Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Just how good is the heat transfer method these days, please?
I am wearing a t-shirt featuring a photograph of two of my cats. It was printed, four to five years ago, using, I assume, the heat transfer method, at a local print store. The image has faded somewhat, but still looks all right.
Are the heat transfer printing presses used by a large contractor better than what might be used by a local print store?
A newly pressed image will look great, if not a bit stiff and shiney. My concern is how customers might react when the image fades a little after several washings. I guess that any customer should expect some fading.
If you are talking about light colored shirts, Jetprosofstretch is just about the most awesome paper there can be. Do a search on JPSS, that's the short name for it. You will find alot of wonderful posts on it.
Transfers have improved leaps and bounds over time, and even with the release of JPSS last fall early winter, that bar raised again to new heights.
You can buy a sample pack at tshirtsupplies.com for 1 penny plus low shipping. It'll be 3 sheets. It isn't a hand iron paper, but if you have or can get access to a heat press, you will be able to test it yourself. That is the best way to answer your Q.
If you don't have a press, ask some local screen printers if they will put the image on your shirt for a nominal fee. Some folks on the forum do not have presses and instead of buying one, just pay a local shop like this, on a per shirt basis, to apply it for them.
Here is a thread on JPSS printed with both pigment and dye ink, being wash tested.
Nope, my mouse won't work and copy/paste for me, sorry. If you go to the search box and enter the words "jpss bleach" you'll return the thread I am referring you to.
I think the inkjet quality is gettingetter as time goes on. I think at this point ,I would be comfotable to offer this to some of my clients. I have stayed away from this print media for any corporate clients until now. ..... JB
I am with JB on this one. We have stayed away until recently. I am still wash testing and playing with printers and inks. Just did a couple hot water washes with bleach and am waiting for the drying cycle to end.
There is some fade but there is in my DTG samples and several screen printed shirts purchased over the years.
I have never had the product crack after wash so dont know what that is all about. I have had it split when stretched but think that problem is solved as best it can be for now.
I am going to offer the JPSS prints at the end of this month at an event so we will see what happens with the customers.
The jpss paper is great no doubt about it, but if you want to do pictures and such sublimation would out last the shirt and look the same as the day you printed it. Its a more expensive method but can't be beat for longevity.
Thanks, everybody, for your information.
I was so busy today with the dull day job, fixing a flat tire, running errands. I just wanted to hang out here for awhile, and get all of the information I need to finally bring my little t shirt thing to life. All it comes down to is choosing what printing process to use.
I am going to look into the jpss paper. Some of you seem to highly recommend.....
Hi David,
I took a brief look at your site, MotoskinGraphics. Colorful stuff. What printing method do you use? For instance, how did you print the Speed Demon, and Outlaw From Hell?
Hi David,
I took a brief look at your site, MotoskinGraphics. Colorful stuff. What printing method do you use? For instance, how did you print the Speed Demon, and Outlaw From Hell?
Hi David are the plastisol transfers 4 color process?
The only supplier that I have found so far who has been the most helpful and fits my needs for my 5-6 color designs with half tones is F&M Expressions.
Hi David are the plastisol transfers 4 color process?
The only supplier that I have found so far who has been the most helpful and fits my needs for my 5-6 color designs with half tones is F&M Expressions.
Marc
I know that Ace Transfer Company will do more colors than 4. I suggest you contact them for prices . ... JB
David,
As far as you know, have customers been happy with the plastisol transfers? Any complaints?
Thanks,
Duane
I am happy with them because I put em on my own shirts. Plastisol transfers are awesome. If you like screenprinted shirts you will like plastisol transfers as its basically the same print.
Never ever had a customer complain about the printed tees.
Hi David are the plastisol transfers 4 color process?
The only supplier that I have found so far who has been the most helpful and fits my needs for my 5-6 color designs with half tones is F&M Expressions.
Marc
Some are spot color and some are four color simulated and some are mor a high def.
Thanks a lot. I feel much better about my prospects as a t shirt sellin' guy. I'll have to check around Seattle for a printer who uses Plastisol.
I may feel better about becoming a small time t shirt guy, but I don't feel all that great after eating a chocolate chip cookie about the size of a hubcap. Why, why, why?
Heat transfer quality concerns. 
Re: Heat transfer quality concerns. 
from PA.
