Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I have done a bunch of reading and searches in the last couple hours and I can't find a simple answer to the question.
What is the cost difference between having designs printed directly onto shirts vs onto transfer paper? Would I save money by having them printed on paper and doing the pressing myself?
I read alot of times folks generally say screen printing is cheaper than plastisols. But, prices vary for both processes depending on quantity, design, colors, and size. For the very best answer, take one design you have and have it price quoted by various printers and plastisol mfg's.
There are other "costs" come into play, like if pressing them yourself, "Time is money", or when outsourcing the shirts, ordering ahead in mins causes inventory costs.
The answer is best answered by each business, because in some cases, having to press a large order yourself with plastisols may not be the most cost effective way to process a large order quickly, sometimes it is more cost effective to oursource a large job. Other times, plastisols may be better rather than screened because of minimum order qtys. With screen printing, carrying inventory may not be cost effective or even possible for a business. Just my quick 2 cents.
Last edited by Girlzndollz; May 23rd, 2008 at 10:57 AM.
Reason: shorten/clarified.
silkscreening on transfer paper or direct is done basically the identical way. So costs are roughly the same. The advantage of transfers to me is inventory. I don't have to have a bunch of printed merchandise that I have to warehouse. I can create what I need on demand from the transfers. so if you have storage issues, or you just don't know what size's your designs might sell, then transfers is the way to go. But if you have a specific order say for 100 shirts of specific sizes, then direct silkscreening is faster to do.
silkscreening on transfer paper or direct is done basically the identical way. So costs are roughly the same. The advantage of transfers to me is inventory. I don't have to have a bunch of printed merchandise that I have to warehouse. I can create what I need on demand from the transfers. so if you have storage issues, or you just don't know what size's your designs might sell, then transfers is the way to go. But if you have a specific order say for 100 shirts of specific sizes, then direct silkscreening is faster to do.
I like to be able to print on demand, so plastisol is best for me.The cost difference is worth a little extra.The risk is lower with the transfers. .... JB
I am working a an order now for 48 shirts. I have compared pricing from 2 screen printers and 1 plastisol supplier (ACE) and the difference is + / - .50. It is a 2 color front and 2 color back.
In this case I will most likley give to one of the printers. If I can convince the customer to rearrange the layout of their logo I could get more images on a gang sheet that will reduce the costs which would save the customer some money and I could make an extra buck or 2.
Every order is different so think your needs through.
Last edited by Colorfast; May 26th, 2008 at 06:45 PM.
We did a 5 color full back and 5 color left chest design for the Sheriffs dept. By ganging them, we came out cheaper to do the transfers. I ordered a 120 of them. There was still extra room on the sheet, so I put a couple more left chest on them. I now have no cost in those and offer them a shirt with just the left chest for a reduced rate.
Another thing to do with the extra space......... your logo and contact info. You can then press them in below the tag. It will always be there and you have no cost for making your tags.
Prices on Plastisol vs screen printed 
