In silicone transfer printing, many customers often ask: why do we apply a layer of hot-melt adhesive on the PET film before printing during direct transfer? This step is actually a critical part of the entire process - it directly determines the adhesion, durability, and overall finish of the final product.
1. Improve Adhesion and Prevent Peeling
The PET film surface is very smooth. If silicone ink is printed directly onto it, the pattern may peel off or lift at the edges during transfer. Applying a hot-melt adhesive base layer creates a strong "bonding bridge" on the PET surface, significantly improving adhesion and keeping the pattern intact during transfer.
2. Ensure Sharp Edges and Clear Details
Direct transfer presents the design as the top layer. Without a proper base layer, the silicone layer may stretch or deform when peeling off, causing rough edges and blurry details. Hot-melt adhesive helps lock the shape of the design, resulting in sharp, clean edges after transfer.
3. Enhance Wash Durability and Longevity
Silicone transfer products for garments must withstand repeated washing and friction. With a hot-melt adhesive base, the bond between the silicone and fabric is much stronger, improving wash fastness and preventing cracking or peeling after washing.
4. Maintain Soft Touch and Elasticity
Choosing the right hot-melt adhesive can also improve the softness and rebound of the silicone layer, making the finished product more comfortable to wear while keeping its 3D effect.
5. Improve Production Consistency
In mass production, the base layer helps reduce defect rates and ensures consistent transfer results batch after batch, lowering rework costs and material waste.