Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Hi all,
I did a quick search but couldn't find any threads relevant to my question.
I'm pretty new and do inkjet photo transfers exclusively. I'm pretty satisfied with 8.5 X 11 for most sizes, but they do look a little lost on the X+ size shirts. I'm wondering if it's feasable to use my regular size transfers but then add a border/frame of plastisol or vinyl. Does anyone think this would work? Am I nuts?
I'm really not ready to move up to an Epson 1280 for larger transfers although that is certainly a possibility someday. Right now I'm using a C88+ with Durabrite Ultra ink, and Transjet II paper. I just ordered a sample pack of Iron-all so I'll be testing that soon.
Thanks,
Hi all,
I'm wondering if it's feasable to use my regular size transfers but then add a border/frame of plastisol or vinyl.
I've put vinyl letters under photos (not touching) vinyl goes on first, at lower temp, then photo last.
Remember to press the transfer last. If not, it will pull off on the second re-heat and damage the transfer's finish.
You also have different time/temp settings to think about. Do some testing with your settup and see what happens.
You might be able to add a graphic around the photo, but I wouldn't think you should let them touch. (Don't stick the photo to vinyl or vinyl to the photo)
Probably more possible with vinyl as a border but you are going to have different textures and feel happening on your shirts. I dont think adding frames etc to the designs is going to overcome your need or want to create larger designs.
Using a little creativity, you could also design a non-continuous border that is printable on your 8 1/2 X 11 transfer sheets that when cut and laid out create a larger frame. For example, using scrolls placed a small distance from the edges to frame the photo. Or you could create a continous border by joining strips, such as a row of hearts. Or maybe combine line borders placed to meet against a separate corner graphic. The main thing is to make sure the border design looks like it was planned that way.
(I'm tired and I'm now rambling, so I'm not sure if my wording of this explanation makes sense to anyone but me.)
John, David, Maxine -
Thanks for your responses - I'll test them out.
I'm sure I will want to go to a larger format printer someday but you've given me some good ideas to play with in the meantime. 'Preciate it.
Remember to press the transfer last. If not, it will pull off on the second re-heat and damage the transfer's finish.
Watch out for this with plastisol too. If you re-press plastisol when it's still hot, it will transfer some of the design back off the shirt. Make sure it's cooled before re-pressing; I'd suggest doing a run all plastisol, then then run of heat transfer (instead of one shirt at a time).
Also, most important of all, make sure you use a teflon sheet whenever pressing a shirt that's already been pressed with another decoration (whatever type it is). If you don't, part of the design already pressed will probably melt off on to the top platen of the heat press, which is not fun. (This will tend to give the plastisol a glossy look; this will be hard to avoid. Ace Transfer Co. apparently had some sort of rubber mat that can be used to reduce this glossy look, but I don't know that anyone has used it yet.)
It will be a bit odd having a shirt with two different "feels" to it together. I think it could work out okay though, if done correctly. (Make sure you do test 1 shirt before running them all through in steps!)
I have seen several examples of where two different types of applications have been used (called mixed media) and it looks great in my opinion. I know in CA, they are selling these shirts for an outrageous amount. I have seen everything from screen printing and embroidery to vinyl and flock (Josh @ Imprintables has a video here on this). I like mixed media because it is different. This is just my opinion. The best way to find out is to give it a try. Make some samples and test market it. Best wishes.
Twinge, Mark, thanks for the additional info/suggestions. I'm still mulling this over. Definitely will test before going all out. But I am in CA, and I would love to sell shirts for outrageous amounts!
Combine inkjet and plastisol? 
