Heat Press Supplies Guide: PTFE, FEP, Silicone Pads
A working guide to the supplies that actually matter for HTV, sublimation, and heat-press sign-shop work. Written from customer signal, not a vendor brochure.
The minimum kit
If you are starting a sign shop or HTV side hustle, three supplies cover 90 percent of jobs:
- PTFE rolls — reusable cover sheet between the heat plate and your design. Wide enough for 15 by 15 platens.
- Platinum silicone pads — pressure equalizers for uneven surfaces. Pair with PTFE for zippers and seams.
- A digital thermometer infrared gun — your platen temperature is often not what your dial says.
When to add FEP
FEP is the clear cousin of PTFE. If you sublimate on light-colored polyester garments where you need to see registration, the clarity is worth it. For dark garments and HTV, PTFE is the right default. Browse PTFE and FEP.
Common heat-press failures and what causes them
| Symptom | Most likely cause |
|---|---|
| HTV peeling at edges within a week | Insufficient pressure or moisture in fabric (pre-press 5s) |
| Sublimation prints ghosted on next pull | PTFE sheet not wiped between jobs, or dye transferred to platen — clean PTFE |
| Uneven press across the design | Add a silicone pad under the garment to equalize pressure on seams |
| PTFE sheet developing yellow film | Build-up of adhesive — wipe with isopropyl alcohol; do not scrub |
Stocking math for a small shop
A single PTFE roll, taken care of, will outlast a year of home crafting. A busy sign shop running multiple shifts will burn through one roll every 6 to 9 months. Either way, the bulk tier kicks in at 5 rolls (5 percent off) — and at 25 rolls (15 percent off) you have lifetime supply for a 1- to 2-person shop.
Frequently asked
Do I need a separate cover sheet for every garment material?
Generally no. A single PTFE cover sheet works for cotton, blends, polyester, and most performance fabrics within standard heat-press temperature ranges. The exception is delicate silks or sequins where a low-tack soft parchment may be safer for the fabric itself.
What temperature is safe for PTFE?
PTFE is rated to about 500 degrees Fahrenheit continuous. Standard HTV presses run 280 to 320 degrees; sublimation runs 380 to 400. Both are well within safe range.
How do I clean a PTFE sheet?
Wipe with a soft cloth and warm water between uses. For stuck adhesive, isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball removes most residue. Do not use abrasive scrubbers — they scratch the surface and shorten lifespan.
Why is my HTV peeling at the edges?
Most edge-peel issues come from one of: insufficient pressure (re-press), incorrect temperature (check your vinyl spec), residual moisture in the fabric (pre-press 5 seconds first), or worn cover sheet (replace).
Can I use the same PTFE sheet for HTV and sublimation?
Yes, but wipe between projects. Sublimation dyes can transfer trace color to the next HTV pull if you skip the wipe. Or keep two sheets — one for each.
What is the difference between a silicone pad and a PTFE sheet?
A silicone pad sits under or over the platen to redistribute pressure on uneven surfaces (zipper plackets, seams). A PTFE sheet covers the design itself to prevent direct contact between heat plate and material. Use both for thick or seamy pieces.
Do you sell precut PTFE squares?
Yes. See precut squares for ready-to-press sizes. Faster than cutting from a roll.
Can these handle a 15 by 15 platen?
Yes. Our PTFE rolls are wide enough for standard 15 by 15 and 16 by 20 presses. Cut to fit.
How long does a PTFE roll last in a busy shop?
Customers running multi-shift sign shops report 6 to 9 months per roll. Home crafters get years out of a single roll.
Is there a bulk price for shops?
Yes. Standard tiered bulk: 5 percent off at 5+, 10 percent at 10+, 15 percent at 25+ per product. A small shop typically hits the 25-unit tier within a year on PTFE alone.
Browse all heat press supplies: /collections/heat-press-supplies
Written by Joshua Hill · Kraft and Kitchen · Bellingham, WA · Last updated May 2026