Light pressure is critical for a bright, finished DTG image. Photo courtesy of Equipment Zone. How light is light pressure for curing on my heat press? A common complaint among DTG decorators is that the image dulls after being heat pressed. Quick solutions, such as delayed curing or hovering the heat element above the garment, are attempted, but images continue to dull under the heat element's weight. Th is is because excess pressure causes the color and white underbase to mix. To test the heat press for the proper light pressure, place a garment on the platen and lay a sheet of silicone-coated parchment paper on top. Reduce the pressure completely from the heating element and clamp it shut on top of the garment. Pull the paper and slightly tighten it. When the paper won't slide out, reduce the pressure slightly from there, which should result in the ideal curing pressure. You will see a difference in the finished prints. Terry Combs is a 35-plus-year veteran of the garment printing industry and has managed production shops large and small across the United States. Keep up with Terry's classes, blog posts, speaking engagements and other resources on his website: terrycombs.com. A Supplement to Impressions Use Info*Action #104 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction Fall 2018 * 15http://www.imagearmorpt.com http://www.imagearmorpt.com http://www.rtpapparel.com http://www.rtpapparel.com http://www.terrycombs.com http://www.impressionsmag.com/infoaction