How do you fix a print on a T-shirt?

Surely in our wardrobe we all have our favourite printed T-shirt, but what if it breaks, starts to crack or peel off? There are a couple of ways to deal with this, if the print is cracked we need to get special thermal adhesive pads or fabric paints and a dedicated brush. A detached print can be rescued with an iron by ironing it back on.

Detached print - how to save it?

A peeling print can be saved with an iron and baking paper. This is a very simple and quick method that allows us to save it. If you notice that the print is peeling off, you need to act quickly. The heat of the iron will soften the glue underneath the print, allowing us to reattach it to the T-shirt.

Step by step on how to fix a peeling print correctly:

Lay the T-shirt on a flat surface, preferably on an ironing board or table.
Place baking paper over the T-shirt where the print is, this will allow us to iron the print safely.
Heat your iron to medium power and run it over the paper. Iron it for about a minute.
After this time, gently remove the paper and see if the print has stuck in place. If not repeat the process.
Leave to cool to allow the glue to dry well.

Repairing a cracked print

A cracked print can be frustrating for us, even more so when it is our favourite T-shirt. There are two methods to repair such a situation. The first method, which is safer, is to buy special thermal adhesive pads, which can be found in haberdasheries or online shops. For this method, we need the aforementioned pads, baking paper and an iron. The second method is self-repair using fabric paints; this method is more difficult and requires a skilled hand. Remember to choose the colours of the paints well so that they match the broken print.

How do I repair a T-shirt using thermal adhesive flakes?

Place the flake on the area that is damaged, apply baking paper to it and then iron it on with an iron for 10-15 seconds. Make sure the iron is set on medium power and has the steam function turned off. After ironing, leave the T-shirt to cool so that the heat pad can adhere well to the print.

How do I repair a cracked print with ink?

Remember to thoroughly clean the area you will be using paint on. Choose inks that will match the colours of the original print. Use a fine brush to paint over the damaged areas, this may require several coats. Once you have finished, leave the T-shirt to dry before wearing or washing it.

Can a broken print be covered up with a new print?

Yes, it can! To cover an old print on a T-shirt, first make sure it is clean and dry. The best way to remove the print is with an iron or hairdryer A gentle smoothing of the print can help minimise its visibility. Next, choose a new design that is large enough to effectively cover the old print. You can have the new print made by a professional company or try to do it yourself using transfer paper.

Summary

Repairing a t-shirt print can be simple and effective. A peeling print can be salvaged with an iron and baking paper, allowing it to be reattached to the fabric. A cracked print can be repaired with special thermal adhesive pads or fabric paints, which require precise painting of the damaged parts. Covering up an unwanted print is also possible, simply remove it with an iron or dryer and have the new print applied by a specialist or try to do it yourself at home with transfer paper.