Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Hi I'm going to buy a C120 for heat transfers but I'm still figuring out stuff cause I'm new. I'm buying it from amazon.com (I have personal coupons for them) What pigment ink would I have to buy? Also what transfer paper would you guys suggest for both white tees and dark colored tees? Any help is appreciated. Thanks a lot.
The epson c120 uses the pigment ink, and you can continue to buy epson, or switch to refillable carts or a bulk/CIS system. Different people prefer different inks, and all the threads are here for researching them. Some names to get you started are Everlast and Magic Mix.
For light shirts Jetprosofstretch is great. A search on that will tell you all you need to know, including wash tests we've done, and for darks, Ironall Dark is great. Both are stretchy and have great color retention.
The epson c120 uses the pigment ink, and you can continue to buy epson, or switch to refillable carts or a bulk/CIS system. Different people prefer different inks, and all the threads are here for researching them. Some names to get you started are Everlast and Magic Mix.
For light shirts Jetprosofstretch is great. A search on that will tell you all you need to know, including wash tests we've done, and for darks, Ironall Dark is great. Both are stretchy and have great color retention.
Thanks for the info. whats the difference between the OEM epson inks and the CIS system? if any at all besides price?
I would agree on the papers that kelly mentioned. jetprosofstretch is the best paper for lights hands down and the ironall for darks is the best out there for dark garments. The CIS system is a bulk system that is added to the printer giving you the benefit of more ink usuage and greater savings with printing costs. The only thing with the CIS is they really need to be used every day. A standard printer does not. Hope this helps
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The print heads are made and sized to run the OEM inks, and other inks may be different sizes and consistency. Pigment ink is like tiny gel drops, it is encapsulated in resin. An ink thicker or thinner will act differently running through there than the OEM it was designed for. Most of the time, it's not an issue, but try to find threads on your printer, and fing the CIS's that people are running trouble free. Just to avoid any headaches.
I've seen folks recommend getting your CIS system and inks from the same source as there could be compatability issues there as well. But best is to do your searches for the threads and catch up on others feedback here on the forum. Good luck to you.
Inkjetcarts.us now has a heat transfer ink that says it is good for all C model Epson printers. It is $48.40 for a set of four, 4 oz. bottles of ink...
They also have a C120 kit that includes refillable carts, 4 (4 oz. each) bottles of Ultra II pigment ink, and all refilling supplies for only $69.95. The only thing is, I don't know if that ink is suitable for heat transfers -- i.e. if the yellow ink will break down under heat and causing color shifting...
I have emailed Ross at inkjetcarts.us who is SUPER helpful, and asked these questions. As soon as I get a response, I will post it here...
Just wanted to update the thread. Ross from Inkjetcarts told me that the C120 requires different ink than the ink for the "C Line". They now carry a line of heat transfer ink specifically for the C120, as well as refillable carts, refilling supplies, etc.
I know you said you'd stay with the OEM carts, but I will warn you that you may experience problems with "color shifting". That means that the design contains colors that are correct after being printed, but CHANGE after being pressed. From what I understand this is especially true with composite colors, and any color that might contain even a drop of yellow ink. It turns green when pressed. For instance, gray is a composite color, and when printed is gray, and after pressing turns olive green. How do you explain that to a customer? "I know it LOOKS green, but after you wash it, it SHOULD turn back to GRAY..." Wouldn't fly with my customers, that's for sure! LOL...
In addition to NOT having any color shifting whatsoever, the heat transfer ink has a nice, rich, deep black that you will not get with Durabrite. AND, PERHAPS ONE OF THE BIGGEST PERK OF ALL: After using the 4 oz. bottles of heat transfer ink, you will have saved OVER $400 versus the Durabrite ink. What I love is that when I start to run low on ink, I can just refill the refillable carts (they were only $16!) and keep working! No need to run out to Office Depot or Staples, dropping $66 for set a set of carts!!
Thanks a lot Melissa that sounds waaayyyy better. I value your opinion and that actually sounds like a better option. If anyone knows how it works so far I'd like to hear it. In the meantime I'm gonna look into it myself.
awesome thread! i am also thinking of getting the c120. Just a question:
the superjet site has a CIS and a Continuous Pigment Ink system. What are the difference between the two and what is suggested for heat transfers? Thanks.
They both sound the same to me, but I wouldn't go with an unknown ink. That could be dangerous. I'd go with heat transfer ink, which is made to withstand high heat, thus avoiding color shifting.
In addition, CIS are great because you'll get the cheapest price per print, but PLEASE remember that you'll need to print at least once sheet per day, or you may get banding and/or clogging problems.
I sometimes don't print for weeks at a time, so I purchased the refillable cartridges, and they're great!
Thanks for all the info. I'm in the process of getting my equipment as I am new to all of this. I was all ready to buy the Epson C88+ until I came across this thread, now I'm leaning towards the C120. I'm curious what printer you use and do you get your inks from inkjetcarts.us. Their prices are really good for the CIS system and the inks.
I'm using the epson c110 Aus version of (c120), using Durabrite inks. I too am getting a color shift when pressed. I've just purchased a cis from Superjet which should arrive in the mail this week. Very, very hard to find a cis for this printer here in Australia. I will definitely be buying the HT inks for refill after reading Melissa's posts.
Has anyone used the cis system with pigment inks from Superjet?
So guess what? It's been 2 years since I first conceived the idea to startup and I'm back. I just pressed my first tshirt today and it was grayscale and it turned out yellowish greenish. I guess I will have to try out different inks. Is there another possible reason for this?
Epson C120 Ink? 
Re: Epson C120 Ink? 
