Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
If I am primarily interested in printing on White and Ash colored T-Shirts... and my graphic is not a fully "colored in" design... is there one type of ink-jet transfer paper that is more transparent than others?
Does a matt finish make the area were the transfer is (but no color) less noticable?
Here is an example of what my shirt backs will look like:
I need a set-up that is print-on-demand... because I will have multiple types of shirt backs available for different cities, areas of the country, etc...
So... one one hand, I need the ink-jet on to transfer paper, type of set-up... (or possibly Laser printer).
On the other hand, I am worried about the shiny-transfer look on the areas that are not colored.
I plan on marketing to gift shops, so I need a quality product.
Any suggestions, tips, etc...?
Thanks,
Brett
Last edited by RescueShirts; June 24th, 2007 at 12:35 PM.
With inkjet transfers, you will still have a slight film in the transparent areas. The one I have found to have the least is Ironall. It also has a very soft hand to it (feel). It does fade after the first wash, so I don't know if you would consider it "professional". I would think about going the route of plastisol transfers. With that you might have to cut down the amount of colors. The third option would be DTG (Direct To Garment) printer, which can be costly.
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I just switched to IronAll and (to me) it has a much more noticeable "window" than TransJet II – especially on anything other than white. True, it is MUCH softer than anything else I've tried, but there was noticeable fading after the first wash as Prometheus said. I even sprayed it on both sides with Scotch Guard after I pressed it – like someone else here mentioned.
The hand is not nearly as soft for Transjet II (it does soften up quite a bit after washing), but the "window" is not as obvious and the color holds really well.
Try to get some samples of each and see which works best for you.
hey brett...how did the switch to laser work out for you? did you buy the OKI new? or did you already own it?
i already have an HP laserjet 3500 and a Xerox Phaser 7750, so i'm bumming out at the thought of buying a THIRD color laser printer (and all those friggin toners that cost a bundle). but it seems like OKI is the brand of choice if you want to go DuraCotton. Any experience with printers other than the OKI? And if OKI is the best, any tips on how to get one cheap?
Haven't got it yet... this will be a brand new setup for me...
I have also decided on the Hotronix 16x20 Draw heat press (the idea of sliding the lower platen away from the heat is very appealing... and I have no room for a swing out press).
If I am primarily interested in printing on White and Ash colored T-Shirts... and my graphic is not a fully "colored in" design... is there one type of ink-jet transfer paper that is more transparent than others?
Any suggestions, tips, etc...?
Thanks,
Brett
There is a company in UK that sells a new self weeding transfer paper for inkjet printers. It is called kisscut KISSGOODBYETOCUTTING. I got the link from another thread Transfer paper needs no cutting? that was posted by cprvh.
I think this would be a revolutionary product if it rely works as claimed by the manufacturer. The "Holy Grail" maybe? Right now in my opinion it would be very expensive due to shipping costs, currency exchange rate and not to mention time lag because of logistics.
There is a company in UK that sells a new self weeding transfer paper for inkjet printers. It is called kisscut KISSGOODBYETOCUTTING. I got the link from another thread Transfer paper needs no cutting? that was posted by cprvh.
I think this would be a revolutionary product if it rely works as claimed by the manufacturer. The "Holy Grail" maybe? Right now in my opinion it would be very expensive due to shipping costs, currency exchange rate and not to mention time lag because of logistics.
Hopefully a distributor in US will pick it up.
Read more about it in their website.
Luis
If that paper works like they say it does, that would be great. The only thing I am wondering about is whether they are tring to get you to buy the ink as well ($$).
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The original Thread Killah!™ Heavy Metal Art and more @ www.deathisgain.com
If you read the FAQ, you do not have to use the ink they supply. It is suggested though(go figure lol). I have e-mailed them to see where to purchase here in the USA. I think if it works it would be awesome! I guess it's worth a try.
I also got this reply from Andy ... The product has just been launched in the UK and Europe, we are close to launching in the US, we are just finalising some distribution agreements etc and hope to have this sorted within the next two weeks.
I have put you on the list of interested parties and will either contact you myself or have one of our US distributors contact you when they are holding stock
This note was sent to me this mrng (Thur, June 28).
You can get kisscut self weeding paper and the inks etc from Site Not Found in the UK. Basically you can use any inkjet ink and printer BUT you have to be careful about the wash fastness of them because the ink could come off. the inks made for the paper are wash fast and are cheaper than normal everyday inks. The good news is that it works too.
Sorry it didn't show the site name it is keani.co.uk
Last edited by myrtle; July 4th, 2007 at 10:08 AM.
Reason: didn't show the site name
You can get kisscut self weeding paper and the inks etc from Site Not Found in the UK. Basically you can use any inkjet ink and printer BUT you have to be careful about the wash fastness of them because the ink could come off. the inks made for the paper are wash fast and are cheaper than normal everyday inks. The good news is that it works too.
Sorry it didn't show the site name it is keani.co.uk
I been to the site. Sorry could not find kisscut as a product the company carries and no mention about it at all. Unless I was in the wrong section. No product search engine in that site either.
I just switched to IronAll and (to me) it has a much more noticeable "window" than TransJet II – especially on anything other than white. True, it is MUCH softer than anything else I've tried, but there was noticeable fading after the first wash as Prometheus said. I even sprayed it on both sides with Scotch Guard after I pressed it – like someone else here mentioned.
The hand is not nearly as soft for Transjet II (it does soften up quite a bit after washing), but the "window" is not as obvious and the color holds really well.
Try to get some samples of each and see which works best for you.
They also crack when washed and you can't iron on them.
__________________ 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
Best Transparent Heat Transfer Paper? 
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Brett
