Machine How-To Guide

A step-by-step guide for using your Topdeep 15×15 8-in-1 combo heat press (or similar swing-away machine). Follow these steps every time and you'll get good results.

Set the Temperature First

Turn on the press. Use the digital controller to set your target temperature. For most products, this is between 360°F and 400°F. Wait for the press to reach the set temperature — the display will beep or the light will change when ready.

Set the Timer Second

Use the digital controller to set the press time. This varies by product (e.g., 45 seconds for shirts, 180 seconds for mugs). Double-check the setting before you press.

Adjust the Pressure

Turn the pressure knob on the top of the press. For most items, you want medium to medium-high pressure. The press should close firmly but not require you to force it down. If you have to push really hard, reduce the pressure.

Prepare Your Blank

Place your blank (shirt, mug, keychain, etc.) on the bottom platen. If it's a shirt, smooth it flat and remove any wrinkles. If it's a small item, center it on the platen.

Pre-Press If Needed

For shirts and fabric items, close the press for 3–5 seconds first (without your design). This removes moisture and wrinkles from the fabric. Open the press after the quick pre-press.

Place Your Transfer Paper

Position your printed sublimation transfer paper face-down on the blank. The printed side (ink side) should be touching the blank surface. Tape it in place with heat-resistant tape so it does not shift.

Add Protective Paper

Place a sheet of butcher paper or a PTFE (Teflon) sheet on top of your transfer. This protects the top platen from stray ink and prevents marks.

Close the Press and Start the Timer

Swing the press arm over your blank. Push the handle down firmly to lock it. The timer will start automatically on most presses. If it doesn't, press the timer start button.

Wait for the Beep

Do not open the press early. Wait for the timer to beep. When it beeps, the time is up. Open the press by lifting the handle and swinging the arm away.

Remove the Transfer Carefully

Once the press is open, remove the transfer paper by lifting it straight up. Do NOT slide the paper sideways — this causes ghosting (a blurry shadow). Most sublimation items should be peeled while hot.

Check Your Result

Look at the finished product. Colors should be vibrant. The image should be sharp. If something looks wrong, check the Troubleshooting page for common fixes.

Common Beginner Mistakes

These are the mistakes almost every beginner makes. Read through this list before your first press!

  1. Forgetting to mirror the design before printing.
  2. Printing at less than 100% scale.
  3. Using regular printer ink instead of sublimation ink.
  4. Pressing on cotton (sublimation only works on polyester or poly-coated items).
  5. Not taping the transfer paper down (causes ghosting).
  6. Sliding the paper off instead of lifting straight up.
  7. Not pre-pressing shirts (trapped moisture ruins the print).
  8. Using too much pressure on caps (causes creases).
  9. Forgetting butcher paper (ink gets on the platen).
  10. Opening the press before the timer beeps.

Press-Day Checklist