RTape Corp. (South Plainfield, NJ) introduces its SEF Tatoo heat transfer film, which is a white, printable, multi-layer polyurethane construction on a polyester liner or carrier. Tatoo films are printable using a wide range of digital printers, including solvent, ecosolvent and latex systems. The brilliance of the facestock and its chemical formulation allow for vibrant color reproduction. Unlike polyurethane-based films, which are blended with vinyl resins, Tatoo is 100% polyurethane. That’s why RTape’s film is softer, more stretchable and more durable. Even large Tatoo emblems are more comfortable to wear than garments decorated with other types of printed appliques.
Because Tatoo is 100% polyurethane, it is more stretchable, softer and more durable than polyurethane/vinyl blends.
Tatoo is available in several variations. The standard Tatoo product and Tatoo Pearl, a pearlescent film, are suitable for application to cotton and white polyester fabrics and cotton/poly blends, which are at least 40% cotton. For colored polyester and cotton/poly blend garments, which are less than 40% cotton, Tatoo SBB features a sublimation barrier, which blocks discoloration from dye migration. For nylon and other coated fabrics, which resist hot melt polyurethane adhesives, Tatoo Nylon utilizes a special polyamide hot melt.
After Tatoo is printed and plotter cut, use RTape HM350 HotMask, a medium tack polyester application tape, to transfer the printed applique to the garment for heat pressing. Tatoo and Tatoo Pearl are heat pressed at 330⁰ F or 165⁰ C for 17 seconds at medium to high pressure. Tatoo SBB and Tatoo Nylon are pressed at 240⁰F or 115⁰C. These low temperature products are also suitable for application to heat sensitive fabrics. Immediately after heat pressing, the HotMask can be peeled off of the applique.
Additional information about Tatoo and other SEF heat transfer materials is available on the RTape website in the “Textile Decorating” section. New literature for the heat transfer films, such as the FlexCut Color Selector and the SEF Application guide, are also available on the website as downloads.
