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[Flint54]

Back in December last year I set up a wash test with the 2 main heat transfer vinyls that we use.  I cannot report on any other vinyls nor is this an endorsement of the two that we tested. This is only the direct results.

The two heat transfer vinyls that we use are the ThermoFlex Xtra and Plus. Xtra is used on nylon, leather and other materials that may need a bit lower pressing temp. Plus is used for cotton and blends and uses a bit higher press temp. I had a dozen cotton/poly blend t-shirts, 6 white and 6 gray that I used both the Plus and Xtra on, also with the Xtra I did a 2 layer design along with a single.

These shirts were laundered in a commercial laundry environment the same as hospital sheets and gowns. Warm water wash at @110 degrees and dried in a 200-250lb capacity steam heated dryer at @ 170 degrees.

All shirts and vinyl made it through 10 wash/dry cycles following provided instructions.

***PLUS*** Turn garment inside out before washing. Wash in warm to hot water. You can tumble dry ThermoFlex® Plus decorated garments on high heat without the transfer film sticking to itself.

****XTRA**** Here is where the laundry goofed big time!!!  They followed the same instructions as for the plus so the shirts were done at much higher temps than recommended

At 20 cycles the 2 layer Xtra vinyl transfers began peeling apart and at 30 cycles most of the 2 layer Xtra logos were completely apart with a few small areas or letters still attached.

All vinyl that was directly adhered to the shirt itself, both Xtra and Plus made it without seperation from from the shirt through all 30 wash/dry cycles.

Needless to say I am very impressed with the results as a commercial laundry places much more stress on the garment than any home laundering.

Like I stated, this is not an endorsement but just the results.

[boomerbabe]

Thank you for this excellent information. I have not yet tried Thermoflex but think I will. Comparisons of products are important to provide the best products for our customers and reports such as this one help make that possible.

[gprockhill]

Interesting info. I always include washing instructions that suggest cool/warm wash, inside out, tumble dry low.

[COCHISE]

NICE DATA FLINT. THANK YOU FOR SHARING

ken

[knifemaker3]

Thanks Flint!

[temptat]

   Thanks, I really needed that info.  I know a lot of effort went into doing the wash test.  Again thank you.
   I was wondering if there was any noticeable shrinkage and if so did it effect or distort the vinyl or the shirt?  I've used Thermoflex a lot but have never had    any comments about it except one and that was positive.
   Great report!!!!!!

[Flint54]

To be honest I cannot detect any noticeable shrinkage in the items. If there is the shirts equally shrank with the transfers. In the test I don't believe that much care was placed on not wrinkling the shirts so there are some creases but I would attribute that to the way they were handled and stuffed back in the box to send back.  

Also I was mis-informed, the dryer temp is actually set higher at 180 degrees so I was actually told that they were a bit cooler as I originally posted. 

[cbsuperduty]

Good info to have. Thanks.