Heat Press Pillows vs Pads: What's the Difference?
What's the difference between Heat Press Pillows and Print Perfect Pads?
With so many heat printing accessories on the market, it can be difficult to know what they're all used for and which ones will benefit your heat printing business.
In this blog we'll discuss the differences between Heat Press Pillows and Heat Press Pads (Print Perfect Pads).
Heat Press Pillows.
Heat Press Pillows have been a statement heat printing essential since heat presses were invented. Chosen time and time again, heat press pillows come in many sizes and are primarily used to let obstructions such as zips or seams depress into the pillow. This is to enable a flat printing area so you can guarantee a quality application for your HTV or Heat Transfer.
These pillows are non-stick, meaning they glide in and out of your garment with ease.
Print Perfect Pads (Heat Press Pads)
Print Perfect Pads are a new entry into the heat printing market but are fast becoming a best-selling accessory for UK heat printing businesses.
These Heat Press Pads raise your print area up and away from obstructions such as zips or seams so that you can maintain an accurate and even application. Made from the same material as a Hotronix interchangeable platen, they maintain even pressure across the print space. They come in 3 sizes but can be cut down to fit any unique print size that you print.
Heat Press Pillow
Pro's:
- Non-Stick
- Slides into garments easily
- Very accessible
- Let's obstructions depress into pillow
Cons:
- Not the most accurate method for isolating a print space
- If you have a thick obstruction, the pillow may not do the trick as it flattens considerably while in use.
Heat Press Pad
Pro's:
- Maintains even pressure
- Can be cut down to size
- Allows obstructions to hang off the pad
- Grips the garment so it cannot be misplaced.
Cons:
- Pressure needs to be adjusted significantly to use. This is only a con if you have an unreliable heat press.
- Costs more than a pillow
- Only available from Stahls' UK.
So which heat press accessory is right for your business?
It really depends on what garment you are heat pressing but it may be a good port of call to have access to both Pillows and Pads in your print shop. The versatility of a Print Perfect Pad cannot be matched due to its ability to be cut into obscure shapes and sizes but that doesn't mean there isn't a place for Heat Press Pillows either.
Why not test them out and see which you work best with?