Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I may get blasted for this, but I am wondering if someone can tell me the best iron-on transfer for white t-shirts. I am still in the process of expanding my designs and a real live heat press just isn't something I can swing right now. Any suggestions?
Don't worry, this is the friendliest forum I've ever seen.
Even though I'm not going to blast you, my recommendation to you is just to WAIT, Because paper on it's own is expensive and you just can't guarantee quality with an iron.
If you're averaging 75 to 100 dollars per pack of transfer paper, you can find a cheeeap swing away press for three hundred. (George Knight Jet press) So just keep building up your portfolio, gather up job leads, and save save save. A heat press doesn't have to be that expensive. But make it your goal to eventually buy a really good one that will last you the rest of your life.
Thank you for your comment and for being friendly! lol You are right and will probably go that route. It really is the smart thing to do.
Thanks again!
Gosh - if you are doing whites, try to find someone with a DTG printer to contract the work to. I provide this service for a few local screen printers and we both make a profit. The quality would be much better than iron-on.
Actually, I think it's smart to do a little R&D with your designs and transfers before investing in a heat press. I did it myself.
I use the soft transfer paper from Dharmatrading.com.
I used a large bread board, covered with a pillowcase so that I would be pressing on a hard, flat surface.
I used a dry iron (no steam holes) that I purchased from Vermont Country Store website.
I used parchment paper (you can get this at any grocery store) over the transfer to avoid scorching.
Pre-press your shirt. Lay down the transfer, then the parchment. Use as much pressure as you can to press -- set the iron down on one spot for about 10 seconds, move to the next spot, and so on. Then continue pressing (with pressure) in a circular motion for a couple of minutes.
Yes...a press is much easier, and much quicker but, if this is your first foray into the shirt thing, and you want to test the waters before investing in equipment, it can be done.
No offense, but a hand iron is NO substitute for a heat press. The thing is, you don't get the higher temperatures and the pressure needed for a lot of papers and vinyls.
Agreed. The truth is, the combination of the right temperature, pressure, and time setting is just as important as the paper you use, when it comes to durability and quality, there is no substitute. Using an iron is acceptable for personal use, but I probably wouldn't use it for a custoer's job.
Actually, I think it's smart to do a little R&D with your designs and transfers before investing in a heat press. I did it myself.
I use the soft transfer paper from Dharmatrading.com.
I used a large bread board, covered with a pillowcase so that I would be pressing on a hard, flat surface.
I used a dry iron (no steam holes) that I purchased from Vermont Country Store website.
I used parchment paper (you can get this at any grocery store) over the transfer to avoid scorching.
Pre-press your shirt. Lay down the transfer, then the parchment. Use as much pressure as you can to press -- set the iron down on one spot for about 10 seconds, move to the next spot, and so on. Then continue pressing (with pressure) in a circular motion for a couple of minutes.
Yes...a press is much easier, and much quicker but, if this is your first foray into the shirt thing, and you want to test the waters before investing in equipment, it can be done.
Dharma Trading is a great company.
I used to iron my silk screened and airbrushed or handpainted clothing with an iron on the wrong side to heat set them. The prints lasted 20 years.....but I used a great ink which isn't imported to the states anymore because plastisol took over. I can vouch for Dharma Trading's products.
This may be blasphemy but.... 
