Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Everyone is telling me that First Edition is one of the best out there for plastisol transfers but that hasn't been my experience. Almost ever single test I did with their transfers came out bad. And even the ones that came out good didn't completely come off of the transfer sheet.
Can anyone share there experiences?!
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Designer in fashion hungry D.C. www.jonwye.com
Everyone is telling me that First Edition is one of the best out there for plastisol transfers but that hasn't been my experience. Almost ever single test I did with their transfers came out bad. And even the ones that came out good didn't completely come off of the transfer sheet.
Can anyone share there experiences?!
I did a job last month with their transfers and didn't have any problems with the transfers themselves. A little issue with pricing due to them not updating their web site after having an increase, but they immediately gave me a credit after I questioned them.
This sounds like an exception and jobs everyone seems to get once in a while. I'll be using them again.
Have you spoken to them. I am an advocate of when something seems like it is the other guys fault then I call and ask questions? If you are having a problem call them. Can I say that I have not had a problem with First-Edition.. yes and no.. Not with them but with a transfer they made and but after them assisting I found that I, not them was the cause of the problem. They are not a small company and if they sold bad product I think you would hear more about it. I requested and got samples of the type of transfers I was going to be using and learned quickly the problem was my temp. time and pressure. Not one of can say we have not had a problem with pressing a transfer on a shirt and I would make bet that if you had the same press I do that we would not be pressing at the same time temp and pressure. You have to find what works best for you.
__________________ There is a center to everything.. I found mine at.. www.heatpressessentials.com Tools to get the job done! www.tbiz101.com (New)Heat Transfer Education
Everyone is telling me that First Edition is one of the best out there for plastisol transfers but that hasn't been my experience. Almost ever single test I did with their transfers came out bad. And even the ones that came out good didn't completely come off of the transfer sheet.
Can anyone share there experiences?!
John, join my club. I've also had sad results with their samples so far. BUT I'm convinced that it is something that I'm doing wrong and not their product. One day when I have the time I'm going to get on the phone with them and resolve this.
RE: your comment on the ink not completely coming off the paper - I think you are talking about the Hot Splits there. Look at the instruction sheet and see what kind are those. If that's the case than that's the way those types are supposed to come out - ink only partially releases from the paper. So if those are coming good and that was the only issue than that's good news right there At least you got the Hot Split ones down.
I've come to the realization that Cold Peel transfers are the way to go if you are NOT doing volume printing. Ideal for newbies since they cost less too and are full proof. What can go wrong with a cold peel transfer ? ....nothing.
Has for Hot-Splits, half ink on paper the othe half on the shirts etc... what the heck is that. what's the purpose ?
I can see it being a NEW type transfers like the one we make that gives a retro-distorted-look, but seriously, can someone tell me the benefits of a Hot Split? Why not just a HOT Peel transfer that works on all color t's ?
FirstEdiction is a Class A company...so I'm not sure where the problem is...I figure it would be the person applying the transfers, what can really go wrong with transfer application...not a lot.
But there is the odd time transfers go bad, like if they were left out in the cold or something.
Thanks for the tips gang! I did not know that hot splits are supposed to remain partially on the sheets. One thing I considered was that maybe the transfers I was trying were from an old lot that they put in the info binder.
Also I want to drop a tip that F & M Expresssions is the freaking bomb! Their new Freedom process is amazing. See above for Rodney's review of their FREEDOM product. It allows you to do approx 300 colors using plastisol inks. THose transfers come off the shirt so nicely.
I would say between the new F&M expressions Freedom process and Imprintables.com's print/cut vinyl process one can achieve a litho-like transfer way cheaper.
Freedom process just isn't a spot color process like other plastisol transfers. I will be placing my first order with them in about a month. I will post pic results soon after.
For a gang sheet of about 12" by 19" (144 quantity) it costs $2.50, which is very cheap if you plan to put a bunch of your designs on it.
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Designer in fashion hungry D.C. www.jonwye.com
Freedom process just isn't a spot color process like other plastisol transfers. I will be placing my first order with them in about a month. I will post pic results soon after.
For a gang sheet of about 12" by 19" (144 quantity) it costs $2.50, which is very cheap if you plan to put a bunch of your designs on it.
that's s great alternative to doing 4-color process transfers due to the low volume.
I've come to the realization that Cold Peel transfers are the way to go if you are NOT doing volume printing. Ideal for newbies since they cost less too and are full proof. What can go wrong with a cold peel transfer ? ....nothing.
I actually had problems with most of the cold peel transfers that I tried. They didn't peel very well cold. But I think that was just my newbieness.
Quote:
Has for Hot-Splits, half ink on paper the othe half on the shirts etc... what the heck is that. what's the purpose ?
The hot splits that I tried had a softer feel on the shirt than the hot peels that I tried. So I'm guessing that's why people might prefer those.
I use hot splits exclusively and there is very, very little ink left on the paper. In fact, it looks more like a ghost than remaining ink. The ones I use start out thick too since we primarily print on dark shirts.
I use hot splits exclusively and there is very, very little ink left on the paper. In fact, it looks more like a ghost than remaining ink. The ones I use start out thick too since we primarily print on dark shirts.
Do you use first edition? Or who?
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Designer in fashion hungry D.C. www.jonwye.com
I use hot splits exclusively and there is very, very little ink left on the paper. In fact, it looks more like a ghost than remaining ink. The ones I use start out thick too since we primarily print on dark shirts.
The hotsplits I got from transferexpress were just like that.
I think different hot splits might split different ways? Or should they all just leave a light ghosting.
The ones I got from other companies left more ink on the paper (but didn't transfer as well).
may be it's just me but I'm begining to think the term "Hot Split" is a thing of the past.
Custom Transfer today are made with the right amount of ink on the sheet as you need. Some people want it thick, others want it not so thick. But the Idea whatever amount of ink is on the paper...is to make them so that all the ink ends up on the shirt, with a Hot Peel..or Cold Peel if you prefer that.
...may be I'm wrong.
but, if you are getting transfers that are "Hot Split" and it werkz-for you, go with it.
here is a resonse I got from Janet at first edition concerning ypur problem
Hi Lou...
I can tell you that I have never talked to this person. So, if we have sent him a sample pack...it is highly unlikely that he has called to ask questions. Your response was good...
Here is the problem I am seeing...and feel free to mention this on the forum. Everyone is contacting us for free sample packs...which is great...but they are not calling me back once they receive them to go over any questions. I am very aware there is an overwhelming amount of literature in those packets, so I seriously doubt that very many people actually reading the instructions for each type of transfer. They get one to work, and move onto the next one...then it does not work, they get frustrated and think there is something wrong with the transfers.
Most often it is that they are trying to apply a cold peel with hot split instructions...or vice versa. If they do not call me, I cannot walk them through the application processes and help trouble shoot if they do not get back with me... I would be happy to assist him if he would like to call and tell me specifically what he is finding with our transfers.
__________________ There is a center to everything.. I found mine at.. www.heatpressessentials.com Tools to get the job done! www.tbiz101.com (New)Heat Transfer Education
I can totally understand Janet's response. I definitely don't think there's anything wrong with their transfers. Just the opposite in my case...I'm sure it's me that's not doing something right.
It's good to go the source and ask the vendor directly for help, at the same time though ,I can understand that sometimes people feel more comfortable asking their "peers" for help.
Sometimes it's a case of not wanting to "bug" the vendor since they already took the time to send out the sample pack and detailed information, sometimes it's a case of not wanting to ask a "simple" question that someone else may have the answer to, rather than having to tell the vendor you aren't sure how to use their transfers. Sometimes it's a matter of comfort...some folks are more comfortable with email vs a phone call. I know I like email or online help because I can refer back to the instructions several days later when I forget what was said
Just some thoughts I personally really appreciated the samples Janet sent out and the help she gave me via email.
First Edition, Why have you forsaken me? 
what's the purpose ?
