How to Accurately Adjust Pressure on a Heat Press Without a Pressure Gauge

Ever wonder how to know what pressure your heat press is at when all you have is a pressure knob and not a gauge? 

Most hobby heat presses sacrifice some of the bells and whistles to stay at an affordable price. But if you have a material that requires you use a certain amount of pressure - don't be left guessing.  This tutorial will show you how to find light, medium, and high pressure on your heat press! 

First thing you want to do is find the pressure knob on your heat press. 

This is the knob that's going to control the position of where the top plate starts. The lower it is the higher the pressure will be. 

Before you even start turning the knob, just close your heat press.

If it took some effort to close - like two hands and some elbow grease - that's considered high pressure. 

If it was relatively easy to lock into place (as in you can do it with one hand or without squeezing your abs) you are immediately at light or medium pressure.  So how do you know if it's light or medium pressure? Grab two or three pieces of printer paper. We are going to do the paper test. 

Open the heat press and place the stack of paper so half is on the bottom platen and half is sticking out so you can hold it. Close the press. 

Now try to pull the paper.  If the paper isn't moving that's medium pressure. 

If the paper is able to be pulled with a little resistance, that's light pressure. 

Now that you know how to find light, medium, or high pressure on your heat press by simply paying attention to how the press closes and how it holds paper, you can adjust the pressure knob to get the pressure you need for the material you are pressing. 

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

Get Silhouette School lessons delivered to your email inbox! Select Once Daily or Weekly.

Subscribe Here!