Perfect Hotfix Rhinestone Transfers for T-Shirts
This method will save you time, reduce garment waste, and minimize mistakes. Best of all, it’s simple!
Step 1
Set your heat press to 330-340 degrees (fig. 1). Don’t start at 300 or 400 degrees. Would you bake cookies at 400 if the recipe says 350? Your Gramma wouldn’t be happy!
Fig 1 Set Heat Press to 330-340 Degrees
Step 2
Complete a short preheat/prepress before placing the rhinestone transfer (Fig. 2 & 3). This removes excess moisture and provides a smooth, wrinkle-free canvas.
Fig 2 Place your t-shirt flat on the heat press
Fig 3 Give the shirt a good press to iron it out
Step 3
Set your transfer (Fig. 4). Ensure correct placement to avoid common mistakes like upside-down or crooked designs. Double-check before proceeding.
Fig 4 Make sure your design is centered well
Step 4
For thinner materials (e.g., women’s fashion shirts, undergarments, baby clothes), place parchment paper or Teflon between the garment layers (Fig. 5). This prevents glue from sticking the front to the back.
Fig 5 Use Parchment, Release Paper, or a Teflon sheet between your layers
Step 5
Heat the rhinestones for 10-15 seconds with 40-50psi pressure (medium setting on a heat press) (Fig. 6).
Tip: Use a Teflon sheet and a Nomex Heat Resistant Pad for even pressure and temperature. Compensate for uneven surfaces with a Nomex Pad on the bottom and a Teflon Sheet on top.
Fig 6 A good heat press helps deliver even temp and pressure
Step 6
Flip the garment over (Fig. 7) and press for another 10 seconds to ensure a strong bond.
Fig 7 Flipping the garment over helps ensure an even transfer
Step 7
Wait for the garment to cool (Fig. 8). If you’re unsure if it’s cool enough, wait longer (Fig. 9). Start placing the next transfer while waiting.
Fig 8 Don’t peel the rhinestone transfer too soon, or you will lose stones
Step 8
Peel off the transfer paper smoothly, going with the grain of the shirt (Fig. 10, 11, 12). Minimize stretching for the best final look.
Fig 10 Slowly peel the rhinestone transfer off the garment
Fig 11 Work with the shirt, not against it. Take your time
Fig 12 Remove all transfers, especially when multiple are used
Step 9
Enjoy, pack, sell, share, or wear!
Using a hand iron? Follow the same steps with: Highest setting / 40-45 seconds / Keep still / No Steam!
Get your rhinestone transfer supplies here. We carry top-quality transfer paper, Crystalline Rhinestones, Heat Presses, and more.
