IColor 650 Standard 2 Step Textile Transfer Paper Instructions

IColor 650 Standard 2 Step Textile Transfer Paper

Product Information

The IColorTM Standard 2 StepTM Textile Transfer Paper is a weed-free system designed to produce detailed, high-quality images while reducing production time. It is compatible with the IColorTM series of specialty printers and also works with many popular color laser printers (please check compatibility with your printer
manufacturer). The transfer paper is used as a set, consisting of Transparent Transfer Sheet and an Adhesive Sheet. Finished garments using this transfer paper can last up to 50 washes, depending on laundering methods.

• Time: 120 seconds for IColorTM 650/600/500 and 30 seconds for IColorTM 550/540/560/800
• Paper Setting : IColorTM 650/600/500
  • Media Type : Transparency,
• Media Weight: UH1; IColorTM 550/540
  • Paper Type : Thick to 163g;
• IColorTM 560
  • Paper Type: Thick to 105g; IColorTM 800
  • Paper Type: Thick to 163g/220g
• Pressure : 5

Product Usage Instructions

1. Place the transparent transfer sheet into the appropriate tray of the IColorTM printer. The coated, rough side is the print side.
2. Print the image on the transparent transfer sheet.
3. Open the press and immediately (while hot), rub the sheets with a piece of textile for 5 seconds.
4. Peel the adhesive sheet away from the transparent transfer sheet diagonally in one slow, low, and fluid motion.
5. Trim off the edges of the transparent transfer sheet to remove excess adhesive using a pair of scissors or a cutting board.
6. Place the garment on the heat press and position the transparent transfer sheet on top of it.
7. Close the press and apply pressure for the recommended time (120 seconds for IColorTM 650/600/500 and 30 seconds for IColorTM 550/540/560/800).
8. Remove the garment from the heat press carefully and lay it flat to cool for at least 5 minutes.
9. Once the garment is completely cooled, peel away the transfer sheet in one smooth, continuous rolling motion.
10. Wait for 10 seconds before removing the fixing or kraft paper to avoid any part of the transfer from sticking to it.

Note: To achieve the darkest black color, follow specific instructions for each printer model as mentioned in the user manual. Use kraft paper specifically designed for heat press applications to avoid sticking issues. Ensure stable power supply and climate control for consistent results.

IColor™ Standard 2 Step™ Textile Transfer Paper Instructions

Instructions pertain to all sizes and variations of IColor™ Standard 2 Step™ Textile Transfer paper!

• IColor™ 650/600/500 – Media Type: Transparency / Media Weight: UH1 IColor™ 550/540 – Paper Type: Thick to 163g
• IColor™ 560 – Paper Type: Thick to 105g IColor™ 800 – Paper Type: Thick to 163g/220g

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• The IColor™ Standard 2 Step™ Transfer Paper set will allow you to transfer prints from the IColor™ series of printers (including white and fluorescent color prints) and most laser printers, onto a variety of garments, especially dark fabrics. The white adhesive applied as a result of the 2 Step process enhances the color of your print and increases the adhesion to your garment for maximum durability, opacity and vibrancy on your finished product. Rasterization and breathability integrated into your design, as well as using the garment color as a mask, will enhance the stretch limit and softness of your finished product.
• IColor™ Standard 2 Step™ Transfer Paper’s default pressing temperature is 310°F / 154°C, so some care must be taken when pressing onto some types of synthetic material such as nylon or polyester. Spandex or Lycra material is not recommended at this temperature. You can press as low as 250°F / 120°C onto the substrate to retain vibrancy and avoid damage caused by excessive heat
• IColor™ Standard 2 Step™ Transfer Paper is a weed-free system, enabling you to produce detailed, high quality images while dramatically reducing your production time.

Finished garments will last up to 50 washes depending on how it’s laundered.

• It is recommended to wash finished garments inside out in cold or warm water and low agitation.
• Avoid fabric softener.
• Tumble dry on low setting – For best results, hang to dry.
• If ironing is necessary, you must place a piece of kraft paper between the pressed image and the hot iron. Failure to do this will result in a melted transfer.

Designed to work with the IColor™ series of specialty printers, the IColor™ Standard 2 Step™ Transfer Paper will also work with many popular color laser printers – please check with your printer manufacturer for compatibility. White toner enabled printers are highly suggested for best results.
IColor™ Standard 2 Step™ Transfer Paper is used as a set, comprising of a ‘Transparent Transfer Sheet’ and an ‘Adhesive Sheet’

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BEST RESULTS

Place the transparent transfer sheet into the appropriate tray of the IColor™ printer.
The coated, rough side is the print side.

• IColor™ 650 / 600 / 500 / Most Oki Printers: Print side face up in Multipurpose Tray
• IColor™ 550 / 540: Print side face up in Tray 1 (Do not use the Bypass Tray with this paper)
• IColor™ 560: Print side face down in Bypass tray or print side face up in tray 1 (ProRIP defaults to bypass tray)
•   IColor™ 800 : Print side face down in Bypass Tray
• TIP: If feeding more than one at a time, stack a few sheets in the tray at once so the printer pulls the paper cleanly.
• NEVER run the adhesive sheet through your printer. This may result in fuser failure.

AVOID MISFEEDS OR JAMS IN THE ICOLOR™ 560 / 550 / 540!

• For A4 sizes – Set the guides in Tray 1 to A4 so that the paper sits completely flat and flush.
• For Legal Sizes – Set the guides and extend the back of Tray 1 so that the paper sits completely flat and flush. Remove the plastic plate on the back of the printer to allow Tray 1 to extend fully. Consult the User Manual of your printer for assistance.

Printer Settings:

• In the RIP software settings, choose the paper type according to the printer being used. Make sure you are working within the overprint queue in the ProRIP software or ‘B’ Configuration if using the TransferRIP software.
• Specific print modes and sizes for this paper are available when using the IColor™ ProRIP software.
  • Listed as ‘UNINET IColor 2 Step Standard 560-550’
  • The page size should match the size of the paper being used.

Otherwise, use the following settings based on the printer:

• IColor™ 650 / 600 / 500 / Most OKI Printers: Set media type to ‘Transparency’; and media weight to ‘Ultra Heavy 1’
• IColor™ 550 / 540: Set paper type to ‘Thick to 163g’
• IColor™ 560: Set paper type to ‘Thick to 105g’
• IColor™ 800: Set paper type to ‘Thick to 163g’ (Thick to 220g may be needed for extra heavy coverage) If not already done automatically in the RIP, remember to set the job to mirror print, ensuring the correct orientation when transferred to the substrate.

Print the image.

Preheat the press
to 310°F / 154°C and keep the press closed for at least 5 minutes before proceeding to heat up the lower platen.

• This step is extremely important to ensure a good bond during the marrying process. Do not proceed until you feel the heat radiating from the bottom of the press platen, or you may experience incomplete transfers.

Place the printed image in the middle of the press with the printed side facing up.

• Place the adhesive sheet on top of the print, adhesive coated side down – the image and the adhesive should be face-to-face.
• Adhesive side is the non-marked, smooth, coated side.
• TIP: Fold a small corner of the adhesive sheet over, prior to pressing (this will make it easier to peel apart after pressing).

Cover the two sheets
with kraft paper, a PTFE-based sheet or IColor black cotton cover cloth and press the two sheets together in the heat press at 310°F / 154°C for 120 seconds with medium pressure.

IColor™ 650 & 800W Users: For heavier, denser images, it may be necessary to:

1. Press at 330°F / 165°C
2. Press for a longer period of time (20 seconds more)
3. Increase dwell time before peeling in order to achieve a clean adhesive pull

Open the press and immediately (while hot)
– rub the sheets with a piece of textile for 5 seconds, then peel the adhesive sheet away from the transparent transfer sheet diagonally in one slow, low and fluid motion.

• This must be done with the sheets on the press to minimize heat loss. The use of heat resistant gloves will help keep the paper in place due to the temperature of the lower platen.
• TIP: In order to avoid a faulty peel, it is recommended to peel from the side of the image with the greatest toner density.
• TIP: Slow down at the end of the peel and allow the adhesive sheet to ‘fall off’ to ensure that you do not lose the last edge of the graphic.

Observe the used adhesive sheet
– you will see the adhesive was removed only where toner was present on the transfer sheet.

• If you see any part of your design on the adhesive sheet, you did not get a clean pull. See Tech Tips for reasons why this may have happened.
• Examine the transfer sheet to determine if the transfer is acceptable and proceed to Step 9. Discard the used adhesive sheet.

Trim off the edges of the transparent transfer sheet to remove excess adhesive, using a pair of scissors or a cutting board. This will ensure it doesn’t stick to the garment, and will eliminate the chance of a white box around your design.

Place or thread your garment on the press.
Position the transfer sheet (print side down) onto the garment.

• It is suggested that you use heat resistant tape to secure the sheet to the garment. Otherwise, opening the press can cause the transfer sheet to lift prematurely.
• For more precise placement, lay the garment out on a table, position the transfer sheet appropriately and tape the corners before placement on the press.

Cover the transfer sheet and garment with kraft paper and press the garment using a heat press at 310°F / 154°C for 30 seconds with medium-high pressure for cotton textiles.

• If you are pressing onto 100% poly, press at 265°F / 129°C.
• If you are pressing onto 50/50 cotton/poly, press at 285°F / 140°C.
• You can perform this step ONLY as low as 250°F / 121°C if necessary to avoid dye migration on polyester fabrics, avoid damaging delicate textiles and to retain vibrancy.
• TIP: Pressing at a lower temperature in all cases will result in a more vivid final product.

Remove the garment from the heat press carefully and immediately lay flat. Allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes.

• Once the garment is completely cooled , carefully peel away the transfer sheet in one smooth, continuous rolling motion.
  • Removal while still warm could lead to an incomplete or faulty transfer.
  • It is suggested that you start your pull from an area that has the most toner coverage. The image will adhere to the garment. Perform this step within 60 mins or less.
  • Use ice packs if necessary, to help the cooling process.

Re-Pressing (AKA post press or fixing press) the image into the garment is important for wash durability.

• Place the textile back on the heat press.
• Cover with kraft paper or IColor™ T. Seal, for a matte finish.
• Re-press the image for roughly 20 seconds at 310°F / 154°C or at the temperature it was originally pressed (if lower).
• Re-Pressing at a lower temperature (as low as 265°F / 129°C) can help retain some vibrancy. A hotter post press may dull out the pressed image.

Wait 10 seconds before removing the fixing or kraft paper to avoid any part of the transfer from sticking to the kraft sheet.

• Pull slowly in one smooth, continuous motion. It is important to wait before pulling the paper off, otherwise it could pull the design off the garment!
• While the garment is still on the press and still hot; lightly stretch the material to allow the toner to soak into the fabric to prevent cracking.

TECH TIPS

There are many variables that could produce different results. Specific steps may need to be altered based on:

• Type of image: Photos or full-color graphics may require a longer press time than vector images or text.
• Type of garment: Cotton, Polyester, Spandex and Lycra material all respond differently to heat. All instructions are based on cotton garments. Try to select a fabric that is less stretchy to help prevent cracking of the image over time.
• If your images are not pulling cleanly during the marrying step, preheat the lower platen of the press in the closed position for several minutes to retain the necessary heat to perform this step.
• Toner Coverage: Halftones in image may cause undesired results. Toner coverage should not be less than 70%otherwise there may be issues with transferring the adhesive to the transfer sheet. The RIP will add the necessary amount of white to the image to avoid this situation. Those printing outside of the RIP software or not using white toner, may encounter issues such as incomplete adhesive transfer.
• Type and brand of Heat Press: The temperature and duration varies slightly based on the heat press being used. All instructions are based on using a Hotronix Fusion press (recommended). Clam shell and other types of swing away presses may also yield different results. Always place the transfer paper in the middle of your heat press. Some heat presses do not have uniform heat and pressure distribution, which can affect your final project.

Only use kraft paper made for heat press applications! The use of butcher paper or other kinds not specifically designed for heat transfer applications can cause the image to stick to the paper.

If, when printing (Step 2), you are seeing streaks or bubbling in the print:

• Ensure that your heat press is closing evenly with consistent pressure
• IColor™ 550/540 only – Turn on the humidity setting to ‘Level 3’
• IColor™ 560/550/540 only – If the humidity is high, move the media weight (paper type) to a higher level and if the humidity is low, move the media weight to a lower level
• Allow the printer to cool down if running many sheets in a row.

To achieve the darkest black color:

• For all IColor™ printers (except the 650 & 800W): Set the color of the black portions of your artwork to 100% C, 100% M, 100% Y. It may be necessary to do this from the RIP, as some file formats may convert differently than others once imported.
• For the IColor™ 800W only: Set the color of the black portions of your artwork to 100% C, 100% M, 85% Y.
• For the IColor™ 650 only: Set the color of the black portions of your artwork to 90% C, 90% M, 80% Y.

The ProRIP color profile will adjust the black portions of your artwork for you automatically when you choose the correct print mode (IColor™ 800W & 650 only). Be sure you are working with the latest print mode update!

If, during Step 3, you are seeing poor adhesion when printing your design, check to make sure you are running your printer with adequate and stable power on a dedicated circuit. If so, this can be caused by changes in climate.

• First, reset your print modes to default settings and try again.
• If the problem persists, you might need to adjust the media weight (down one setting if humidity is low, or up one setting if humidity is high) which will speed up or slow down the fuser.
• One of those changes should solve the issue for you. Keep in mind if a media weight change works, you might need to change it back to the original setting when the weather changes again (ie from winter to summer).

During Step 6 of these instructions, it is important that the adhesive sheet is placed on top because:

• The source of heat is on top and heat is transferred directly to the adhesive sheet instead of passing through the transfer sheet
• When pulling the sheets apart, the sheet on top tends to curl. If that was your transfer sheet, it would then be difficult to place on your garment and could be ruined if the image touched itself while hot.

During Step 7, note that the denser your image, the more difficult it will be to pull the A & B sheets apart. Start out with less dense, weeded or rasterized images to perfect your process. Full coverage images take some skill to successful pull cleanly and may require a longer press time and/or higher temperature. Full coverage tabloid graphics are not recommended.

• Rasterize your images for a soft touch! The RIP software can help you rasterize your design with a few clicks. A rasterized design on the fabric feels even softer than a screen print and has also extremely good wash-fastness and much better washability than a print with larger or full-scale areas.

If, during Step 8 , your images are not peeling cleanly, first ensure that you are printing the right amount of white over your image.

• If so, then preheat the bottom platen of your heat press to ensure it’s hot enough. Cool lower platens are the main cause of inconsistent A/B pulls.
• Leave the sheets on the press during separation. Otherwise, cold air will flow under the media and will cause the transfer to cool down rapidly, leading to inconsistencies.
• If this still does not resolve the issue, consult the Humidity and Storage sections below.
• When pressing large areas of black (especially using the IColor™ 650 or 800W), it may be necessary to increase the press time from 120 sec to 200 sec because of heavier than normal toner coverage. Increasing the dwell time before pulling will also help with adhesion.

If, during Step 11 , you are adjusting the heat press temperature to accommodate delicate material, you must increase the temperature to 310°F / 154°C for Step 6. The adhesive will not transfer over properly if set at a lower temperature. Using two heat presses would greatly increase your output and is recommended.

For Polyester, Cotton / Poly blends and hoodies:

• Press to the garment at 250°F / 121°C for 20 seconds, cool immediately and roll the transfer sheet off very tightly.
• Repress for 15 seconds and cool immediately. A lower press temperature and immediate cooling are necessary to prevent dye migration.

For Mylar Balloons:

• After the marrying step, press to the substrate for 10 seconds with medium pressure at 190°F / 88°C.
  • If you are seeing stray adhesive sticking to your garment or substrate during the transfer Step 11 of these instructions, try reducing the press pressure to ‘medium-low’ or ‘3’.
  • If some of your image isn’t sticking to the garment properly during Step 13, start your pull from an area that has the most toner coverage.
• For example, DO NOT start your pull from a dot or a small independent portion of your graphic. The more toner coverage, the higher the probability that you won’t lose part of your image when getting started.
• Do not separate the A & B media too fast – this can lead to inconsistencies on round edges or other critical areas of your design.
• Humidity Suggestions: If your transfers are incomplete (gaps or holes where the adhesive didn’t transfer over), then your adhesive sheets may have been affected by humidity. Follow these steps to remove the humidity:
  • Place the adhesive sheet(s) face up in the heat press while hot.
  • Do not press them, just allow to sit for approximately 1 – 2 minutes. Then proceed as normal.
• Adhesive sheet storage: To prevent humidity from affecting your paper, store in a resealable bag. Adding a silica pack will help to absorb any moisture. Use of a de-humidifier will help reduce excess moisture.
  • Optimal Humidity Level: 45% – 65%
  • Regulated with A/C, a humidifier or de-humidifier, depending on current atmospheric conditions.\
• Optimal Temperature Range: 50°F / 10°C – 75°F / 24°C
• Transfer sheet storage: If the paper is sticking together due to static electricity, store in a resealable or anti-static bag. Adding a dryer sheet will help reduce the static. Fan out the paper before loading into the printer to ensure proper feeding.
• Halftones can be corrected by printing white on top of color (either running the sheet through the printer a second pass, or using the IColor™ TransferRIP or ProRIP Software to apply a white layer in one pass). This will assist with toner coverage and proper adherence to the garment.

There are many types of coatings and finishes applied to textiles and synthetic fabrics, so make certain adhesion is satisfactory and test for washability or scuff-resistance when applying transfer paper to such materials.

It is recommended to wash finished garments inside out in cold or warm water and low agitation. Avoid fabric softener, as it may prematurely degrade the transfer. Tumble dry on low setting – For best results, hang to dry. If ironing is necessary, you must place a piece of kraft paper between the pressed image and the hot iron. Failure to do this will result in a melted transfer.

To see video instructions for IColor™ Standard Transfer Paper, visit www.icolorprint.com/video

OPTIONALLY AVAILABLE

IColor™ SmartCUT Software

Easily print oversized images on letter/A4 sized printers with UNINET’S optional IColor™ SmartCUT software. Use any oversized graphic, and the software will split it in half along the most logical path. You can choose to have it split along dark or light areas, depending on the color garment you will be pressing onto. With this software, you can make 3XL shirts that are not possible with even the most expensive of printing systems because you can gang up as many transfer sheets as you want. For use with IColor™ Standard and Select 2 Step Transfer Paper. Trial version available at https://www.icolorprint.com/support

ALSO AVAILABLE:

• IColor™ Premium 2 Step Transfer Paper for light and dark colored garments
• IColor™ Select and Select Ultra Bright 2 Step Transfer Paper for light and dark colored garments
• IColor™ Standard 2 Step Transfer Paper for light and dark colored garments
• IColor™ Glitter Adhesive 2 Step Transfer Paper (for use with IColor™ Standard 2 Step Transfer Paper)
• IColor™ Light 1-Step Transfer Paper for light colored garments
• IColor™ Presto 2 Step Transfer Paper for textiles and hard surfaces
• IColor™ Temporary Tattoo 2 Step and Easy Tattoo Transfer Paper
• IColor™ Premium, Wood and Leather and Ceramic Hard Surface 1-Step Transfer Paper
• IColor™ AquaClear 1-Step Transfer Paper for candles and other substrates not resistant to heat
• IColor™ Label / Sticker Paper (Clear and White) in Letter and Tabloid size
• IColor™ Window Cling Media (Clear and White) in Banner and cut sheet options
• IColor™ Banner Paper
• IColor™ Magnetic Media in Letter and Tabloid size

…and more! Contact your dealer for more information.

IColor™ Transfer Paper Comparison Charts

May 2023 Revision – A newer version of this manual may be available at www.icolorprint.com/support

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References

• IColor Printing Solutions | Powered by UNINET
• IColor Printing Solutions | Powered by UNINET
• IColor Printing Solutions | Powered by UNINET

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