Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I'm very new to the trade and was curious to know what the difference is between vinyl and regular heat transfers? I understand the process differences, but I don't know how the look and feel differ from each other. Could someone please inform me? Thanks!
Just from ny experiences vinyl transfers have very little hand. They seem to wash very good and not fade. My wife and I have washed a vinyl tranfer t-shirt around 100 times and it still looks new.
Biggest thing I see for vinyl is you can do he small orders most of the time with minimal cost. To order transfers are very expensive for small orders.
Hope this helps and I'm sure you will get other input.
Vinyl is great for simple graphics needing one to three colors. Vinyl shines when used for lettering styled designs. Vinyl can be applied on all colored apparel with no difference in feel or opaqueness. Vinyl usually will outlast the tee its printed on. Vinyl comes in many colors as well as metallics, glitters, holographic etc.
We do screen printing as our main focus. However, we use vinyl for short runs of single and 2 color designs. It saves time and money for both us and the customer. Vinyl both wears and washes well and will most times outlast the shirt. Hope this helps.
I use vinyl for the above reasons listed, Plus I use it for custom 1 of a kinds and for shirt/hat combos. I like vinyl because of the wide variety of colors and textures available. ...... JB
Great feedback! I'll be doing one offs in house - my plan was to do all regular heat transfers, but I'm questioning whether or not I should do vinyl. The designs are simple and no more than 3 colors, but I worry about equipment start up costs for printing vinyl. Help!!
It depends on what your designs are like. If you are doing square, circular, or similar shapes that are completely filled in with color and can be easily trimmed then regular inkjet transfers would work fine.
If you are doing phrases/text or designs with lots of twists and turns then vinyl would work better.
Some vinyl cutters can also cut around your inkjet transfer. You'll also be able to do custom stickers, decals, banners, trailers, & home decor designs with a vinyl cutter.
I thought I'd be doing more t-shirt stuff with my vinyl cutter, but more people want me to make vinyl for vehicles & trailers.
why do vinyl? 
think i'll stick with regular transfers - then maybe add the cutter to help with trimming.
