Training Manual

Welcome to Paint Me – Instant Wearable Art! Paint Me is ideal for all ages and allows you to transform your customers unique, personalized designs into Instant Wearable Art! Since Paint Me does not require firing and entails little labor by studio staff, it is a fantastic option for birthday parties, office outings, last-minute gifts and everyday fun. Paint Me Starter and Studio Packs contain the t-shirts, paints and the press you need to create fabulous wearable art.

In addition to the package contents you will need: Paint brushes (Clear Choice or Big Kids Choice) White paper (8 ½” x 11” and 8 ½” x 14) Scissors

The following items are also helpful:

Plastic Paint Palettes (#9584) Table covers (plastic is great) or fun foam Blow dryer Paint Me Training Manual

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Before You Start - Upon receipt of your heat press, check to be sure that it is working properly. -The press will arrive with excess oil around the neck. Simply wipe off any excess oil and secure a piece of paper or cardstock around the neck to keep any extra oil from getting on the t-shirts. -Make sure you have separate working areas for painting and heat pressing to keep shirts clean and free from stray paint marks. -Allow extra space beside the heat press for the finished t-shirts. -Set the stopwatch memory on the press for 30 seconds. -Ensure that you have the appropriate sized t-shirt that the customer desires.

Setting up the Heat Press -The press should be used on a solid, sturdy table. Table must be able to withstand the weight of the press and the regular opening and closing of the lid. -The press should be in a position which is protected from children and anyone who may be unaware of how heavy the lid is and how hot the press becomes. -While it is easy to use, the heat press should only be operated by those trained to use it properly. -Read the instructions included with the heat press. Make sure that the pressure and temperature are correctly adjusted for T shirt printing. If the lid of the press does not click shut the pressure is wrong. Do not hold the press shut instead of clicking it shut as the pressure will be too low to transfer the design successfully. -Open and close the heat press with care. As with any electrical heating device, used improperly it can cause injury. -Cover the base plate with clean white paper. -Heat the press to 200°C/392°F (Celsius figures are shown on the inner curve of the temperature gauge display). Allow at least 15 minutes to heat from cold. -Press should be in the open position when it is heating. Turn the top of the press away from the rubber pad on the bottom while heating. -When the press is heating up, the red light under the on/off switch will be illuminated. This light turns off when the heat press has reached the temperature set by the knob. The press will then maintain the correct heat as long as it is on. If the red light turns off before the press reaches the proper temperature, the setting is too low. Simply turn the knob to increase the setting. We recommend turning the knob all the way, then when the press reaches operating temperature, then slowly turning the knob counter-clockwise until the red light turns off. -Be sure that adequate pressure is applied by the press when printing. The knob at the top may be turned to increase or decrease pressure. If pressure is not heavy enough the colors will appear faded instead of vibrant. For best results, test the press prior to your first use. The handle must lock in place for proper printing.

Create Your Design -You may use a pencil to draw your design on paper prior to painting. Pencil marks will not transfer onto the printed items. Remember that any designs or detail created with pencils must be covered with paint to show up on the t-shirt. -You may use crayons or ball-point pens to draw a design on your paper prior to painting, but any smudges that get on the shirt can cause a mark that will become permanent. Therefore, a pencil is the best tool for sketching designs. -Shake each bottle of paint thoroughly before use. 2

Paint Me Training Manual

-Pour paint into plastic paint palettes. Only a small amount of paint is needed to create vibrant designs – a little bit of paint goes a long way. While colors may be mixed the colors are clearer if used individually. It is best to encourage children to use a different paintbrush for each color. -Paint your design on a piece of 8 ½” x 11” white paper. -The color which appears on the paper is darker than the final color on the t-shirt after it has been heat-pressed. -The paints are translucent when printed so one design can be put onto another to create interesting effects. Take time to experiment with the paints and techniques to better understand the product. -Once the design is complete, make sure it is thoroughly dry before printing. If there are patches which are taking a long time to dry you may accelerate the process with a blow dryer.

Printing the Design -Be sure that your hands are clean prior to handling the t-shirts. -Be sure that the design to be printed is completely dry. -Cut off the white edges of the paper to prevent any stray marks appearing on the T-shirt design. Tiny particles of paint can cling to the edges of the paper along with fingerprints which can’t be seen until after the piece has been pressed. In addition, cut off stray paint marks to keep them from transferring to the t-shirt during printing. -Determine which direction the print will go (portrait, landscape, angled) and which side of the shirt will receive the print. Designs may be printed on any part of the t-shirt. However, since the seamed areas are thicker than the flat areas of the shirts seams sometimes cause marks to appear in the printed designs. -Place an 8 ½” x 11” piece of white paper over the base plate of the heat press. -Place an 81/2” x 11” piece of white paper inside the t-shirt. This ensures that no color will shadow onto the back of the shirt. -Place the T-shirt on top of the paper, with the side you are printing facing up. -Make sure that the shirt is straight and smooth – unless you are going for a funky look as described in Tips & Techniques. -Place the painted design face down on the t-shirt, ensuring that it is straight and in the right place. -Place one piece of clean paper over the design. -Place another piece of clean white paper to cover the whole plate area. A sheet of 11” x 17” paper works well. -Close the heat press and start the stopwatch. Should be pre-set for 30 seconds. -Open the press after 30 seconds. -The t-shirt will be hot straight from the press. Be careful to let it cool for a few seconds before removing and handing to the customer.

Tips & Techniques -It is a good idea to make a color chart to showing the colors on paper and the color after printing. -Samples sell! Create a variety of samples to have around the studio to promote the product and unique applications. -Paintbrushes really absorb the Paint Me paints, we recommend using a different brush for each color. -One layer looks like a water color design. Paint two layers to give a more solid look and show less brush strokes. A little paint goes a long way! Paint Me Training Manual

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-To find the center of the shirt, fold it in half and make a crease. -To create a funky look, place then shirt onto the press base then bunch up the fabric. Place the design on the shirt and press. Pressing a face may result in a Picasso-type print when the shirt is removed from the press. -Try painting on textured paper to create interesting background effects during printing. -All writing must be done in reverse as the image will be backward when printed. You may wish to use stencils as a guide for any lettering (#9588). Try tracing the stencil onto your paper then paint over the lines. -Sponge over stencils for quick designs. -Splatter paint. But, be careful as it will go everywhere! Take it to a separate location to splatter. -Most Paint Me colors can be printed twice successfully however some fade on the second pressing. A single design could likely be printed up to five times. While the color does fade with each pressing the results are a little more “worn” looking and very cool! -If printing on both sides, place a piece of clean, white paper or white card stock inside the shirt prior to pressing the second side. -Think outside the box! Your design does not have to be a rectangle or square. Cut your paper into a unique shape or try placing multiple, small designs on the shirt then press.

Product Notes -Paint Me paints are water-based and non-toxic. They have been approved for use by children and carry the CE mark as an indicator. -Paint Me paints wash off skin and out of some fabrics; however, they will stain some clothes. -Provide aprons (#SP105) for customers to wear while painting their designs. -Paint Me paints can be wiped off some surfaces but they may leave residual color on plastics and vinyl. -Paint Me t-shirts are specially made to enable the printing to work. A microfiber coating is added to the surface of the t-shirts which allows the Paint Me paint to do its magic. -Paint Me t-shirts are colorfast before and after printing and can be washed in warm water (60°C/ 140°F). Turn t-shirts inside out for washing to avoid pilling. -Adult T-Shirts (Crew Neck) are cut similarly to standard Men’s sizes although Paint Me shirts are slightly longer. -Ladies V-Neck T-Shirts are cut with a “tiny fit.” They are narrower than standard ladies’ shirts. It is a good idea to encourage customers to go up a size to ensure a good fit. -Children’s T-Shirts (Crew Neck) are longer than standard T-Shirts. -Suggested Retail Pricing: Adult and Ladies V-Neck T-Shirts $18 - $22. Children’s T-Shirts $15 – $18.

Cleaning -Clean brushes with warm water and allow them to dry. -Clean palettes with warm water. -Dispose of paper used for printing and the design papers. Remember, this paper can be recycled! -NEVER use the cover paper twice or any paper that obtains any color from painting or pressing. Paint Me paint leaves a residue on the paper which will transfer to the next print.

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Paint Me Training Manual

-Make sure painting surfaces are clean. -Make sure surfaces around the heat press are completely clean. -Unplug the heat press (see Caring for the Heat Press section of this manual) -Unplug the blow dryer.

Caring for the Heat Press -Never leave a hot heat press unattended. -The heat press can be left on during painting sessions; but it should be kept in a place where it may not be touched by customers. -Create a sign and attach to place by the heat press to clearly indicate that it is hot. -Turn off and unplug the press when it is not in use. -When unplugged and cool the heat press should be wiped clean, both inside and outside. Use a dry cloth on the inside and a clean damp cloth on the outside. -Do not put anything in the heat press which could damage the pressing pads (i.e. buttons, pins, press studs or zippers). -If the pressing pads are damaged they must be replaced to ensure the best quality of printing from the heat press. -Instructions for printing apply only to Paint Me recommended print items with Paint Me fabric transfer paints. -Please report any problems with your press to the manufacturer immediately. Each heat press has a 12 month warranty. George Knight & Co Inc. 52 Perkins Street Brockton MA 02302 (508) 588 0186

Troubleshooting Issue

Cause

Solution

Paints are not as strong as usual after printing

Heat press temperature setting not adjusted correctly

Adjust heat press settings

Heat press pressure setting not adjusted correctly

Adjust heat press settings

Paints not stirred before painting onto paper

Stir paints thoroughly before use

Printed design has marked edge

Design edge not trimmed before heating

Trim each design if the edges are white paper only

Printed design is smudged

Design not dry before printing

Ensure design allowed to dry before printing

Heat press will not heat

Fuse blown

Replace fuse

Heat press will not click shut

Pressure is too high

Turn pressure knob counter-clockwise until press lid can be closed comfortably

Paint Me Training Manual

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