It’s hoodie season, which means fleece, fluff, and figuring out the best adhesive for the job. Hoodies bring warmth, comfort, and texture. But that texture can create challenges on press if your pallet adhesive isn’t up to par. So which adhesive performs best when printing on fleece?
We put four popular screen printing adhesives to the test on the Allmade AL5000 CVC hoodie. Here’s how they held up, and what you should know before you print your next hoodie order.
Adhesives Tested
- Traditional Web Spray Adhesive
- Water-Based Pallet Adhesive
- PrintGRIP Yellow (Medium Tack)
- PMI PalletGel (Heat-activated)
RELATED: PMI Pallet Gel Sheet: Fast, Clean, and Flexible Tack Without the Hassle
How We Tested
To simulate real-world production, we printed a white ink design using Wilflex Quick White with a 125 mesh screen. Each adhesive was tested for:
- Initial tack strength on fleece
- Flash performance (shrinkage, garment movement) using the Riley Flash Quartz Dryer
- Second application hold
- Ease of cleaning or reapplication
Initial Hold: All Four Pass
On the first rotation, all four adhesives performed well. No movement under flash, and prints came out clean and crisp with each option. But as any production printer knows, it’s what happens after that first shirt that really matters.
Second Rotation Showdown
Water-Based Adhesive
Water-based adhesive held well on the first pass, but started to lose tack by the second. Reapplication is quick, but requires flashing to dry before loading another hoodie.
PrintGRIP
PrintGRIP held tight through two rotations. Cleanup is easy with water, but drying time under the flash dryer still takes a bite out of production speed.
RELATED: PrintGRIP High Tack Sheets Tips & Tricks
Web Adhesive
Traditional web adhesive is fast and familiar. It grips fleece with ease and lets you reapply quickly between prints. Ideal when you need to keep production moving. But speed comes with trade-offs. Web adhesive tends to build up on your platens, sprays overshoot onto your press, and can leave a sticky mess in your shop. Plus, aerosol fumes require proper ventilation. Make sure your space is equipped for airflow and filter management.
PMI PalletGel
PMI PalletGel was the most innovative. It visually changes color when it hits print temp and gives a solid grip through two rotations. Cleans easily, but needs to be reflashed before reloading.
RELATED: The Best Screen Printing Adhesives and Their Benefits
So, Which Adhesive Wins for Hoodies?
Pure speed and production flow: Traditional web adhesive offers quick tack and easy reapplication. Expect some overspray and more cleanup when using sprays. Make sure your ventilation is setup to handle the fumes.
Reusable, non-aerosol options: PrintGRIP and PMI PalletGel are great alternatives for shops avoiding spray adhesives. Both offer strong initial hold, are easy to clean, and are ideal for fleece. Just keep in mind, you'll need to reheat or wipe down between uses.
Eco-conscious shops using water-based systems: Water-based pallet adhesive gives you solid tack without the aerosol. It’s easy to reapply and works well for shorter runs, though it may require frequent reapplication and drying under the flash.
Make Hoodie Season Easier
The right adhesive makes a big difference in hoodie production. Whether you’re prioritizing speed, cleanliness, or eco-friendliness, test these options for yourself and see what fits your shop’s flow best.
Your Shop, Your Choice
Whether you're printing fleece for retail brands, streetwear drops, or custom merch, choosing the right adhesive can speed up production and improve quality. Test, compare, and lock in what works best for your process.