A Digital Printing Network

Masking material question...Solutions, TTD, etc?

Hi all,

A few quick questions about masking materials.

1)Is TTD evolution the same as TTD Mask, just a different name, or are they different?

2)From what I've read, Solutions Mask is more tacky, but is used for lower temps. What is the max temp and time for this material?

3)Which masking material is from imprintables on the yellow backing..TTD, evolution, or solutions?

4)Is it better just to use TTD mask all the time since it should work with everything that Solutions works with, plus more?

5)Is there a way to tell what a roll of masking material is used for if it's not labeled?

I have some samples from so many places and some were nice enough to label the inside, while others are just small rolls, or pieces they sent to me with no description. I'm not sure if they are for heat transfer applications or simply for viynl sign transfers.

Thanks!

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Jackson on September 7, 2010 at 3:03pm

1) I think they are the same
2) & (3 Solutions mask is the yellow backed stuff which we have used with everything up to 330 degrees
4) I dont know why you couldn't use the TTD other than the adhesive isnt as strong as evolution & Solutions mask - we reuse our mask and seem to have better results with the solutions (yellow backed) & the evolution (You can get 12+ sometimes)

I am not sure about telling the difference once it is sent to you un-labeled but all of our sign stuff has no backing on it, and the heat pressable stuff has a back on it.... not sure if that helps you at all...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steven Jackson on September 7, 2010 at 3:29pm

Joe,
I will give it a shot!

1) TTD Evolution is not the same as TTD mask. Evolution is a much more agressive adhesive material that will do better with harder to mask materials like puff and metallic.

2)Solutions mask is not the best choice for high temp applications. At 320 and above it tends to shrink back up once it has been used and will not stay on the shirt well. I have used it at 330 sucessfully though.

3) Solutions mask

4) TTD is a high temp resistance product with a lower tack to it. It is not good for solutions materials, puff, metallic and any other more difficult to mask products (they need a stronger masking adhesive to remove properly)

5) Solutions mask is easy to identify - it has a yellow backing. TTD and Evolutions are harder to identify. They both have very similar thickness and feel but the Evolutions is much more adhesive.

To sum it up:
Solutions mask - High adhesive - low temperature resistance
TTD mask - Low adhesive - very high temperature resistance
Evolutions mask - High adhesive - high temperture resistance

So which is the all around one?...... Evolutions in my opinion!

hope this helps!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Vicki Dunning on September 7, 2010 at 4:18pm

Just hung up with IW and they carry all three masks! HURRAY! (sorry, long day...)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dennis Dunning on September 8, 2010 at 6:22am

What then is Magic Mask? I believe we used it for solar print.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by irving donaldson on September 7, 2010 at 4:33pm

Hey Joe I will add my 1 cent - the mask material they sent to you without a name is what you asked for at the time. Only joking pal - I have switched to the new evolution mask as it is the most versatile. I used to use the solutions because of its tack but the shrinkage was killing me - you know like going into a cold pool. Okay it is a long day and I am heading to st louis. I am going to Vegas - looks like wifey wants to go - no problem - I will do the shows she will do the casino. Now thats a plan.