Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Hi everybody! I am new to this site and industry...just started my research today.
I am super confused about all the different types of inks...what to get...where to get them and so forth.
I am very good on the computer, but no nothing about ink. The only t-shirt printing I have done was for a few family members, but it was fun and I created the design, and it went over well, so I thought maybe I could do this on a small scale at some craft shows or on ebay or something. Nothing big.
So, I am literally getting a new printer in the mail because my Epson R1800 kept clogging up - so the retailer's warranty was still good, but instead of giving me an option to choose a new printer, they are just sending the replacement printer - which is of course the R1900.
So, what I am reading I should not use the ink that "normally" goes in the printer?
I am reading a lot about these bulk systems, and ink that is made for t-shirt printing but have no idea where to get them from. I'm assuming Epson doesn't make them!
TO SUM IT UP:
HERE IS WHAT I WANT TO DO:
Print T-shirts on a small scale to sell at a few craft sales or just through personal contacts. I am not selling to retailers.
I will have an Epson R1900
HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS:
1. What kind of ink should I be looking for?
2. How do I find a bulk system that fits the R1900?
3.. Where do I get the inks from?
4. How do I know that I am getting the right stuff?
5. Do I change out the ink cartridges when I am printing on normal paper rather than a transfer then?
6. finally - this is a question kind of off the subject, since my username has the word "farm" in it - you can probably guess that I am going to do something with farming. So, if I were to make a shirt with a picture of a Tractor on it or the logo for Farmall - can I do that. I see people selling stuff like this all the time on ebay, did they all get permission or can you just use it?
Thanks a million for all you input!
(Any direct answers would be great! I kept reading for hours now trying to answer my lingering questions and just keep getting more confused.)
I use the regular Durabrite ink from Epson. I know others buy bulk pigment ink from different suppliers, I would check with Coastal Business supply.THey will be able to help get you up and running.I have heard they are great to deal with. I suggest you not use tractor images, as they would be copyrighted designs. If you buy them premade from a transfer supplier that would be different.You could take pictures of a individual's tractor and put it on a garment, but not a stock image. ...... JB
personally I wouldn't go into the expense of a bulk ink system, if your only doing t-shirts now and then
are you using a home hand iron to apply your designs? --- if so, I would invest in a heat press 1st
then make the investment in other equipment once your get the hang of things
just my thoughts
Diane
;o]
Welcome to the T-shirt Forum
__________________
. . . It only takes a stolen moment in time to share a smile!
HERE IS WHAT I WANT TO DO:
Print T-shirts on a small scale to sell at a few craft sales or just through personal contacts. I am not selling to retailers.
Hi Kelly,
First, your new ink will need to be pigment ink, that is the ink you will need to work with the transfer paper. Both of your printer came with it as the stock ink, and you need to replace it with pigment ink again when you switch.
Since you are printing for low quanity and presonal use I would suggest that you invest in re-fillable cartridges, otherwise known as "re-fill carts". Re-fill carts save a bundle of money over the carts you buy at the store, are cheaper to get into than a bulk system, and are easier to maintain if you don't print everyday. Search for threads on them here first, as there are many suppliers folks use, and also find what re-fill carts folks like.
There are special inks for heat transfer use called Heat Transfer Pigment ink. HT inks. Some re-fill carts come with them, and they are great for transfers, but I hear the black does not work well when printing photographs, it is not an ink that I would use for photo printing.
If you want to use the same printer for heat transfers, photographs (on photo paper), and regular document printing, I would suggest you get a regular pigment ink re-fill cart system, not the HT inks.
The problem folks have with bulk systems, while they save the most money in the long run, they can have clogging issues when not printed with everyday. If you print everyday, nothing to really worry about. Folks who don't tend to choose the re-fill carts to still save bundles, but not deal with clogging.
Quote:
1. What kind of ink should I be looking for?
pigment, regular if you plan to print photos as well.
Quote:
2. How do I find a bulk system that fits the R1900?
Google: 1900 re-fill carts, or 1900 bulk ink, or 1900 ink, or ... epson ink suppliers, or ink suppliers (and then search their site for your model), check the preferred vendors on this forum, search their site for your model. Search threads on this forum for info: 1900 ink should return threads on that.
Quote:
3.. Where do I get the inks from?
#2.
Quote:
4. How do I know that I am getting the right stuff?
Once you find what you want, if it is from a preferred vendor, I would feel safe it is right, if you get it on the net, you can always link back to here with the system and get opinions on it from the folks here.
Quote:
5. Do I change out the ink cartridges when I am printing on normal paper rather than a transfer then?
Usually don't change the ink, just use the same for all, except the HT's I mentioned, I hear the black does not make for a good photo ink.
Quote:
6. finally - this is a question kind of off the subject, since my username has the word "farm" in it - you can probably guess that I am going to do something with farming. So, if I were to make a shirt with a picture of a Tractor on it or the logo for Farmall - can I do that. I see people selling stuff like this all the time on ebay, did they all get permission or can you just use it?
As JB said, that is trademark infringment when using a logo, copyright infringment would apply to the tractor if it is someone else's photo. Some folks may have a license that allows them to sell these images, some may not. Those who do need not worry, those who don't need to worry. If you want to use an image of a particular brand, the very best thing to do is to contact that brand directly. Some will sell licenses, some will not. It is entirely up to the Brand.
Good luck to you, hope this helps, and welcome to the forums!
Last edited by Girlzndollz; May 22nd, 2008 at 11:21 AM.
Wow - thanks to everyone for all the answers and input! I feel a little less confused! I am sure I will be back with more questions, but now I at least can head in the right direction!
In answer to one of the questions posted to me, yes, I do plan on using a heat press instead of a home iron! Thanks for the input.
Good for you, it is so much fun getting a press after you've been hand ironing. That's how we started.
I've been out around the forum today and came across a thread the has to do with your printer. I don't know how it will turn out, still waiting on more replies, but here is a link for you. This printer is new, and sometimes the re-fill carts and bulk systems aren't readily available yet. I hope it works out. If I were you, I would wonder if Epson might consider not replacing a printer with one that you can't find re-fill carts for/or maybe even use bulk with. This of course is not their concern, they don't want you using them anyway, but it is yours. You had a good system for carts or bulk with the 1800, they may be limiting you with the 1900, not sure yet, but the early word is - it is worth finding out b4 you end up with the 1900.
Just to verify, the ink that comes with the 1900 works perfectly for heat transfers. I managed to get out 25 full color 8x10's and 10-15 heat transfers before my first color ran out.
Mike, yes it is. Whenever you want to verify specs on an Epson printer, just go to epson (.) com, search your model. Epson is great about listing useful specs.
In answer to your question about putting a tractor on a shirt, you should know that many companies, General Motors, Ford, John Deere, Farmall, International Harvest, etc. , not only register their marks (logos) but also the image of their products. If you put someone's registered marks on a tee shirt, or any other product, without obtaining a license, or at least written permission, opens you to a cease and desist at the least, a lawsuit at the worst. Better to do it correctly, or come up with your own looks.
Good luck.
Quote:
Originally Posted by farmerjoswife
Hi everybody! I am new to this site and industry...just started my research today.
I am super confused about all the different types of inks...what to get...where to get them and so forth.
I am very good on the computer, but no nothing about ink. The only t-shirt printing I have done was for a few family members, but it was fun and I created the design, and it went over well, so I thought maybe I could do this on a small scale at some craft shows or on ebay or something. Nothing big.
So, I am literally getting a new printer in the mail because my Epson R1800 kept clogging up - so the retailer's warranty was still good, but instead of giving me an option to choose a new printer, they are just sending the replacement printer - which is of course the R1900.
So, what I am reading I should not use the ink that "normally" goes in the printer?
I am reading a lot about these bulk systems, and ink that is made for t-shirt printing but have no idea where to get them from. I'm assuming Epson doesn't make them!
TO SUM IT UP:
HERE IS WHAT I WANT TO DO:
Print T-shirts on a small scale to sell at a few craft sales or just through personal contacts. I am not selling to retailers.
I will have an Epson R1900
HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS:
1. What kind of ink should I be looking for?
2. How do I find a bulk system that fits the R1900?
3.. Where do I get the inks from?
4. How do I know that I am getting the right stuff?
5. Do I change out the ink cartridges when I am printing on normal paper rather than a transfer then?
6. finally - this is a question kind of off the subject, since my username has the word "farm" in it - you can probably guess that I am going to do something with farming. So, if I were to make a shirt with a picture of a Tractor on it or the logo for Farmall - can I do that. I see people selling stuff like this all the time on ebay, did they all get permission or can you just use it?
Thanks a million for all you input!
(Any direct answers would be great! I kept reading for hours now trying to answer my lingering questions and just keep getting more confused.)
In answer to your question about putting a tractor on a shirt, you should know that many companies, General Motors, Ford, John Deere, Farmall, International Harvest, etc. , not only register their marks (logos) but also the image of their products. If you put someone's registered marks on a tee shirt, or any other product, without obtaining a license, or at least written permission, opens you to a cease and desist at the least, a lawsuit at the worst. Better to do it correctly, or come up with your own looks.
Good luck.
That's right. There is one small loophole that Ford has created. Personal photos are okay to use/sell without altering the image, removing the logo, etc.
Here is the link that explains that. It was reprinted here with permission from the Rep at Ford Brand use. This came about from the Black Mustang Club/Cafepress situation:
__________________ Please ask Q's in the threads as I may not see your PM. A many wonderful folk will be willing to help you. Apologies to those not answered, as I sign on sporadically these days. Thx 4 undrstnding. Have a great day.
Confused about inks!!!! 
