It's time for my 1st iron-on!!! Tips?

[Mom2JoeyandBen]

I purchased the Avery Dark Transfer paper from Walmart for 9.99(great price IMO). I am putting a design on a white t-shirt, so I will be careful to cut away all of the edges cleanly so there is no "white" transferred onto the shirt.

The Avery instructions state not to reverse the picture, and states to allow the ironing tissue paper 2 minutes approx. to cool before removing it after ironing it on.

Do you "cut away" the excess edges BEFORE or AFTER you peel off and remove the paper backing from the transfer?

What recommendations do people have as far as the surface to do the ironing on? It states not to do it on granite countertops or ironing board. I don't have a "wooden" table, but it does mention the use of a wooden cutting board? Has anyone used the cutting board method?

What about mica countertops? I have a mica countertop in the laundry room that I could use, but I thought you weren't suppose to put hot items on mica or you will get a "hot spot"? However the transfer paper directions say you can use formica.

Thanks for everyone's input in advance!!!

 

[sjlupin]

Hi!

I would defintely trim before you peel the backing. Once you peel it it will be a tad sticky and very flimsy (does that make sense? ). It would be very difficult to trim afterwards, IMHO.

I have done the ironing on three surfaces ... formica counter top, a cutting board and a wooden coffe table. The formica worked fine with no issues, as did the cutting board (I also use this to put inside the shirt if I am ironing on both sides). The wooden coffee table? BIG mistake! I have a spot now where I took the finish right off of it!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Sometimes it can be hard to peel the paper backing off - my instructions said to peel back a corner of the paper to just past the design image, replace, then trim and then remove the backing. This will prevent bent corners. Then when you remove the backing, start with the 'loose' corner and it will come off easily.

I place a pillowcase folded in half and sometimes a thin towel on my desk and iron there. It has always worked beautifully and is the perfect height.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

A pillowcase on formica countertop worked great for me. This may seem obvious but be sure your pillowcase is smoooth. If you hit a seam in the pillowcase, it will wrinkle your transfer.

You definately have to trim before you peel.

My best tip is that you can easily get the paper separated by tearing it slightly (it won't tear the transfer.) Then cut a slit big enough to get under the design before you trim around it. If you forget to cut the slit, don't be afraid to tear the paper gently to get it started -- really it won't ear the transfer! I spent so much time trying to peel the backing off before I realize this!

Have fun! It's so rewarding! I can't wait to do this for our next trip (yet to be planned.)

 

[cissy]

Push down HARD!! I pushed harder on one side than I did on the other and you can tell. The next time I will rotate myself around the table so I apply even pressure.

I trimmed first and then peeled off the backing. I peeled a little down from the corner and it took some time but came off fine.

I used a cutting board covered by a pillowcase ON an ironing board. I did this so I would have somewhere safe to set the iron and because I can adjust the height of my board.

Good luck!!