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tshirt guy · April 29th, 2008

I'm currently trying to decide between using screen printing and heat-press for my potential business, but I'm not familiar with the outcome (quality of results) of heat press shirts. I am very familiar with the results of screen printed t-shirts, but not so much w/heat press (that have been designed & printed out on my printer). Does anyone have any pictures they can post of finished heat-pressed shirts (w/designs printed out on their printer)? I'm trying to avoid making a "sub-par" product. Also, does a cutter trim only around the perimeter of a design or within a design as well (to remove "blank" spots within intricate designs)? Thanks.

Colorfast · April 29th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by tshirt guy


	I'm currently trying to decide between using screen printing and heat-press for my potential business, but I'm not familiar with the outcome (quality of results) of heat press shirts. I am very familiar with the results of screen printed t-shirts, but not so much w/heat press (that have been designed & printed out on my printer).

With a heat press you can apply transfers using inkjet prints or laser prints from your computer. You can also apply plastisol transfers. These are printed with plastisol inks. That is the type of ink most screen printers use for t-shirts/sweats. Inkjet and laser prints are not as durable as screen printing but have their place. I use inkjet and am very pleased with the quality. They drawback to inkjet and laser is the prints can only be applied to white and light colored shirts. You can purchase papers to be used with dark color shirts but I have not found one I like yet. I think plastisol transfers are the way to go with dark shirts.[/quote]

See the attached of one of my first test prints. I was using (still am) Jet Pro Soft Stretch paper, Epson inkjet with Durabrite inks and a Mighty Press.

[/quote]Also, does a cutter trim only around the perimeter of a design or within a design as well (to remove "blank" spots within intricate designs)? Thanks.[/quote]

I don't use or have experience with plotters/cutters so perhaps you can search the forum. Many members use them

Girlzndollz · April 30th, 2008

Hey T-shirtguy....

Most importantly will probably be how does your target market view screen printed vs. heat press transfers? Who is your target market? What range of quality are you looking to produce? What price are you targeting to sell in? Generally, the public still holds the opinion that screen press is a superior product compared to heat press transfers... and that's a widely held opinion on the forum, too...

Using JPSS (Jetprosofstretch - which I personally also use, like Chip does), the quality of heat transfers is rising, but not to the level of screen printing... that's a general statement... some will agree and some will disagree.. but for the most part.. that's how it is seen.

As far as cutting... a cutter/plotter can cut the interior of a heat transfer design if the cutter is capable of "contour cutting"... only then it can "see" the interior cuts that are included in the design..

I hope this helps... good luck to you..

Leatherneck · April 30th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girlzndollz


	Hey T-shirtguy.... Most importantly will probably be how does your target market view screen printed vs. heat press transfers? Who is your target market? What range of quality are you looking to produce? What price are you targeting to sell in? Generally, the public still holds the opinion that screen press is a superior product compared to heat press transfers... and that's a widely held opinion on the forum, too... Using JPSS (Jetprosofstretch - which I personally also use, like Chip does), the quality of heat transfers is rising, but not to the level of screen printing... that's a general statement... some will agree and some will disagree.. but for the most part.. that's how it is seen. As far as cutting... a cutter/plotter can cut the interior of a heat transfer design if the cutter is capable of "contour cutting"... only then it can "see" the interior cuts that are included in the design.. I hope this helps... good luck to you..

I agree totally Kelly! btw, good to be back to the forums after some time off

. Knowing your market and what your shooting for is key. Most people do view screenprint as a much higher quality option. jetprosofstretch certainly is a high quality paper for transfers and is definately raising the quality of standard for transfers. I was very careful to research my markets before I invested alot of money into this.

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