Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I'm so sorry, but I can't find this guide or question asked on the forum! I searched a lot.
It seems to me like the most basic question and a starting off point. Like a first off thought for most wannabe t-shirt makers. I realize it might be too dumb for those in the know to want to be printed here at all - heh.
However I think the info could shed light on why a heat press is so important, and perhaps lead people away from making mistakes.
I CAN afford a heat press, but I want to be sure it's necessary.
Is there a guide to doing iron on transfers with an actual IRON so that one gets the best results possible?
I read warm the shirt first, and make sure to cover the iron over the shirt long enough (kind of vague and I'm probably not conveying it well in words, as it may sound like a burning-it danger [and actually how does one then not burn it, or does one anyway ha ha?]).... and I read that it is uneven ... (and I'm leaning toward a heat press) ... anything else? Step by step instructions? Must I use the special papers, and how quality are those papers?
Before I got into this, I did some of the craft store iron on transfers. They're not bad. Just like with the professional brands, you have some good, some bad.
Usually all that was required was a firm flat surface. Lay a pillow case on it. Pre iron the surface that the graphic will be applied to. Then ironing on the transfer usually required holding the iron firm in one spot for 10 or 20 seconds and then moving to the next, till you covered the whole design. Some transfers asked to keep the iron moving over the whole surface. If you are going to be doing a transfer here or there for Aunt Mary or Uncle Lou, then this should suffice. But since I have gotten a heat press, it is nice to just pop the bread in the toaster and "Ding!", it's done. The heat press cuts down on time and effort.
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I also started with an iron but i think it is a lot easier and you get more surface pressure with a heat press, and temprature control. I am a amatuer photographer and i have done t shirts tote bags mouse pads with my pictures with an standard iron but i want a more professional look so im investing in a Heat press soon!
When something gets my curiousity going enough, I am inclined to test it. But that's not with everything!!
So I pulled out a sample EPT™ transfer I have from Versatranz after reading this thread again. I said to myself that I'm going to try one with a good ole Rival home iron about 5 years old on a swatch of bamboo fabric.
And so I did, about 10 mins before this post. Attached is are two pics of the outcome. I took Robert's advice and pressed the swatch first and may have pressed the transfer about 10 seconds, applying pressure from the top and bottom of the ironing board. Not bad huh? I may have scorched the fabric though as you can see the iron print.
When something gets my curiousity going enough, I am inclined to test it. But that's not with everything!!
So I pulled out a sample EPT™ transfer I have from Versatranz after reading this thread again. I said to myself that I'm going to try one with a good ole Rival home iron about 5 years old on a swatch of bamboo fabric.
And so I did, about 10 mins before this post. Attached is are two pics of the outcome. I took Robert's advice and pressed the swatch first and may have pressed the transfer about 10 seconds, applying pressure from the top and bottom of the ironing board. Not bad huh? I may have scorched the fabric though as you can see the iron print.
AB
Are these plastisol? Never thought about those with an iron. I was thinking the regular digital transfers. I love the iron imprint.
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The original Thread Killah!™ Extreme Metal Art and more @ www.deathisgain.com also "Thread Bully" & "Thread Hijacker"!
When i first got this idea to do T-shirts i started with a New Black & Decker Classic Iron It was the Heaviest iron i could find ,all these were done with it with a HP All in One that was before i discovered this Forum, it can be done but it is very time consuming,and you can not get consistent results & Quality like you get with a heat press.
I also started with a home iron making my own transfers on tshirts. I just recently purchased a heat press & stock transfers. I love the heat press - much easier - even heat. I've only had it a short time & am learning something new each day on my own & from the tshirt forum.
Yes, Prometheus, that EPT transfer I used by Versatranz is indeed a plastisol transfer. A sales rep confirmed it today for me. He added that it's made with a special plastisol ink and special paper they came up with after 2 years of R & D. It's claimed to last as long as the garment does, can be applied to almost anything and is applied in 4 seconds (on a heat press, not a home iron) to save time.
Before I had enough t-shirt business to get a press, I used a home iron. I bought a dry iron so that there would be no issue with steam holes -- finally found one a Vermont Country Store website.
I'd slip a pillow case over my large wooden cutting board so I had a hard, flat surface. Also, place a piece of parchment paper (availaible in most grocery stores) on top of the transfer so that you're not ironing directly on it. As for pressure and time...trial & error.
By the way, I use the soft transfer paper from Dharmatrading.com. I've tried others over the past couple of years but, I find this one looks, feels, and wears best.
I use that transfer paper for my customers who want small quantities, or those who have a complex graphic that would be costly to screen.
Thanks for all the informative posts!!! I have been doing iron on transferring for my own custom t shirts for as long as I can remember. And now am looking towards a heat press so my girlfriend and I can transfer our art for customers, (hopefully someday). What is the most decently priced, yet dependable press out there?... I have been looking at the JetPress 12 for sometime now, but don't know of other options. Any help would be awesome!!
If you are looking at the Jet Press 12, I would definitely consider the Stahl's Mighty Lite Press, 11x15, with a lifetime heating element warranty, and at 58 lb, is still portable. It's a clamshell with a nice high opening. I got mine for $370 delivered, from specialty graphics, a preferred vendor here. They offer a member discount, look it up in the link, it's there.
I was also looking at all the 12" presses. That was my budget, but when I added shipping, I always ended up near $325. Though right now, Conde seems to have a nice price on the jetpress 12.
With the 12 platens, I was looking at the smaller size, less wattage and limited warranty. (I've always heard lining up shirts on the small platen is difficult and tricky.) I went for the extra $45 bucks and got the bigger platen, more wattage and lifetime you know what. That also included 2 telfon sheets 16x20, which are very, very nice to have. Prices vary on where you get them.
How to iron on with an actual home iron? 
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