How To Print Foam Front Trucker Hats

[@Infinity2025-0]

Received your sample pack & they work beautifully so thanksfor that. I do have a hat but not a trucker hat that I would like to work on. Thanks for this very informative video

[@transferexpress]

Absolutely! We're always happy to help out. Our transfers will work a variety of different hat styles, included non-foam front hats, but the transfers will sit down in any seams- just something to keep in mind. For prints on one panel, screen printed and DTF heat transfers apply perfectly! A dear friend of ours (and shop owner) Skip Davis uses layers of Soft Flock or Foam vinyl to bridge gaps or even print on the mesh! You can see some of his techniques here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJKuloGQf7Z3jbssi=p79DbFpJ45AqugSD

[@Infinity2025-0]

@@transferexpress Thanks for the feedback

[@theunclemez]

Now you've made me want it, but first do you have a video about transfer paper that results in a puff style? Your videos are a blessing to me so thank you so much

[@transferexpress]

Thanks, we're always happy to help! And yes, The Hotronix 360 IQ definitely makes decorating any type of headwear easy, efficient and frustration free. The Puff transfers we used in this video are these Screen Printed Puff transfers: www.transferexpress.com/heat-applied-transfers/puff-screen-printed-transfers Upload your art and order prints (minimum of 6 sheets). Transfers come ready to apply! While there's nothing too special about the paper, its our process of screen printing with proprietary inks that makes them easy to apply with quality results. We'd love to send you samples to try yourself: www.transferexpress.com/heat-applied-transfers/puff-screen-printed-transfers

[@theunclemez]

@@transferexpress thanks for information I'll check that, ordering will be a bit tough because I live in Africa and shipping can take up to 14days to reach me while my business is really small business for the moment But I really need to provide different services, I may consider a training if you provide some. Once again thanks for your advice and answer

[@netback]

I just started DTF on foam truckers. I’m getting indentation from the film around the design. Is that too much pressure and/or too much heat?

[@transferexpress]

Hey Nate! That's a real good question and likely too much pressure. Some polyester foams hold indentations really easy- To reduce the outline (if backing the pressure off makes the pressure too light for the DTF to adhere) you can try a few things: #1. Tack the DTF down with very light pressure for a few seconds, gently push on the design with your fingers or a credit card while still warm then carefully remove the carrier. Then press for the full application without the carrier on. This may not work on certain fabrics or with low quality dtf transfers. #2. Press the entire front of the hat again with a paper coversheet larger than the hat- applying heat back to the foam front trucker caps can work wonders on most styles of hats, althought some styles are still very stubborn. What blank foam hats are you using? We can help test for you too

[@filmingyu6623]

Also do we have to use hat presses that have bottom heat platen to press PVC, rubber, leather or embroidery patches on hats? What if we don't have the Hottronix press? Can another hat press with only top heated platen work for those patches and have them stay on for a long time?

[@transferexpress]

Another good question, and technically yes, you can apply PVC, leather and dimensional patches using just upper heat, however, you will have to modify the application for a longer dwell time, which may cause damage to the hat or transfer type depending on the specific blank hat or patch you're using. STAHLS does have Top-Heat-Only application instructions as well (Which for example, PVC is 375 degrees for 25 seconds, with a preheating process and a silicone pad covering the patch to protect it). It's much more efficient and frustration-free process to use the lower heated platen with the Hotronix IQ 360, with quality you won't have to worry about activating the adhesive from the inside.

[@filmingyu6623]

Will your Good Proof, Ultra Color Max, and Puff transfers ALL work on these foam polyester trucker caps? Is one transfer better or best for longevity (without cracking or peeling) and durability on hats?

[@transferexpress]

Great question: Yes, Goof Proof, Puff and UltraColor Max all print great on these foam front hats. We really like the OTTO Cap brand as they hold up to the heat no problem. For maximum durability, Goof Proof and UltraColor Max will be your best bet (They'll both last the lifetime of the hat), but it does depend on a few scenarios: Single color prints in larger quantities, go with Goof Proof (or if you're already ordering a gang sheet, you can fit hat-sized prints on the sheet for basically free). For lower quantities or designs/logos with multiple colors, UltraColor Max will be your best bet.

[@djlive408]

FYI the dimples can usually be removed using a steamer.

[@transferexpress]

Hot Tip! Thanks for sharing, you're 100% correct. On some styles of headwear, absolutely (or a repress on the heat press can fix it too). Some styles of hats seem a little bit more stubborn than some to remove a dimple.