I was inspired to write this article after watching The Bear. There’s a scene where Carmy, the head chef, after opening his new restaurant, lists the non-negotiable expectations he has for his kitchen, his staff, and their guests. That got me thinking about my own experiences working in apparel decoration for the past 16 years. Just like in Carmy’s kitchen, having the right tools makes all the difference between success and failure. I know firsthand that using a heat press isn’t just about having the machine—it’s about having the right accessories. These are my non-negotiables, the tools I can’t work without if I want to turn out consistent, professional-quality prints. 

1. Heat Press Pillows: Goodbye, Zippers and Seams 

Zippers, buttons, and seams can be unavoidable for some applications like a split front jersey or sleeve print. Heat Press Pillows to the rescue! These foam pillows lift the print area just enough to avoid uneven pressure. Now, I don’t sweat adhesion issues when working with hoodies, jackets, or polos.  

You can purchase these pillows on just about any apparel decoration supply website or even on Amazon. While this simple accessory is an absolute must-have, you’ll want to invest in a quality option, as not all pillows are created equal. The goal is to maintain even, consistent pressure over the surface area of the transfer. I do recommend purchasing a set of pillows in a range of size options.  

2. Lint Rollers: The Unsung Hero 

There’s nothing worse than finishing a print only to discover a piece of lint or debris trapped under the design. I always run a lint roller over every garment before pressing, particularly for transfer options that are less opaque like Vintage Wash or Clear. It’s not glamorous or exciting, but it’s essential. 

3. Silicone Paper: My Safety Net 

Silicone parchment paper comes in large sheets that can be reused multiple times. Truthfully, this may be my most-used non-negotiable. I use these cover sheets between the transfer and the top platen to keep both clean and protected.  

Silicone paper doesn’t diminish the amount of heat delivered to the transfer like some thicker cover sheet options, which I love. I don’t need to worry about adjusting my settings to compensate, yet I can trust that my platen will remain clean.  

4. Teflon Sheets: Not What You Think 

I rarely, if ever, use a Teflon sheet as a cover sheet placed between the transfer and the top platen. While Teflon sheets can be useful for many reasons, using it as a cover sheet is one of the most common heat printing mistakes I see decorators make. The thick material can reduce the amount of surface temperature from the top platen to the transfer up to 20°, creating all sorts of adhesion issues.  

Rather, I use Teflon sheets for two reasons: to alter the sheen of a printed transfer and when printing reversible jerseys. If you re-press any printed garment with a Teflon sheet for a few seconds, the result will be a glossier finish than the typical matte result. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but a neat party trick nonetheless! Additionally, Teflon sheets are essential when printing reversible jerseys or even double layered jerseys. Simply place the sheet between the layers of mesh to avoid the transfer adhering to the internal layer.   

5. Silicone Finishing Sheet: It’s That Good  

Let’s face it – some fabrics are just way too heat sensitive for even transfers with the lowest of application temperatures. When I have any concern at all about scorching a garment, I use a silicone finishing sheet placed between the transfer and the top platen. Yes, this cover sheet will inhibit the temperature reaching the transfer, so it’s imperative to increase your dwell time.  

Bonus points are earned for silicone finishing sheets that have a textured option. These can be used as a cover sheet to re-press digital transfers. Some digital transfer options can feel too smooth without any texture of the garment coming through. Re-pressing the transfer with a textured sheet will help! 

6. Temperature Strips: Trust, But Verify 

Even though my heat press has built-in temperature settings, I’ve been doing this long enough to know that even the best equipment can have performance issues from time to time. If I’m experiencing any application problems like hot splitting, I like to double-check that all systems are “go” with my heat press using temperature test strips. You can purchase these strips inexpensively from Paper Thermometer or even Amazon. It only takes a minute, but it saves me from costly mistakes down the line. 

7. Cotton Tubes: Testing, Testing, 1 2 3  

We preach the importance of testing an extra transfer before you begin a job, and honestly, this step cannot be skipped! I test every transfer on cotton tubing to check for print quality, spelling errors, and color accuracy.  

Cotton tubes are t-shirts without sleeves or a collar sewn on. They can be purchased from any screen print supply store and come in assorted colors. Most are large enough to be used several times, front and back.  

Stock Your Toolbox  

Just like Carmy in The Bear, I believe that having the right tools is a non-negotiable. These accessories aren’t just extras—they’re the backbone of any apparel decorating operation. From lint rollers to temperature test strips and everything in between, every item in my toolbox serves a purpose. 

I’ve learned through trial and error that the little things matter. If you’re serious about heat pressing, I recommend building your own toolbox with these essentials. After all, in this business, the difference between a good print and a great one often comes down to the details - and the right tools make all the difference. 

Now it’s time to press on and create something amazing!