Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Hi Kelly! Hope you had a GREAT Christmas!! OK, bought Gildan Ultra 9 oz. 50/50 sweatshirts -- they're bright white, heavy and excellent quality. OK, pressed two sweatshirts -- one that I told you about for my BIL, and one for my husband of his classic car. The SoftStretch performed beautifully! I carefully looked for white in the "ribbing" like the problem you had, but nothing. Just perfect! The only thing I notice with the SoftStretch is that when peeling, it's a little gummy, and the micro-fibers of the material (?) kind of pull up with the peeling and it looks a little "fuzzy" for lack of a better term. I was tempted to give it a second press, just to lay it down a little, but didn't have a teflon sheet (only parchment paper) so I just stretched the shirt a little in each direction, and then kind of "patted" the transferred area a little. Looks perfect! If I find time, I will photograph my husband's sweatshirt as best I can...
I am LOVING the SoftStretch! I'm NOT loving the OEM Durabrite cartridges though, since the printing turned out GREEN again instead of gray (on both shirts!), and this time, it didn't change back! Anyway, how can you print a shirt and tell someone, "I know this looks green, but give it a few days, and it will look gray..." YOU CAN'T! So now I am researching 3rd party inks. Humpf! It never seems to end! I'm always researching something, or trying to get something to work! Sounds like my golf game...
Hope all is well! Wishing you a happy holiday season!
Melissa
Hi Melissa -
What a great update, thanks so much. I will write down that swtshirt and try it. I like Gildans. I'm getting good feedback on the LSTee as well as the Swtshirts (I did them with ironall.)
Did you get to do a wash test yet? I'm always curious about those. The wash tests for SS went very well, so I'm guessing yours will, too, and I hope they do. I hope your BIL liked the swtshirt .
I also find that when I am peeling the SS it feels like it's really attached to the shirt. I've read other people have gotten it to peel like butter, like the ironall. I've had a few peel off like that, but can't figure out what I did different. In threads along the way, I think others have said it had to do with longer dwell time and heavy pressure. I have to re-read up on that.
That is great news about no white showing in between the weave. Leo didn't have any either. I think I am the only one so far, so it's either me or my swtshirt.
I really hope the problem with your ink resolves. It sounds like it's been plaguing you. Has it happened from the beginning? Sometimes, I wonder if a machine just comes off the line wrong. If it's happened from the start, maybe you should think of swapping it with a new one from whereever you bought it from. I think Lou said he went through a few printers when he tried a new one (can't remember exactly what he said.)
I have taken a Christmas break (I want to move as fast as a slug now that I am not under pressure! ), but I agree with you completely. It seems I am always trying to refine the supplies to get the right combination for things to just go smoothly and then I can just go on with it. I don't look forward to getting back in the ring, but I'll end up there again.
Hope you had and are having still a wonderful holiday, and thanks for the well wishes, too. If you have any wash news on your husbands, would love to hear it. Hope your day off was wonderful!!!
Hey Kelly ~ your posts are always so bright, happy and encouraging! Thanks so much for being such a "ray of light" here on the Forums! I always enjoy hearing from you!
I did a TON of reading up on the ink problem, and unfortunately, it's not a bad printer -- that would be just TOO easy! No, it's the formulation of the Durabrite ink which just isn't made to hold up to all that heat. I think it's a problem with the black as well as a problem with the yellow. Now I have to look into which 3rd party ink to go with, and there are so many choices, it's mind boggling! Right now I'm thinking of going with pre-filled, refillable cartridges to avoid the initial setup which also sounds confusing for a newbie like me -- but at least I won't have to worry about the color shifting after working so hard at creating the design!
It's just frustrating because that first I bought the JP12 hobby press, and it had a bad thermostat, and wound up upgrading to the Mighty Press 15 x 15. Then, I had a problem with the paper cracking and having a heavy hand, so I bought the IronAll. That solved the cracking and the hand problem, but it faded. So, I bought the C88+ with the Durabrite ink hoping for better permanence and washability. Then JPSS came out, and I bought that to solve the fading problem with the IronAll, and discovered the ink problem! Bought the stock transfers and totes, and that didn't work out at all (but I still haven't given up on that yet!). Uuugghh. Sometimes I just wish I could get past all this crap so I could just "get down to business" like I'd like to! I do understand, though, that everything good takes time to learn, and this is a skill that's taking time to hone as well.
Even though the JPSS is a bit sticky upon peeling (and I remember Lou saying so both on the Forum and on the YouTube video), I still love it. I did use really high pressure and pressed for at least 31 seconds plus time to open the press. Unfortunately, all of my JPSS creations are still new and cherished so they haven't gotten the wash test yet, but I am hoping they'll wash nicely. I'm hoping this paper is everything I was hoping it was! As for the sweatshirts, I got them from S&S Activewear, and I was very happy with the entire experience! S&S was great, and delivered pretty quickly, and the sweatshirt quality is awesome -- they're thick, soft and have an expensive feel for only $3 or so! I specifically bought the 50/50 because of the problem you had with your sweats I'll look up the item number and let you know so you can order them too, although I don't know if they have kids or doll sizes...
It was "back to work" today, and I don't mean doing shirts, so I guess I better get to bed! Glad to hear that the pressure is off of you!!! Feels good, right? I remember when I was selling books on Ebay, I was SOOOOO happy when all my orders got to their destinations by Christmas, and I could finally sit back and relax a little. Nothing like it, and you certainly deserve it, girly! So sit back, relax and enjoy a cold one! (Isn't that how the commercial goes?)
All of my best to you this Holiday Season, and every day!
Melissa
Hi Melissa and thank you, you're a sweetheart. Please let me know how it goes with the ink, I'll have my fingers crossed for you. I can relate to your tale of how one thing leads to another with problem solving. I think we have the same printer, but I don't think I have the problem with the black/green ink. Is it that my eyes don't see it? Is that pretty normal for durabrite ink?
It is nice to rest. I have a retail store and schools to supply, and they're closed for Christmas, yeah, very nice break! I found Ebay to be very time consuming when I did it. I think Lou used to sell his totes on Ebay and progressed onto other ventures and away from that. For me, it was alot of work for very little return. I don't see myself ever venturing into this biz as far as Lou (wow), but I really enjoy this. I am going to hang around here to learn more from the pro's here, but am moving on to develope the other biz in my life. It's way more simple.
Why is the durabrite ink doing that to your colors? Is that pretty standard for the ink to do that? Is it happening to mine and I don't really notice it? Should I check more closely? Thanks, Melissa, sorry to sound kind of dumb about it, but I definitely got curious after you said durabrite ink can't take high heat. Does that mean mine too? Everyone's eyes are different, and mine took a turn for the worse this year - lucky me! When you find an ink that works well with the JPSS, will you let me know? I wonder if all inks are created equally when it comes to putting them on SS, or if some work better than others with the paper? Uh-oh, Melissa, sounds like testing ahead...... I hope "first shot" is how it turns out!! So many variables, so little time and money!!! Wishing you the best of luck-
Thanks so much for all the great info in your post, I really appreciate it. I will look up SSactive and see if I can get an A/C. Thanks for being so awesome!
Best regards,
Kelly
Last edited by Girlzndollz; December 28th, 2007 at 08:28 AM.
From my personal experience, it happened right from the beginning -- from what I've read on two different forums, yes as well. Search this Forum and the Yahoo Group under "color shift" and you'll see what I mean. Black turns green, and yellow turns green -- maybe the black isn't just pure black ink, but rather a composite of colors and it contains the yellow? That's why everyone says to go to the advanced printer section and adjust yellow to -15 and cyan and magenta both to +5. Except with the gray, it came out purple with those settings. To me it's ridiculous to have to play with the advanced settings with every design!
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It is nice to rest... I found Ebay to be very time consuming when I did it. For me, it was alot of work for very little return.
I agree wholeheartedly. A lot of work and at times 30% in fee expense between Ebay fees, PayPal fees, etc. Haven't sold for over 9 months on Ebay, and hate to go back, but still have an inventory of books, and are hoping to cross-sell with the shirts... As much as I hate to admit it, it can be a very good way to get your stuff seen by the buying public...
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I don't see myself ever venturing into this biz as far as Lou (wow), but I really enjoy this.
Me too, but don't have the time to get into it as much as Lou. Unfortunately, I don't think the shirt biz is going to give me the salary/benefits of my full-time job -- which is a shame, because I really love doing the shirts!
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I am going to hang around here to learn more from the pro's here, but am moving on to develop the other biz in my life. It's way more simple.
Agreed!
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Is it happening to mine and I don't really notice it? Should I check more closely?
Quite possibly. Having switched from a HP Photosmart to the Epson, I noticed a big difference in the coloring, right away. With Epson, black has a greenish cast before pressing, and big time after pressing. Photos of people appeared yellow. People in yellow dresses? Disasterous: couldn't see where the skin started and the dress ended! I would carefully check your prints in bright sunlight, because indoor lighting can already have a yellow cast.
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When you find an ink that works well with the JPSS, will you let me know?
Absolutely! All of my experiences/testing is now part of the public record! LOL
By the way, just found my invoice for the sweatshirts -- they are Gildan Ultra Blend Crewneck Sweatshirt 12000. The website is ssactivewear.com.
I know, wouldn't it be awesome if the shirts did the trick to bring in the money? Some people here are doing just that, though. I can't seem to get beyond 'testing' to make a real go of it.
But it is definitely fun and definitely brings happiness to each person who receives the garment. People love their shirts, doing this now, it's so funny to realize how much they really do. I'm not a clothes horse myself, I've become aware of it watching the kids. Anything to keep 'bringing on those smiles'. Life's too short and can be rough at times, so why not bring as much happiness to the table as possible.
I do adjust the advanced settings in the c88. I do agree that I don't want to. I have seen the yellow, which was horrible b4 adjusting. I often wish I could save the settings under different names. One day, maybe.
The yellow was even worse on my Canon pixma (b4 I learned here about pigment, thank you TSF).
On the c88, in addition to adjusting the yellow - I also adjust the bright, contrast and saturation. The black was not dark enough or compelling enough next to the actual photo.
For ironall light, I use 0 bright, +2 contrast, 0 sat, 0 cyan, +5 magenta, -10 yellow.
But ironall dark I use -3 Bright, 0 contrast, +3 sat, +5 cyan, +5 magenta, -10 yellow.
I leave a bit of yellow in because when I take it out, the skin tone becomes to harsh, I like it on the warm side. Maybe b/c I am adjusting the brights contrasts and saturations, it's working together that -10 yellow is okay for me. I have no idea.
Now SS has totally different settings for the same images on the light paper. One image becomes -3 bright, +3 contrast, +0 sat, +5 cyan, +5 mag, -10 yellow.
That's why I feel like a mad scientist in here sometimes. I (just like everyone else who's testing) am using alot of ink and paper to adjust the colors. I started cutting the sheets half and printing 2x3's to check the colors. Flip 'em over and send them through again the other way just to check color. Wasting slowed down when I started doing that, but still... makes ya bite your nails when you see the sheets end up in the trash.
Hope work goes fast. Thanks for the numbers on the swtshirt. Have a great day-
Kelly
I definitely agree on the "bringing people happiness". I never understood how much people LOVE their shirts until I gave all of my daughter's Teachers, Assistant Teachers, School Aides, etc. shirts for Christmas. WOW! People were thrilled -- even with just stock transfers! Blew my mind, and made my daughter sooooo happy!
Wow, I can't believe the amount of adjusting you have to do with your images!! LOL, and I thought I was doing a lot! I can see adjusting the brightness, contrast, saturation, etc., especially when your design includes a photo. I actually do that through my program before I even print, and I always tend to make the photos a little brighter, anticipating that they'll darken when printed and pressed. However, all of that "color adjustment" because of the "color shifting" is making me nuts! I'll probably try to take a low-cost way out of this, trying pre-filled refillable cartridges with heat transfer pigment ink before jumping to any conclusions, that's for sure (only $40). I've had to do so much "testing" and purchasing of new equipment and materials, that I just can't afford to buy a high-end CIS system and Everlast inks at the moment (over $300). What's the worst that can happen? The ink will clog my printer? That can happen with any ink with any CIS! I will, however, go with a website that has gotten good comments on both this Forum and the Yahoo Boards...
Well, gotta go, but will check back later. Have a great night!
Melissa
I love the ways you use the shirts to take care of the "to do" lists. Awesome, I'm going to find a way to do that in my life, too. I think I'll PM you for a little side convo.....
Am I allowed to ask what supplier and ink you decided to go with?
I've always been interested in the heat pigment ink. Sometimes, there's smoke when I open the press, and I wonder if my shirt or ink is cooking...???. Maybe I should be scared, but it hasn't occurred to me yet!
I know I've been ready to throw in the towel over the color adjustments, thinking I'll never get them to look good. So I can't imagine what it's been like for you with adding color shifting in addition to that. I don't think I could have gotten through it.
I hope the heat pigment inks are the answer for you.
I love the price you mentioned in your post above. Where would I go to find that?
I don't want to invest in a CIS until I have the volume to justify the cost. I didn't realize any of the systems could possibly clog the print nozzles/heads.....more learning!
Kelly, will photograph hubby's shirt tomorrow, and hopefully get it up on this tread so you can see the JPSS in action and the excellent quality sweats You'll also see the "color shift" because I put a gray "swish" behind the design, and unfortunately, it's still green
Will PM you with more, so we don't take up the whole thread, LOL... Gotta get the "Little Angel" to bed first, though. Talk to you soon if I don't fall asleep in the bed with her!
Hello Everyone, I received an email from NMP, and I posted it here, but deleted it as the coupon code may start to float the net. If you did not receive the email with the coupon code directly from NMP, please call them for it or PM me and I will pass it on to you. The coupon code is for free ground shipping for the month of january for Sofstretch light paper.
Re: SofStretch Coastal Paper Question 
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I'll look up the item number and let you know so you can order them too, although I don't know if they have kids or doll sizes...
I can see adjusting the brightness, contrast, saturation, etc., especially when your design includes a photo. I actually do that through my program before I even print, and I always tend to make the photos a little brighter, anticipating that they'll darken when printed and pressed. However, all of that "color adjustment" because of the "color shifting" is making me nuts! I'll probably try to take a low-cost way out of this, trying pre-filled refillable cartridges with heat transfer pigment ink before jumping to any conclusions, that's for sure (only $40). I've had to do so much "testing" and purchasing of new equipment and materials, that I just can't afford to buy a high-end CIS system and Everlast inks at the moment (over $300). What's the worst that can happen? The ink will clog my printer? That can happen with any ink with any CIS! I will, however, go with a website that has gotten good comments on both this Forum and the Yahoo Boards... 
