This article helps troubleshoot some pressing-result issues that can happen across different heat-transfer projects, including iron-on not sticking, press marks, temporary temperature changes, and Infusible Ink or sublimation transfer issues.
Check these first
Many pressing-result issues are caused by settings, surface, pressure, or heat plate contact. Use these checks to narrow down what may have affected your transfer:
- Use the settings recommended in the online Cricut Heat Guide, Heat Guide in the Design Space mobile app (for Cricut Autopress 2) or the Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press).
- Use a firm, flat, heat-safe pressing surface.
- Make sure the heat plate can make full contact with the design area.
- Avoid pressing directly over seams, zippers, buttons, or other raised areas.
- Apply heat for the full recommended time.
- Use the recommended protective materials for your project type.
- To confirm the recommended application settings work for your materials, test them with your specific heat transfer material and base material before pressing your final blank. Use an inconspicuous area of the base material or a practice blank made of the same material.
Iron-On did not stick after pressing
→ What you may notice
Your iron-on material lifts, peels, or does not fully adhere to the base material after pressing.
→ Why it happens
This can happen when the heat plate does not make full contact with the design or base material. Seams, zippers, buttons, or other raised areas can prevent even pressure and heat.
It can also happen if the wrong temperature, time, or pressure was used, or if heat was not applied for the full recommended time.
→ What to do
Check the recommended settings for your heat transfer material and base material in the online Cricut Heat Guide, Heat Guide in the Design Space mobile app (for Cricut Autopress 2) or the Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press).
Use a firm, even pressing surface. Ironing boards and plastic surfaces may have too much give and may not provide the support needed for successful results.
Make sure the design area is flat and clear of seams, zippers, buttons, or other raised areas.
If the iron-on still has not adhered, reapply heat for an additional 10–15 seconds.
If you need further assistance, contact Member Care.
Press marks appeared on the base material
→ What you may notice
A press mark is a shiny area on the base material where the heat plate made contact .
→ Why it happens
Heat-sensitive fabrics may melt or get singed when they contact the heat plate. This can sometimes happen along the edge of an iron-on liner or protective sheet.
Press marks can also happen when high pressure is applied over bulky seams, buttons, zippers, or other raised areas.
→ What to do
Position the blank on the mat or platen so bulky seams, zippers, and buttons are placed over the edge whenever possible. This helps keep the pressing area flat and prevents excess pressure over raised areas.
When using a protective sheet, such as a Teflon sheet for iron-on projects or butcher paper for Infusible Ink or sublimation projects, make sure it is larger than the heat plate or large enough to fully cover the base material. This helps prevent the heat plate from contacting the base material directly.
If placement is difficult, use a pressing pillow inside the blank so the pressing area is elevated and supported above seams, zippers, or buttons. Allow excess liner or protective material to flow off the edge of the pillow so the edge does not leave a mark in the base material.
Important: Do not use Teflon sheets or Teflon pressing pillows with Infusible Ink or sublimation projects. Teflon does not absorb moisture and may cause unwanted transfer effects.
The press temperature drops when the heat plate touches the base material
→ What you may notice
The displayed temperature may briefly drop when the heat plate touches the base material.
→ Why it happens
This can happen because the heated plate and base material are different temperatures.
→ What to do
No action is needed. The temperature should quickly return to the selected setting, and your transfer should not be affected.
Infusible Ink / Sublimation transfer result issues
Infusible Ink and sublimation projects may experience transfer issues such as:
- Blue specks
- Ghosting
- Marbling
- Blowout
- Colors that are not vibrant
- Ink transfer to the heat plate or mat
For causes, prevention steps, and troubleshooting guidance for these projects, click here.
When using third-party sublimation products, refer to the material manufacturer's instructinos, as preparation and application requirements may vary.