Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Has anyone done any research on the cost differences in contracting out having (plastisol-based) heat transfers made vs. buying a laserjet/inket printer/vinyl cutter, ink and paper and creating it yourself?
I am toying with this idea of creating my own transfers vs. contracting them out, but not certain which is more costly. I like the idea of doing it all, if my transfers will look nearly as good as plastisol-based.
Speaking of which, what process will get close to transfers looking as good and holding up as long as plastisol-based transfers?
Re: Contracting Out Transfers Vs. Creating Yourself
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Originally Posted by AdriaticBlue
Has anyone done any research on the cost differences in contracting out having (plastisol-based) heat transfers made vs. buying a laserjet/inket printer/vinyl cutter, ink and paper and creating it yourself?
They are two totally different processes. If you are doing spot color in large quantities, plastisol transfers are economical. If you are doing small quantities, digital transfers would be more economical, and if you're printing photos, digital is your only choice.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AdriaticBlue
I am toying with this idea of creating my own transfers vs. contracting them out, but not certain which is more costly. I like the idea of doing it all, if my transfers will look nearly as good as plastisol-based.
Speaking of which, what process will get close to transfers looking as good and holding up as long as plastisol-based transfers?
To produce plastisol like prints, you'll need a self weeding transfer paper. I think ImageClip is the best. It is a laser paper.
Re: Contracting Out Transfers Vs. Creating Yourself
I suggest employing all methods. I use plastisol for quantities of 25 or more; vinyl for short run darks; and digital (inkjet transfer paper) for short run lights, photographs, and designs with so many colors that plastisol becomes too expensive. I do not use digital for darks however, it does not produce a professional looking garment in my opinion.
Using all 3 methods, I can find a solution for every customer's need.
Re: Contracting Out Transfers Vs. Creating Yourself
That's what I would suggest as well. ^^
I do want to add a note about what Ross said as well. Generally speaking, digital would be the way to go on small quantities, costwise. However, despite the fact that Plastisols will cost you more, especially in those smaller runs, you should be able to command a higher price tag on them, because you are selling a quality garment that will hold up permanently. It just depends on the client and the job, every case will be different.
Re: Contracting Out Transfers Vs. Creating Yourself
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Originally Posted by deChez
I suggest employing all methods. I use plastisol for quantities of 25 or more; vinyl for short run darks; and digital (inkjet transfer paper) for short run lights, photographs, and designs with so many colors that plastisol becomes too expensive. I do not use digital for darks however, it does not produce a professional looking garment in my opinion.
Using all 3 methods, I can find a solution for every customer's need.
Well said DeChez...
I totally agree with this approach.
John
__________________ Big Daddy Screenprinting -Affordable contract Heat Press Services & Low Volume Screen Printing up to 4 spot colors with no setup or screen fees
Re: Contracting Out Transfers Vs. Creating Yourself
This advice and feedback is valuable. Thanks to all who chimed in, and any more who desire to.
If I consider this approach to do myself "vinyl for short run darks; and digital (inkjet transfer paper) for short run lights," I assume I need to invest in a vinyl cutter & inkjet or laser printer?
Am I limited in the number of colors I can use with vinyl?
I'll Google the forums for more details on ImageClip. I've briefly read something about it here, just need to refresh my memory.
Re: Contracting Out Transfers Vs. Creating Yourself
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If I consider this approach to do myself "vinyl for short run darks; and digital (inkjet transfer paper) for short run lights," I assume I need to invest in a vinyl cutter & inkjet or laser printer?
Yes...correct. Depending on your budget, I would recommend the Roland GX 24 with an optical eye for cutting out comlicated designs from heat transfers. Another favorite is the Epson C88+...if you can still find it. It is pretty cheap and a good printer. Either way, stick with Epson and at least the Durabrite inks.
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Am I limited in the number of colors I can use with vinyl?
You are only limited to the number of colors offered in the particular vinyl you want. Some of the more popular vinyls come in between 20 and 30 different colors....including neon colors. Also, you can do up to 3 color design with vinyl fairly easily in low volume.
__________________ Big Daddy Screenprinting -Affordable contract Heat Press Services & Low Volume Screen Printing up to 4 spot colors with no setup or screen fees
Last edited by treadhead; December 3rd, 2007 at 02:24 AM.
Re: Contracting Out Transfers Vs. Creating Yourself
Thanks treadhead.
I'm still confused somewhat about vinyl. I'm only seeing it available in rolls of single colors and I'm wondering how to get a multi-color vinyl transfer? Am I looking at the wrong type of product from what's been suggested?
Re: Contracting Out Transfers Vs. Creating Yourself
Quote:
Originally Posted by AdriaticBlue
Thanks treadhead.
I'm still confused somewhat about vinyl. I'm only seeing it available in rolls of single colors and I'm wondering how to get a multi-color vinyl transfer? Am I looking at the wrong type of product from what's been suggested?
AB
You seperate your design into the 2 or 3 colors and only cut those particular parts of the design in the color vinyl you want. Then you decide which color needs to go down first and press it. Then, you follow up with the other colors based on which needs to be pressed in what order (i.e some colors may go over the top of others in the design and sometimes it don't matter).
Hope that muddied it up a bit more for you....
__________________ Big Daddy Screenprinting -Affordable contract Heat Press Services & Low Volume Screen Printing up to 4 spot colors with no setup or screen fees
Re: Contracting Out Transfers Vs. Creating Yourself
You'll get much more professional quality with either plastisol transfers or vinyl, though there's nothing wrong with inkjet transfers and they do have their place. If you are wanting to do full color designs, it would be the cheapest way to go, but if you are able to order in quantity, 4-color plastisol transfers wouldn't be THAT much more expensive. But then of course, you have to house all the transfers until you need them, and they are not eternal, you should use them ideally within 1.5 to 2 years.
That's the beauty of inkjets, that you can print to order, and handle much smaller jobs more efficiently. I would just suggest telling your customers not to expect them to last forever (but without making them believe they are buying junk) Inkjet quality is getting better all the time, you should just be honest with your customer as to what they are ordering.
I probably would not call it 'inkjet' to a customer though, as that might lead them to believe they can print them out themselves at home on their own printer (which they could with the right materials ) I would simply refer to them as digital prints, while differentiating with the screenprinted transfer.
Re: Contracting Out Transfers Vs. Creating Yourself
Quote:
Originally Posted by karlking85
I probably would not call it 'inkjet' to a customer though, as that might lead them to believe they can print them out themselves at home on their own printer (which they could with the right materials ) I would simply refer to them as digital prints, while differentiating with the screenprinted transfer.
Just my 0.03
Very clever...and true..I am not the salesman kind of guy, but rather the one who enjoy in the production department..and this tip is very useful.
Contracting Out Transfers Vs. Creating Yourself 
