch GlossFinish for an extra glossy toner, or TheMagicTouch Coverseal for maximum scratch resistance (e.g., on magnetic foil).
  • Faster Cooling: Press the hot product against a cold, flat surface (like a stone slab) to speed up cooling before removing the transfer paper.
• TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 (Rough Surfaces/Wood)
  • Moisture Control: Only lightly moisten the TheMagicTouch Application Sponge (3 to 5 sprays from 30 cm away).
  • Moisture-Sensitive Wood: If the wood does not tolerate moisture well, moisten the transfer after pressing with a damp cloth to remove the paper, instead of spraying on the transfer. 
• TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 (Waterslide Decal)
  • Use warm water to increase the film’s flexibility for application onto curved surfaces.
  • If the product can withstand 160°C (320°F), put it in an oven for approximately 15 minutes or use a heat gun to fully cure the print (applies only to DCT 4.5c and 4.5W). Make sure the print has dried for at least 9 hours before doing this. 
• TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 (Opaque Decoration)
  • Finish: Apply the self-adhesive TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 Flock for an immediate, luxurious, enhanced appearance.
  • Removal (Glass): If a print needs to be removed from glass, soak the item in water overnight—the print will easily detach the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions