Teflon Sheets and Cover Sheets for Heat Pressing: Which to Use
A Teflon sheet for a heat press is a reusable, non-stick sheet that goes between the heated platen and your transfer. It stops scorch marks and shine on the garment and keeps adhesive and vinyl residue off the platen. Shops call it a Teflon sheet, a cover sheet or a heat transfer cover sheet, and for most heat transfer vinyl (HTV) work a flat sheet like the Siser Heat Transfer Cover Sheet 18" x 20" is all you need. This guide covers what these sheets do, when a silicone platen cover is the better choice, and what size to buy.
Teflon Sheet vs Cover Sheet: Is There a Difference?
“Teflon sheet” is the name many decorators use for any non-stick sheet laid over a transfer during pressing. Siser calls its version a heat transfer cover sheet. In the shop they are used the same way: lay the sheet over the garment and design, close the press, and lift the sheet off when the press opens.
The choice that matters more is between a loose flat sheet that you lay down for each press and a cover that stays attached to the upper platen.
What a Cover Sheet Does
- Prevents scorch marks and shine on the garment and the HTV.
- Protects the heat platen from adhesive and vinyl residue.
- Gives even, consistent results across repeated presses.
- Is reusable. A single sheet serves a long production run.
Our page for the Hotronix EASY Craft Press also recommends a Teflon sheet to protect the platen when pressing sublimation.
Do You Need a Teflon Sheet for Heat Transfer Vinyl?
Yes. HTV is pressed with its clear carrier facing up, but a cover sheet still belongs on top of it. The Siser cover sheet is made for use with all Siser HTV, including Siser EasyWeed, EasyWeed EcoStretch and EasiSubli. Siser’s printable materials call for one as well: a heat press cover sheet is on the list of what you need to apply EasyColor DTV.
Cover Sheet, Silicone Platen Cover or Multipurpose Paper?
Product | Size | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siser Heat Transfer Cover Sheet | 18" x 20" | Loose, reusable non-stick sheet laid over each press | Everyday HTV pressing on most garments |
| Hotronix Silicone Upper Platen Cover | 21" x 21" | Attaches to the upper platen with Velcro strips | Polyester performance wear, neoprene and Lycra |
| Siser MultiPurpose Paper | 20" x 125 yd roll | Paper cut from the roll and laid over the transfer | Covering transfers, and storing cut transfers between jobs |
Use the flat cover sheet for day-to-day HTV work. It goes on and comes off with every press, so you can see your placement before you close the press.
Use the silicone platen cover when you press heat-sensitive fabrics such as polyester performance wear, neoprene and Lycra, where direct platen contact risks scorching or damage. It leaves a slightly textured, screen print-like finish and fits any heat press with a standard upper platen. It is not recommended for high-temperature applications, so check the settings for your material first.
Use multipurpose paper when you want a cover you can cut to any size from a roll. Siser lists a heat transfer cover sheet or multipurpose paper as the covering for its HTV, and the paper also works for storing cut transfers between jobs.
What Size Teflon Sheet Do You Need?
Pick a sheet that covers your whole platen, so the full design and its edges are protected on every press. The 18" x 20" Siser sheet covers a standard heat press platen and is larger than the garment platens on these presses:
| Heat press | Platen sizes |
|---|---|
| Hotronix EASY Craft Press | 9" x 12" |
| Hotronix Clam Basic | 11" x 15", 15" x 15", 16" x 20" |
| Hotronix Auto Open Clam | 11" x 15", 16" x 16", 16" x 20" |
| Hotronix Fusion IQ | 16" x 20" |
For larger or specialty platens, call us for options.
How to Use a Cover Sheet When Pressing HTV
- Pre-press the garment for 2 to 3 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
- Position the weeded design on the garment, carrier side up.
- Lay the cover sheet over the whole design so nothing touches the bare platen.
- Press at the settings for your vinyl. Siser EasyWeed calls for 305°F at medium pressure for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Open the press, lift the cover sheet and peel the carrier. EasyWeed can be peeled hot or cold.
- Keep the sheet flat and free of residue between presses.
Pressing near seams, collars, buttons or zippers? Slide a Teflon pressing pillow inside the garment under the print area. It raises the print surface above the seams and hardware so the platen presses the design evenly. We carry PTFE Teflon pillows in the shop; call 1-800-999-3160 to order.
You will find the cover sheet, weeding tools, squeegees and other pressing supplies in our heat transfer accessories category.
Teflon Sheets for Heat Press: FAQ
What is a Teflon sheet used for in heat pressing?
It is a non-stick sheet placed between the heat press and the transfer. It prevents scorching and shine, protects the platen from adhesive and helps produce clean, even transfers.
Is a cover sheet the same as a Teflon sheet?
They do the same job. “Teflon sheet” is the common shop name for a non-stick pressing sheet, and Siser calls its version a heat transfer cover sheet. Both go between the platen and the transfer.
Do I need a Teflon sheet for heat transfer vinyl?
Yes. Use a cover sheet over the HTV on every press to prevent scorch marks and shine and to keep the platen clean. The Siser cover sheet works with all Siser HTV.
Is a heat press cover sheet reusable?
Yes. The Siser cover sheet is reusable across many presses, so a single sheet serves a long production run.
What size cover sheet fits my heat press?
The 18" x 20" Siser cover sheet covers a standard heat press platen, including 9" x 12", 15" x 15" and 16" x 20" presses. For larger or specialty platens, contact us for options.
Get Cover Sheets and Heat Press Supplies
Central Sign Supplies is a family-owned distributor in Omaha, Nebraska, supplying sign shops and garment decorators since 1951. Call 1-800-999-3160 with questions about cover sheets or platen covers, pick up at 4222 D St in Omaha, or shop heat presses and heat transfer supplies online.