Hello T-Shirt Community,
I am looking into starting up a t-shirt printing business to make money so I can start up a Firefighter apparel and collectible store. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction I need to go. Heat Transfer vs Silk Screen? I am trying to get the business of the 8 volunteer fire departments in my county. Most shirts would be done on navy blue,red and sometimes gray shirts. What equipment would be necessary to get started, any info would be greatly appreciated.
Hey Willie, welcome to the forums. The route you pick depends on a few things. Cost, being on top of most peoples list, both start up and reoccurring. Are you planning on printing on demand or making quantities at a time. Space is also a factor. I went the heat press option because I found a press package at an unbeatable price. With the press you can order screen printed transfers also. Good luck to you.
Cost is a consideration and I'd like to keep it low but at the same time I don't want to purchase junk.The shirts would probably be print on demand until my store was open and I needed to keep an inventory. What all equipment is needed to get started. Obviously a press, but what else? Vinyl cutter,printers? We have had quality issues with the shirts my department buys so I want something that is not going to start peeling off after a few times in the washer/dryer. Is vinyl a thing of the past? Is plastisol the new thing or is there something better?
Cost is a consideration and I'd like to keep it low but at the same time I don't want to purchase junk.The shirts would probably be print on demand until my store was open and I needed to keep an inventory. What all equipment is needed to get started. Obviously a press, but what else? Vinyl cutter,printers? We have had quality issues with the shirts my department buys so I want something that is not going to start peeling off after a few times in the washer/dryer. Is vinyl a thing of the past? Is plastisol the new thing or is there something better?
Plastisol has become my best friend for dark shirts. The offer great quality, look, and durability. In the frame of equipment going the heat press route you would need the press obviously, light transfers may work on the grey shirts depending on how dark they are. A vinyl cutter would be a big plus, along with an alignment tool. That will be my next purchase, I'm using a regular t-square but the alignment tools will speed up the process. I use my regular HP printer only because my ink is free through my job, but the quality is still good. There are plenty forums on here with common printers that work well for transfers. Being that I don't have a cutter at the moment, I am not sure of the vinyl side of things.
Need pointed in the right direction 
