Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I'd like to know what would be the best paper for white and heather shirts. I want to take a tearaway label shirt and then print the logo, care instructions, size, etc on the inside of the t-shirt collar. I want to use an ink jet paper as I'd like the flexibility to offer this custom imprint to accounts.
I would like the softest hand possible, almost invisible polymer and a very reliable product as I don't want the transfer ruining the shirt after it has been printed and a sleeve woven label applied.
So far I have only tested the Chinese self weeding paper and pigment ink--not bad. I have also tested Jetflex premium and although it seems impossible to screwup, there is a little too much hand.
I am not familiar with Ironall, Duracotton or the new Softstretch.
Your suggestions would be appreciated.
I had considered image clip but I don't want to mess with the 2 step process.
Chani, I thought I read that the hand of Sofstretch is a little more evident than Ironall. These are small transfers, mostly type, no photo realism or art challenges. Is Sofstretch the softest hand and least visible polymer?
Its polymer window isn't very visible, and its hand is very soft. Not quite as soft as IronAll, but it becomes almost non-existent after washing the first time. The problem with IronAll is that if your garment isn't washed in COLD water and dried on LOW heat the very first time it fades VERY badly. You don't have that problem with JPSS, and I don't trust all of my customers to wash whites or lights in cold water the first time.
Even after the first cold water wash, IronAll begins to fade much faster than JPSS.
I've only tried one self-weeding inkjet transfer, and not only was its hand horrible, but it also didn't work with fine lines like you'd have on a label. Maybe the one you've tried was better.
But of all the non-self-weeding inkjet papers, JPSS is your best choice, in my opinion.
Actually I should have also stated that the softness BEFORE washing is most important to me. This is what the customer will feel and is important in the buy or not buy decision. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the softest, for example I'd select A from the following:
A) Pre washed softness 8, post washed softness 8
B) Pre washed sotness 7, post washed softness 9.
This seems so simple and if I had a sheet of every available paper I could make my decision but sampling can be a hassle.
In that case, I'd have to say that IronAll is your choice as far as papers that I've personally tested. But again, don't you want your "tag" to last after you've washed it?
On white t-shirts, I'd be willing to bet that most people would wash them with hot water. That will be a problem with IronAll.
JPSS is still pretty soft. You CAN feel it on your shirt before it's been washed, but it's not offensive at all.
The other thing...people should wash ANY garment they buy before wearing it...
I will compare both papers. Yes, I want the transfer to last, that was just an assumption on my part.
My other solution is to just print the label inside the collar with the Bother when it prints the front of the shirt. Not the best solution since the available opening is not too deep. It would be a compromise but would work.
You can buy sample packs of both of those papers at New Milford.
If you decide to go with JPSS, tho, I'd buy it from Coastal for three reasons...one: they're a forum sponsor...two: they're cheaper...and three: they also offer a 5% forums discount.
Actually, they sell IronAll, too but they call it Everlast. I haven't price-checked that, tho.
Wait, I'm not thinking right now...Coastal also offers a sample pack of three sheets each of several papers including JPSS and Everlast (IronAll). I suggest getting that pack and seeing for yourself.
I'd have to "second" Chani on all of her comments. Since you'll be using as a tag, and with such a small area being applied, I'm pretty sure JPSS will be very comfortable and will provide the washability and longevity you'll need. As Chani said, the best way to find out, is to find out for yourself through testing. Good luck!
I have now tested a 1.5 by 1.5 inch, all-text transfer on white and heather with the following observations:
1) Everlast--Very clear, clean text. Slight hand before and after washing. No fading after one wash.
2) Sofstretch--Pretty much the same as Everlast. I can't see or feel much of a difference between the two.
3) Chinese Self Weeding--Had to play around with temperature, time and pressure. Never got good results with color ink. But did manage to tweak and tune in black ink. Did not work at all with dye inks, only pigment (Durabrite). Washed as well as the others. There is no hand whatsoever before or after. A really nice feel. The supplier from Ebay says sublimation ink may work better. I may try that but I wish I didn't have to lay out $80 bucks or so for a cartridge I may never use.
I will do some more washings and if any results warrant a follow up post, I'll do so.
What Would Be The Best Paper For This? 
