How do I remove the print from polyester?

Removing a print from polyester can be more difficult than from cotton or other fabrics because polyester is more sensitive to high temperatures and some chemicals. High temperatures can easily damage polyester fibres and inappropriate chemicals can discolour or damage the fabric. Therefore, it is necessary to use gentler methods and carry out tests on invisible parts of the garment. Methods that can be used are the iron method, the dryer method and the chemical method.

Mechanical methods for removing the print

The iron method involves heating the print and then scraping it off, for this method you will need two towels, one dry and one wet, and an iron. We place the dry towel under the print on our polyester fabric and place the damp towel over the print. We heat up the iron and iron over the wet towel until it is dry, then try to scrape the print off the fabric being careful not to damage it. You can use your hands or a knife for this. Remember to control what happens to the material so as not to damage it.

The dryer method works in a similar way to the iron method, but for this method you need a dry clean cloth and a dryer. Place the cloth on the fabric and turn the dryer on to maximum power. When using this method remember to heat the print evenly, but do not damage the material. After heating, as with the iron method, try to remove the unwanted print.

Method using chemicals

Chemicals allow us to effectively remove the print from the polyester material. However, care must be taken not to damage the material. For this method, you will need acetone nail polish remover or isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth or cotton swab. With the cloth or swab soaked in our remedy, we rub the print and wait. You have to be patient when removing with this method, as the chemical has to penetrate the material well. After about 5 minutes, we can undertake to scrape off the print. Before attempting to remove the print, do a test on a barely visible part of the material so that the chemical is sure not to damage it.

Summary

Removing a print from polyester can be more difficult than from cotton due to polyester's sensitivity to heat and some chemicals. High temperatures can damage the fibres and the wrong chemicals can discolour or damage the fabric, so gentle methods and tests on invisible parts of the garment are recommended. Methods that can be used include the use of irons, dryers and chemicals. Each of these techniques requires care to effectively remove the print without damaging the fabric.