Scorching: Bring the Heat, not the Burn!

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At Jiffy, we know there’s nothing worse than dedicating your energy to a custom tee or sticker project only to see it ruined by a burn mark, or scorching (an unattractive discoloration in the shape of the heated, upper-platen of your heat press or iron).

These unsightly marks can turn your hard work into a disappointment, leading to wasted materials and frustrated customers. But don’t worry—with the right approach, you can avoid this problem altogether.

What Causes Garment Scorching?

Scorching happens when fabric is exposed to too much heat, or for too long, during the transfer process. This can lead to burn marks, discoloration, or even shiny patches on certain materials. Whether you’re working with a heat press or an iron, understanding what causes scorching is key to avoiding it. Here we will help you sidestep these issues and create smooth, professional-looking results.

The JIFFY Method to Prevent Scorching

J: Just the Right Pressure

Getting the pressure right is half the battle! If it’s too heavy, you risk scorching your fabric, especially on areas like logos or raised designs. When it comes to transfers, even pressure distribution is crucial. Be mindful when you’re applying designs to different types of garments. Need help? Jiffy makes it easy! Our carefully curated product line is optimized for achieving the right balance between pressure and heat, especially with detailed designs. Check the individualized application instructions and tips for every kind of transfer, found on each respective product page.

I: Ideal Transfer Temperature

Not all fabrics can handle high heat, and cranking up the temperature isn’t always the answer. The secret? Go for transfers that work at lower temperatures. At Jiffy, our ProColor Transfers are perfect for this. They can apply smoothly at temperatures under 300°F, making them a great fit for delicate fabrics like polyester. This reduces the risk of scorching and ensures your final product looks crisp and vibrant.

F: Fabric-Friendly Cover Sheets

Never underestimate the power of a good cover sheet! A cover sheet acts as a buffer between your heat source and your garment. With the right cover, you can evenly distribute heat and reduce the risk of scorching. However, not all cover sheets are the same. Some garments may need a lighter sheet, while others might benefit from something thicker. At Jiffy, we suggest a Teflon sheet, brown or white parchment paper (also known as baker's paper), or you can simply use another blank t-shirt.
⚠️Be sure never use waxed paper.

F: Flexible Heat Application

For those working with particularly heat-sensitive materials, you could consider using a heat press with a heated lower platen instead of a heated upper platen. This approach will allow you to reduce the heat from the top platen while still getting great results. It also isolates any potential scorching to the inside of the garment, where it’s less noticeable.

Y: Your Best Tools

We believe in equipping you with the right tools from the start. Whether you’re creating shirts for your small business or custom hard goods, the right equipment ensures you get consistent, professional results every time. Investing in a quality heat press can make all the difference. For those just starting out, you can use a handheld iron or Cricut Press, but as you grow, upgrading to pro-grade equipment will help you scale your business and avoid common pitfalls like scorching.

Pro Tips for Jiffy Success

• Test Your Fabrics: Every fabric is unique, and what works for one material may not work for another. That’s why we always recommend doing a small test run before diving into your final project. Some crafters will keep several shirts on hand to use for spot testing, to save on costs and avoid risk of ruining a good shirt that an eager customer awaits for that special occasion.
• Avoid Extreme Colors & Gradients: While bold designs are eye-catching, avoid going overboard with extreme gradients or dark colors on delicate fabrics. These elements can sometimes intensify the risk of scorching or color bleeding. ProColor Transfers help ensure you get smooth, vibrant results even with intricate designs.
• Keep it Cool: Always allow your garment to cool properly before removing the transfer sheet. This ensures the ink or adhesive has set completely and reduces any chance of scorching due to residual heat.

Choose Jiffy for Seamless Heat Printing

By following these special tips:
Just the right pressure
Ideal transfer temperatures
Fabric-friendly cover sheets
Flexible heat application, and
Your best tools
—you can ensure that your projects come out perfectly every time. Ready to get started? Browse our Jiffy Image Library to find the best designs and check out all our Jiffy Transfers options for your next project.