Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
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Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
I have heard that transfers from laser printers (your own) will wash away in the washing machine. Is this true? Do they fade quite a bit or what is your experience. Does it depend on the paper you use, etc? Your input is appreciated.
Re: Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
It may depend on the paper used, but laser transfer papers are generally even more durable than inkjet transfers. A little fading in the first wash but the light laser transfers I'm using does'nt crack.
Re: Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
I read somewhere that laser transfers are done using plain paper... no special transfer paper needed... I cannot remember for the life of me, where? Did I dream this?
Re: Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
Quote:
Originally Posted by NicMartel
I read somewhere that laser transfers are done using plain paper... no special transfer paper needed... I cannot remember for the life of me, where? Did I dream this?
"did i dream this"...that's funny.
yeah, i had a dream the other day and in it I was speaking Chinese...really I was.
no, plain paper will not transfer the graphic well. You need transfer paper.
to answer SportsZoneSS question, i think lazer transfers work well on specific knits and wash ok. But in general all digital transfers, bubble jet type included are not as durable as plastisol transfers for example. On the upside, these digital transfers DO have a place in the market due to their capability to produce full color graphics, one-offs, or even for photo shoots, tv commercials etc.
here is a sample pic of a lazer transfer (also made a vinyl version of it) for a photo shoot where a Gliiter powder was added on top of the Lazer Transfer...(the gold glitter star and the word perfect).
(c) MacDonalds Corp.
...considering the rush for this project, the lazer transfer filled the gap.
but again, the washing and wear and tear durability is not what most signature brand resellers preffer. But the market for such does exist and has bloomed into a mega $ industry over the past 10 years. Something not to be ignore.
Re: Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
Quote:
Originally Posted by T-BOT
to answer SportsZoneSS question, i think lazer transfers work well on specific knits and wash ok. But in general all digital transfers, bubble jet type included are not as durable as plastisol transfers for example. On the upside, these digital transfers DO have a place in the market due to their capability to produce full color graphics, one-offs, or even for photo shoots, tv commercials etc.
I am becoming seriously confused about which route to take. I am down to the wire now because I have pending orders and on my first attempt with DurraCotton it was a disaster! I have NO idea what I did wrong, but it was extremely sticky and very, very hard to peel off and after I got it all off, hardly any ink transfered. Also, when I printed the transfer with my brand new oki5500, part of the image did not even print on the paper. I dont know what to do and I am pulling my hair out. I need to get these orders done, but this isnt working out as easily as I thought it was supposed to. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!
Re: Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SportsZoneSS
I have NO idea what I did wrong, but it was extremely sticky and very, very hard to peel off and after I got it all off, hardly any ink transfered. Also, when I printed the transfer with my brand new oki5500, part of the image did not even print on the paper. I dont know what to do and I am pulling my hair out.
Pressing issue: Probably not enough pressure. Make sure the press is slightly above 400 degrees. 400, not 399. That's important. I press DuracottonHT at 405-410, just to make sure. Use LOTS of pressure. not enough pressure will cause the problem you are having.
Printer issue: Set the paper type to heavy. If you still have problems, use ultra heavy. I had to use ultra heavy on the C3400. Might also help to print a few blank pages to warm up the fuser. I have never had to do this, but others have.
Re: Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
Thank you Mark and Ross.
On the pressure issue...I must have had alot of pressure because I had a hard time trying to open it back up.
As for the heat, I had it at 400 and a little above right before I pressed it and did it for 20 sec. So, it sounds like I was close to what you are saying...but what do I do now to try to find out for sure? Do I cut up some samples and experiment? I have worked on this for weeks now and I really need to get these orders done. Thanks for all your help!
Re: Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
I think 20 seconds is too long. I had a similar issue when pressing for 18 seconds. I think the longer dwell time cooks the ink/polymer to the paper and makes it hard to peel. That's my theory anyway. At 14-15 seconds I get great results and it peels like butter. Light pressure is usually what causes what you are experiencing. I use so much pressure that it takes all most all of my 240lbs to close the press. In my experimenting, more pressure always cleared up these sorts of problems.
Re: Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SportsZoneSS
I am becoming seriously confused about which route to take. I am down to the wire now because I have pending orders and on my first attempt with DurraCotton it was a disaster! I have NO idea what I did wrong, but it was extremely sticky and very, very hard to peel off and after I got it all off, hardly any ink transfered. Also, when I printed the transfer with my brand new oki5500, part of the image did not even print on the paper. I dont know what to do and I am pulling my hair out. I need to get these orders done, but this isnt working out as easily as I thought it was supposed to. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!
hi sportzone.
sorry to hear you are having problems with lazer transfers.
because you have jobs that are due for delivery real soon, perhaps get plastisol transfers made near you (more like screen printed finish) and continue with the digital transfer experiments when your time permits.
OR
you can go t your local photocopy place that uses their lazer photocopy machines (Xerox etc.) to make photo transfers and have them print them out for you...just an alternative when you are pressed for time/delivery of goods to client. I know that Xerox Lazer copiers with Xerox transfer paper print and apply well most of the time. Have used them for years but no longer the main thing around here.
as for problems with digital lazer transfers, I know that when the paper is old and not stored properly or when the working enviroment changes (hummidity etc.), this will cause problems.
sorry, du-no what else to tell you, i'm not really in the digital field. Perhaps more imput from other members may help you thru to complete your job.
Re: Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
Thanks for the advice. I will definately keep that in mind. With this situation, the paper is supposed to be new (sample I recently received). I will try the super pressure..lol. I will do this soon and get back with you all about my results. Cross your fingers for me!
IT had me fooled because they chnaged their web site completely, so I kept overlooking it... The statement below is on the page/URL above.
Beg of statement [Plain Paper
Yes, just switch the sublimation cartridges for your regular laser cartridges, and leave the paper alone. No need for special transfer papers.]
End of statement
Keep in mind that the Laser quality even though you hear people swear is equal or better to inkjet, I found to be false... inkjet is much nicer. even on the 2K and above machines.
The best way I know to convey the feeling is: Do you remember when the rotary engine came out and was supposed to revolutionize the car industry and send the ole piston bangers to the retirement pasture... ummm! I bet you drive a 6banger!
Re: Is it true transfers from laser printers washes away?
Quote:
Originally Posted by NicMartel
The best way I know to convey the feeling is: Do you remember when the rotary engine came out and was supposed to revolutionize the car industry and send the ole piston bangers to the retirement pasture... ummm! I bet you drive a 6banger!
ok Nic, you're losing me.
I drive a 73 red MGB and a 76 Laguna for fun only. Are they 6 bangers ? ...i don't think so. ...please explain it further.
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