Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Hey Guys,
I was wondering if someone would be able to tell me what it is I'm doing wrong..
A few days ago I tried printing my first shirt just to see how things would work out and let me tell you.. I was so disapointed I'm beginning to think this might not be worht it!
First the equipment I have is:
- Everlast Light fabric transfer paper
- Epson C88 with durabright ink
- White Guilden model 2000 (ultra cotton t)
- And a hand iron ( I know heat presses are the way to go but I wanted to get an idea of how the ink will look like after wash ect.. before going out to buy a machine..) Note that I'm doing this more as a hobby and sall sales as well..
What I did:
- Printed simple graphics and text on transfer paper
-Trimmed the paper
- Pre heated the iron using dry heat setting (not steam)
- Pressed firmly on graphic for about 1-1.5 minutes before moving on to the next unpressed pice of the graphic
-Slowly peeled the tranfers
What went wrong:
- The ink did not get transfered completely on some of the graphics
- Some of the unprinted parts peeled when pulling the transfer paper
- I waited 24hours before washing test
- Once washed (inside out) the color faded REALLY bad on most of the graphic
- The graphic doesnt have a soft hand to it and i could clearly see the trimmed part around it even though it's on a white shirt!
Note that I washed using hot water instead of cold, does that make a huge difference?
Can someone Please offer some advice as to what I could do to make better prints? After this experience I afraid to buy an expensive heat press and have similar results!
If you are really looking into doing this as a business then I would invest in a heat press if you want to do it all yourself. You really should wash your shirts in cold or warm water and dry on low heat or hang dry. If you do not want to invest in a heat press right away then you might want to look at cafepress or spreadshirt.com.
__________________ Mystic Never give up on YOUR DREAM!
Thanks everyone,
Although I do not intend to make this a full time job, I would still like to make good quality shirt transfers.. Having said that, I think I will invest in a heat press if that will make the shirts look better
Is this a pretty good one? It's not too far from my place so I can easily pick one up!
I didn't want to take a chance and buy a heat press and still be dissapointed with the results but I have 30 days to return with this one..
Please not that a lot of the starter presses (under $500) don't have digital time or temperatures. This features are very handy to have, but if you are doing it as a hobby they might not be critical. You will just need to pay more attention. If things go good for you, you are probably going to want to upgrade to a bigger / better press.
Thanks for all the info.
Although the one I was looking into isn't one of the brand names listed above, it does have all the features you mentioned such as digital timer and temp. it's 15x15 which I read was a good size to get for tshirt transfers..
I can get it for $307 canadian which is quite a bit cheaper than the brand named ones that do not have all these features..
Does it absolutely need to be a brand name?
I figure worst case I ahve 30 days to test it out and can return it if it doesn't do a good job..
No, it does not have to be a brand name. I have never seen that press before...so it could be a real good press. Just realize that some presses come and go in this market all the time. 30 days is not really that long to test a press out. Here are some things I would do if I were looking at a non-brand press: - Get the temperature strips to make sure that you get good uniform temperature in all the locations on the heating element. If there is a wide range of difference, then some portion of your print might not be cured and will come out in the wash. Do not use a laser gun. - Find out exactly what warranty (besides 30 days) comes with the press. All brand name presses come with a lifetime warranty on the heating element and some time on the electrical/components. - Find out what things typically go out on that press and what the cost would be to replace the part (not installation). - Crank the pressure down on the press so that you have heavy pressure and see how it holds up. The structural integrity of the press over time will be tested. If it is made of cheap metal, it will bend out of place and no longer give you uniform pressure. This will kill your prints.
Also, ask exactly what the cost of shipping is going to be. Some distributors will give free shipping (check out Coastal Business Supplies), but not sure if that includes Canada.
Ultimately, it does not have to be a brand name. But, you take a risk in the press if it is not. Best wishes.
Thanks DAguide,
Very useful info! I will mak sure to check those points out before buying..
As For the warranty, its 3 years..
There will be no shipping cost since I'm going to be picking it up. I checked many U.S. based places that sell heat presses (such as Coastal) but unfortunately the price rises very high if we take into consideration customs (duty charge, brokerage fee, taxes ect.. ) this is why I was hoping this one would be a good choice! $320 canadian is right within my budget!
I figure anything would be better then a iron right!
Where can I purchase these heat strips by the way?
I know of a guy name Brian Walker (Inkjet Garment Printing and Brother GT-541 Digital Garment Printer) that told me he had them. But, he is in Ohio. Not sure where you can get them in Canada. I would call or email Brian and see if he can help you. The investment in the strips would be well worth the price since this is the only real way to check temperature of the heating element across the platten.
Might want to check with Imprintables Warehouse as well. They might have them, but I am not sure.
I know it's not considered a well known brand name but I got anyway since it had all the features needed (digital timer/temp ect..), Looked very sturdy and the disctributer is very close to my place so there was no shipping cost..
Total cost of the press $320 canadian..
came with 1 teflon sheetm 2 rubber matts, 6 t shirts for testing too!
I already tried it out on a couple of shirts and LOVED the results.. colors stayed after first wash test too.
First Impression Not so impressed! 
