Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I just watched a video on you tube and i saw that he used a heat press to make shirts with transfer paper. On this video he placed the image on top of the shirt and then used the heat press right on the transfer paper. I thought you were supposed to place a sheet of "see through" paper and then apply heat. So, is it because he is using a heat press and i am using an iron or because the difference of the paper?
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For most light colored transfer paper, you don't have to have the paper or a teflon sheet over the image. In fact, I've found it better to not use a teflon sheet on the Ironall paper - it eliminates a few seconds to the overall process.
For dark colored transfer paper, I believe you MUST use a teflon sheet or paper over the image - otherwise, the design will bubble up and stick to the heating palet.
I'd guess that he was using light colored transfer paper and you're used to using dark paper.
In addition, I don't believe an iron will heat up enough to do a 'professional' transfered t-shirt. It seems like I've read that irons only heat up to 150-225 degrees - whereas the average inkjet transfer requires heat of 350-385 degrees. But, if it's working for you...
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"It's difficult to heat press straight when you're hungover"
so what kind of results are u getting? cmon i dont think a good iron can only get up to that level, might as well use death valley for an ironboard its about that temp.
well, i have made a couple with an iron, and so far they have been okay, over time and through the washer i have noticed that the corners are starting to peal off, even though they are not notice able, does anyone know where i can get a small cheap heat press?
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what size do you want? they have awsome presses at blankshirts.com im looking into the same... theres one called the hix and the 'hobby' one for small prints is about 300 dollars not too bad, the 15*15 goes at 500, however everyone recommends atleast a 15*15, a shame as id love to do full chest lettering, one or 2 more inches across would really be awsome and quick hmm maybe just get a 12 inch for now... or also try one and then another side since its only for big huge prints id have trouble
You can also try calling up local printers to see if anyone has a used heat press for sale; this is a good way to find one cheap, but of course you're not getting any warranty and such like you would with a new one.
I think irons do heat up more than only 200 degrees, but there are other reasons they aren't commercially viable - you can't provide consistent results. Even if the temperature is enough, it's very hard to provide heavy, even pressure across the design. Also, it can be physically exhausting using an iron - when it takes 3 minutes an image and you have to hold down on the iron heavily, you're gonna get tired a lot faster than you would on a heat press.
An Iron doesn't have the thermal output of a press and your arm won't deliver the same pressure as a press. Even ironing machine (than can resemble a heat press) can't deliver the same amount as a heat press. However a heat press can do a fantastic ironing job on some cloths... :-))
hand iron and heat press 
Re: hand iron and heat press 
