Im looking into doing some small dye sub work and ive been reading for about a week now. Im starting from scratch and im a newb and just need to get pointed in the right direction before i buy everything. Here are my questions. Im looking to do T-shirts, Jerseys, nothing else.
1. Good Start up Printer - Im looking at the Epson 1400, I know the 4800 is what majority would say is great, but i really dont know where im going to go with this project.
Any other epsons under $500 that i should take a look at?
2. Ink - I know a good place to start is Conde and that i need to get Dye Sub ink. Do these Inks come in kits? Can i only use Dye Sub ink with this printer? What if i want to print out a picture or something do i need to change inks? Sorry i dont understand ink that well.
3. Heat Press - Im looking at a 16 x 20 because im going to be doing a lot of name and # combos. Also get one that is digital...Stay away from ebay???? Good place to start?
4. Best Option for Dark Polyester? For example how does Under Armour get the print on all there dark stuff? Is Plastisol the best option? or do laser transfers work? Ive seen the list of Plastisol suppliers.
5. Apparel - i was gonna go with Vapor. What about for Dark polyester shirts and polos?
Anything im missing??? All the info is greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.
The c 88 is not made anymore as far as I know so you would have to look at a c120, the ink for all small format printers is controlled bye sawgrass you have no choice, costal business supply is a good source and I would highly reccomend them, as far as darks go the best is either vinyl or plastisol, other than that I think you have it covered as far as the apparel, so dig in and get started, its fun and you will soon be addicted!!
For dark shirts you can use vinyl for 1,2,3 color designs in lower numbers. It's really time consuming for large numbers due to the weeding. Plastisol is better and often cheaper for larger numbers. You can also use Augusta brand shirts and polos- they sublimate well. I have the 4800 but a think a smaller printer might be better if your not doing alot for cost reasons. The 1400 has a larger paper size. We often do designs that are 12x12 so keep that in mind as well. I think the c120 is smaller than that. I don't think there is much difference in the two sub dye inks. One is a little cheaper. You will not be able to print other things with sub dye ink unless you have a hybrid system with multink on one side and sub dye on the other.
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