How to Press Signature Leatherette with Top Heat Only
If your heat press only has top heat capability (single platen), you can still achieve excellent results with our Signature Leatherette patches. Our material is designed for Universal Heat Press Settings, making it adaptable to various press configurations.
Recommended Settings for Top Heat Only:
- Temperature: 300°F - 320°F
- Time: 30 - 45 seconds
- Pressure: Begin with medium to firm pressure until a clean, even press is achieved
- Sheet: Always use a silicone sheet during pressing
Why Higher Temperature for Top Heat Only?
When using only top heat, you need slightly higher temperatures (compared to our dual press recommendation of 280°F top) to compensate for the lack of bottom heat. The 300-320°F range ensures proper adhesive activation while maintaining material quality.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Preheat your press - Set to 300-320°F and allow it to fully heat
- Prepare your hat or garment - Position it securely on your press surface
- Position your Signature Leatherette patch - Place it adhesive-side down on the desired location
- Cover with silicone sheet - This protects the material and ensures even heat distribution
- Apply medium to firm pressure - Press for 30-45 seconds
- Check adhesion - Carefully lift a corner to test. If not fully adhered, press for an additional 10-15 seconds
- Allow to cool - Let the patch cool completely before handling for best adhesion
- Test and adjust - Fine-tune time, temperature, and pressure as needed for your specific setup
Important Tips for Top Heat Only:
- Pressure is key: With only top heat, you may need slightly more pressure than dual press setups to ensure even contact and heat transfer
- Surface matters: Ensure your bottom surface is firm and heat-resistant. A hard, flat surface works best
- Test first: Always test on a scrap piece or less visible area before pressing your final product
- Watch for scorching: If you see discoloration or damage, reduce temperature by 10-20°F
- Incomplete adhesion? If edges aren't sticking, increase time or pressure rather than temperature first
Troubleshooting:
Patch not sticking: Increase pressure or time (add 5-10 seconds). Ensure silicone sheet is clean and making good contact.
Material looks damaged or discolored: Reduce temperature by 10-20°F. Make sure you're using a silicone sheet.
Uneven adhesion: Check that your pressing surface is completely flat and that you're applying even pressure across the entire patch.
Remember:
These settings are intended as a starting range only. Every press and environment varies, so we strongly recommend testing and fine-tuning for your specific setup and preferences.
Important: Please verify that your patch dimensions and total area are compatible with your press capacity. Additional presses, increased pressure, or adjusted heat settings may be required for larger designs. We cannot be held responsible for application issues related to patches or designs that exceed the dimensions or area capacity of your heat press equipment.
Our Signature Leatherette was developed specifically for Universal applications—allowing for higher production volumes without changing settings for other brands you may be using currently and not sacrificing quality.
Whether you're creating custom hat patches for your small town merch or producing bulk orders for wholesale clients, our Signature Leatherette delivers consistent, professional results—even with top heat only setups.
