Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Alright, you'll have to bare with me here. I started off doing inkjet prints, but I find it too time consuming for my simple designs.
I have a design that is all one color, but it's a complex cut. It took me 30 minutes to cut out this damn design.
I was picking through here and found that Plastisol doesn't leave the "other color" on the design. My design is all one color (red) but using the inkjet leaves the white paper. So, here are my questions...
1) If I get custom ordered Plastisol can I get it where it won't leave an outline around my design?
2) Can I use an Iron? I know it may not come out the best, I am just curious if I require a heating press.
3) As I said, the design I want most right now is one color, but I have other designs that have a few colors. Are these still good for Plastisol?
4) Vinyl or Pastisol? I know I've been vague, but would I be best off to use Vinyl or Pastisol?
Good morning Dan,
1. Plastisol will not leave a polymer window around the design, as only the ink will transfers. Thought, check out the hand or feel of different plastisol transfer companies, as they can feel different.
2. I use a heat press because, all transfers come out more consistent and better, so yes you will need a heat press. You will also acheive greater temp. and pressure with a press.
3. 1 color will work fine with plastisol transfers. Remember the more colors the greater the price.
4. It depends on your budget, a vinyl cutter with an optic eye will contour cut your inkjet transfers saving time manually cutting. For a limited amount of colors vinyl will work. Personally I favor plastisol, because I don't have a vinyl cutter.
Hope this helps. Mike
P.S. The search option in the forum is full of knowledge.
1) If I get custom ordered Plastisol can I get it where it won't leave an outline around my design?
Yes. That's the only way it comes. Plastisol is screen-printed onto a release paper so the only thing that transfers to the shirt is the ink.
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2) Can I use an Iron? I know it may not come out the best, I am just curious if I require a heating press.
I wouldn't recommend it but you should ask the person/company who makes the plastisol transfer.
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3) As I said, the design I want most right now is one color, but I have other designs that have a few colors. Are these still good for Plastisol?
Yes.
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4) Vinyl or Pastisol? I know I've been vague, but would I be best off to use Vinyl or Pastisol?
If your design is intricate you'll have to weed out all of the negative spaces in your design if you use vinyl. Plus in addition to purchasing a heat press you'd also need a vinyl cutter.
[Sorry Mike ... we were posting at the same time. *~*]
You have some great answers above and if you want to see plastisol in action check out my video YouTube - badalou's Channel
__________________ There is a center to everything.. I found mine at.. www.heatpressessentials.com Tools to get the job done! www.tbiz101.com (New)Heat Transfer Education
I'm going to try those guys as well. I contacted VersaTrans after reading Rodney's take on eight different companies. I liked their overall selection and quality (from his review anyway).
I had another few quick question that I forgot to ask..
1) Has anyone used Plastisol Foil or Glow in the Dark transfers? They have peaked my interest, but VersaTrans' site doesn't show any images of them. I saw the one of the crowd that Rodney took, but I am curious to how the red looks on a black shirt (foil).
2) When using a Plastisol transfer, will transparent gradients work? Probably a dumb question, but oh well.
Oh, by transparent gradients, I mean from a solid color to a transparent one. Usually used for reflections or something like that.
Questions about Plastisol. 
