How to Use a Heat Press

Today’s post is all about how to use a heat press. I have talked quite a bit about the Cricut EasyPress but what are the other alternatives? One is buying a full-sized heat press. These machines are meant for home use but are more of an industrial machine. They heat press iron-on material to shirts, mugs, plates, hats, and more. I am going to run through how to use one today but if you are looking for comparison information/which press is right for you, check out our Heat Press Versus EasyPress blog post!

How To Use Heat Press Video Tutorial

Let’s fire up this heat press! I thought this was best suited to a video as it would be hard to explain in text. Just watch the video below for everything you ever wanted to know about how to use a heat press.

Can’t watch the video or missed some of the information? I have everything you need to know below as well so just keep reading.

Heat Press Unboxing

The heat press I am using for this post is the CO-Z 5 in 1 Heat Press. I took some pictures when opening the box so you could see what to expect. On top, there were some sample pieces that could be used to iron onto some projects.

NOTE: The CO-Z 5 in 1 (shown in this post) is currently sold out. However, you can get the CO-Z 8 in 1 which is the same brand but just a different size. Also, if you are looking for more heat press options, you can check out this one from VEVOR or this one from BetterSub.

The first layer in the box contained the attachments for the heat press including:

• Mug press
• Hat press
• Plate press (2 sizes)
• Heat resistant tape

There was also a small instruction booklet. Actually, the lack of instructions on this model is what compelled me to write this post. I had to piece together instructions from a variety of sources to use the machine.

I removed the top layer and the bottom contained the actual heat press. It came almost fully assembled. The control box needed to be added to the side and one handle added to the top. It was super simple to put together. I will say that the shipping weight on this is 40 pounds so it is not light! It is definitely not very portable either.

How To Use A Heat Press (CO-Z 5 in 1)

So, while being fairly easy to use, it does take a significant amount of time to change over to each of the accessories. You will also need a large amount of room to actually operate this machine. I would also encourage you to use extreme safety precautions for both yourself and anyone that may be in the room. This machine gets extremely hot both on the plates and the external surfaces.

Project Test Results

Below are the results from my testing when making different types of projects using the CO-Z 5 in 1 Heat Press.

T-Shirts

The application of heat treat vinyl to a shirt was basically flawless. I could see this being a huge draw to anyone who makes shirts to sell. This machine produces top-quality results consistently and easily.

I am actually going to run a few comparison tests by running some shirts through the laundry so be sure to stay tuned for those!

Hats

I also loved the results on hats. The downfall is changing the machine from shirts to hats. As mentioned in the video, I left the shirt press to cool for at least 45 minutes and it was still warm to the touch. Then you have to change over the top and bottom plates for hats.

The results were really great though and this machine is definitely a must if you are going to make hats to sell. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative (since you may only want to make a few hats for gifts) or want to learn more about hat presses, check out my Hat Press Comparison video!

Plates

So, I wasn’t as impressed with the results on plates. I found it fairly inconsistent and I had to press several times to get the one plate I did make. This is the only thing I know of, however, with a circular plate for pressing so it may be the best option for those pressing a lot of plates.

Mugs

The mug press can actually stand alone so there is no need to change over anything. I did have to press the mug several times to get it to work but overall the results seem to be fairly good. To see some more in-depth tests on these mugs, check out our Vinyl or Heat Transfer Vinyl on Mugs? Which is Better? blog post.

Needing a different attachment for each “type” of mug would not be something I would like. So straight mugs need one while tapered ones need another, etc. Storage is always an issue for me and the bulk of these would not be easy to store.

Final Thoughts On Heat Press

I hope this helped you learn how to use a heat press. Once you master the press and controller, the operation is not that difficult. If you are making items for sale, it is definitely a must! You will need to have the space for operation and give yourself time when switching between items.

As always, be cautious when using your heat press, and make sure any little ones are never near the machine. Is there anything else you want to know about how to use a heat press? Let me know in the comments below and I will either try to answer or run a few experiments for you!

FAQs About How To Use A Heat Press

I know that you may have a ton of questions about how to use a heat press. I am answering a few of the most common questions below but feel free to ask any others in the comment section below.

Heat Press

Below are questions about the CO-Z 5 in 1 heat press!

How Do You Set The Pressure?

Turn the knob to add or take away pressure.

How Do You Know What Temperature To Set For The Different Materials?

I literally just googled time and temperature settings as there does not seem to be a ton of information on doing them. However, if you are looking for a starting point, you may want to check out our Heat Press Temperature Guide!

When You Get Your Press Up To Temperature And Raise The Press Up Does Yours Drop In Temperature?

Yes, it will drop.

I Noticed That My Heat Protective Sheet On The Top Platen Has Some Wrinkles Which Sometimes Transfer To Bigger Heat Transfers. Any suggestions, please?

That is frustrating! Maybe try laying another sheet over the top before pressing and see if it will prevent that.

Can You Print With Sublimation Paper To Use For The Press Or Does It Have To Be On Vinyl?

You can use either.

Heat Transfer Vinyl

Below are questions about heat transfer vinyl!

What Type And Brand Of Transfer Are You Using? Assuming Regular HTV For Shirt And Hat? What Do You Use On The Plate And Mug?

Here I am using regular HTV on all of them. To learn more about heat transfer vinyl, check out my Heat Transfer Vinyl or Iron On Basics video!

What Are Those Clear Sheets That You Print Your Design On Called And Where Can I Find Them?

I am using heat transfer vinyl cut on a Cricut.

Items Made Using Heat Press

Below are questions about the items made using the heat press!

I Do Not See You Using A Teflon Sheet Or Parchment Paper On The Mugs. I Thought It Would Stick To The Machine If You Didn’t Use Something With The Vinyl. Is This True?

Yes! The HTV I was using had a protective sheet on it.

Do You Need Special Tape For The Mugs When Pressing?

Yes, you will need heat-resistant tape to hold your print on!

Is The Vinyl Dishwasher And Microwave Proof?

This is HTV and it is really not dishwasher or microwave-proof.

Is It Safe To Eat From The Plate Or Is It Decorative?

The plate is for decorative purposes only!

Heat Press and Iron-On Resources & Projects

Did you love learning about how to use a heat press, and are now looking for more resources and projects? Then check out the links below!

• 5 Heat Press Hacks to Try Today!
• Heat Press Troubleshooting: Checking the Temperature
• How To Use Iron-On Vinyl
• Everything You Need to Know About Heat Transfer Vinyl
• Over 60 Iron-On Crafts
• Pet Fashion: DIY Personalized Pet Shirt