IColor Select Ultra Bright 2 Step Transfer Paper Instructions

IColor Select Ultra Bright 2 Step Transfer Paper

Specifications:

• Temperature: Varies based on the type of printer
• Time: Dependent on printer model and settings
• Pressure: 5
• Paper Setting:
  • IColorTM 500/600 – Media Type: Transparency / Media Weight: UH1
  • IColorTM 650 – Media Type: User Type 2 / Media Weight: UH2
  • IColorTM 550/540 – Paper Type: Coated Glossy
  • IColorTM 560 – Paper Type: Thick to 105g
  • IColorTM 800 – Paper Type: Thick to 163g

Product Usage Instructions

Instructions for Best Results:

1. Place the transparent transfer sheet into the appropriate tray of your printer with the rough side facing up.
2. Print the image on the transparent transfer sheet.
3. Ensure the adhesive sheet is not run through the printer to avoid damage.
4. Apply the adhesive sheet to the printed transparent transfer sheet.
5. Pre-press the garment for a few seconds to remove any moisture and wrinkles.
6. Position the transfer paper on the garment with the image facing down.
7. Press with the recommended temperature, time, and pressure settings.
8. Peel off the transfer paper after cooling to reveal the transferred image.

Tips for Usage:

• Avoid using PTFE-based sheets during pressing to prevent defects.
• If darker colors appear blotchy after pressing, refer to Tech Tips for solutions.
• Rub the paper with textile post-pressing for better adhesion.

FAQ:

Q: How many washes will finished garments last?
A: Finished garments will last between 30 to 50 washes depending on laundering methods.

Q: Can I use this transfer paper with any laser printer?
A: The transfer paper is designed to work best with IColorTM series printers, but it can also be used with many popular color laser printers. It is recommended to check compatibility with your specific printer manufacturer.

Q: What should I do if I experience incomplete transfers?
A: Ensure proper printing and pressing techniques are followed. If incomplete transfers occur, refer to the Tech Tips section for troubleshooting steps.

IColor™ Select Ultra Bright 2 Step Transfer Paper Instructions
Instructions pertain to all sizes and variations of IColor™ Select Ultra Bright 2 Step™
Textile Transfer paper (without IColor™ watermark on the back of the B sheet).

The IColor™ Select Ultra Bright 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. 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™ Select Ultra Bright 2 Step Transfer Paper works at a higher temperature as compared to other 2 Step papers, 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. This paper has several advantages which complements UNINET’S robust line of transfer paper.

• A matte texture instead of a shiny finish.
• The polyester-infused adhesive provides for a more durable adhesive with better stretchability which helps prevent images from pulling apart.
• A brighter adhesive ‘B’ sheet compared to the regular Select media.
• This lower cost paper is a great everyday choice for textile transfers.
  IColor™ Select Ultra Bright 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 between 30 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™ Select Ultra Bright 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™ Select Ultra Bright 2 Step Transfer Paper is used as a set, comprising of a ‘Transparent Transfer Sheet’ and an ‘Adhesive Sheet’. Note that these are sold as a set and cannot be sold individually.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BEST RESULTS

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

   • IColor™ 650 / 600 / 500 / Most OKI Printers: Print side face up in the Multipurpose Tray
   • IColor™ 800 / 550 / 540: Print side face down in the Bypass Tray
   • IColor™ 560: Print side face down in the Bypass tray or print side face up in tray 1 (ProRIP defaults to bypass tray)
     Do not run the adhesive sheet through the printer or fuser damage may result. UNINET does not cover fuser damage if a jam occurs, fusers are not covered under warranty.
     To avoid printer jams if using Tray 1, stack a few sheets in the tray at once so the printer pulls the paper cleanly.

2. 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 Select Ultra Bright’

   • The page size should match the size of the paper being used (A4, A4 LEG, A4 XL, A3, TAB XL).
     Otherwise, use the following settings based on the printer:

   • IColor™ 600 / 500 / Most OKI Printers: Set media type to ‘Transparency’ and media weight to ‘Ultra Heavy 1’

   • IColor™ 650 : Set media type to ‘User Type 2’ and media weight to ‘Ultra Heavy 2’

   • IColor™ 550 / 540: Set paper type to ‘Coated Glossy’

   • IColor™ 560: Set paper type to ‘Thick to 105g’

   • IColor™ 800: Set paper type to ‘Thick to 163g’
     AVOID MISFEEDS OR JAMS IN THE ICOLOR™ 560
     Maximum print length is 14”. Do not run the A4 XL media or longer lengths.
     If not already done automatically in the RIP, remember to set the job to mirror print, ensuring the correct orientation when transferred to the textile. White overprint settings are automatically assigned by the RIP.

3. Print the image.

4. Preheat the press to 340°F / 171°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.

5. 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 matte, dull side

   • TIP: Fold a small corner of the adhesive sheet over, prior to pressing (this will make it easier to peel apart after pressing).

6. Cover the 2 sheets with an IColor™ black or white marrying cover cloth and press the two sheets together in the heat press at 340°F / 171°C for 135 seconds with medium pressure.
   If you do not have and IColor™ marrying cloth, you can use kraft paper or one ply of a cotton or polyester T shirt, but if you experience marrying defects, it’s suggested to use the cloth for best results.
   If your graphic has significant dark or black aspects, it may be necessary to press at 340°F / 171°C for 135 seconds to allow for proper adhesion to the adhesive sheet.
   Do not cover with a PTFE-based sheet as it may cause defects.
   Users might notice some magenta staining on the adhesive sheet when printing with the IColor™ 540/550/560/800 series printers and a slight greenish tint when printing with the IColor™ 650. In all cases, it does not affect the image quality.
   If areas of darker colors appear blotchy or inconsistent after pressing, see Tech Tips.

7. Open the press, then rub the paper with a piece of textile for approximately 5 seconds. A wait or ‘dwell’ time of approximately 40 seconds might be required, especially on newer models like the IColor 650 and 800W to allow the layers of toner and adhesive paper to bond properly. The user will have to experiment a bit as to what works right for their printer and specific environment.

   • 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. You can also use the Weed Border feature in the RIP to assist for a more consistent pull.
   • 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.

8. 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.

9. Trim off the edges of the transparent transfer sheet using a pair of scissors or a cutting board. This will ensure no excess adhesive sticks to the garment and eliminate the chance of a white box around your design.

10. Place or thread your garment on the press.

    • Use a lint roller to remove any excess lint from the textile.
    • Pre-press the textile for 10 – 15 seconds at 300°F / 149°C to remove excess humidity. You may see steam released as this is done. Continue to press until the steam is no longer released.

11. 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.

12. Cover the transfer sheet and garment with kraft paper and press the garment at 300°F / 149°C for 25 seconds with high pressure for cotton textiles.

    • 300°F / 149°C is suitable for all cotton and polyester textiles and materials.
    • You can perform this step ONLY as low as 250°F / 121°C if necessary to avoid dye migration on polyester fabrics.
    • TIP: Pressing at a lower temperature in all cases will result in a more vivid final product. Higher temperatures may result in loss of color and could cause dye migration for polyester fabrics.
    • Having a 2nd heat press for this step will greatly speed up production

13. Remove the garment from the heat press carefully and immediately lay flat. Allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes. This paper must be completely cooled before peeling.

    • Placing ice packs on the pressed transfer will aid in cooling and provide for more even peeling.

14. 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.

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

    • Place the textile back on the heat press
    • Cover with kraft paper or IColor™ T. Seal, for a matte finish.
      TIP: UNINET recommends re-pressing at a lower temperature to retain the vibrancy of the image. A hotter post press may dull out the pressed image. Repress at 265°F / 129°C for 30 seconds with heavy pressure to increase durability.

16. Wait 15 seconds before removing the kraft paper or IColor™ T.Seal to avoid any part of the transfer from sticking to the cover 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.

• If your presses are not pulling cleanly, 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 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.
  During Step 5 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.

• The suggested variance in pressing temperature and time is subjective based on the type of heat press used as well as atmospheric conditions at that time.
  If, after performing Step 6, certain colors appear ‘blotchy’ or inconsistent, it is recommended use the IColor™ black or white cotton cover cloth, or a piece of cotton or polyester fabric on top of the cover sheet and when pressing to the adhesive. This slows the rate at which the transfer heats up and assists with evening out the pressure when pressing.
  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.
  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.

• If this still does not resolve the issue, consult the Humidity and Storage section on this page.

• When pressing large areas of black, it may be necessary to increase the press time from 135 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 12, you are adjusting the heat press temperature to accommodate delicate material, you must increase the temperature to 340°F / 171°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 Cotton / Poly blends and hoodies:

• Press 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.

If you are seeing stray adhesive sticking to your garment or substrate during Step 12 of these instructions, try reducing the press pressure.
If some of your image isn’t sticking to the garment properly during Step 14, 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.

Humidity Suggestions: If your transfers are incomplete (gaps or holes where the adhesive didn’t transfer over), or you are having trouble peeling the transfer from your garment, then your adhesive paper 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 if not already provided 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™ Select Ultra Bright 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 and Wood and Leather 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

Dec 2023 Revision – A newer version of this manual may be available at www.icolorprint.com/support
(Or scan this QR Code)

icolorprint.com

References

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

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