Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
That is what ink jet transfer paper is made for. For dark shirts I use Blue grid Opaque. But you really should define your question so we can help you better. what exactly are you putting on your dark shirts as for a design. Because that may change the answer we would give you. Feel free to ask anything. We want to help you. Lou
__________________ 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
Besides the blue grid paper that Lou suggested, the other opaquepaper I've seen most recommended is the paper from Transfer Technology; I believe they will usually send out a free sample sheet if you ask.
Personally, I do not find the quality of opaque papers I've seen to be high enough that I'd want to sell them, but others have had better luck. There are other options to printing on dark shirts (screen printing, vinyl/flock, plastisol...) which may work better, depending on what exactly you are trying to do.
What I need to print is a logo with a black and white gradient on the back with the company name on a dark red over the gradient and all of that printed on a black tee.
Also is there a ink specialised for heat transfer?
What I need to print is a logo with a black and white gradient on the back with the company name on a dark red over the gradient and all of that printed on a black tee.
Also is there a ink specialised for heat transfer?
How many shirts like that do you plan on printing? If you are printing enough, your best bet may be plastisol transfers (which would be ordered from another company, and then pressed with a heat press by you).
There is an ink set designed for t-shirts - the Magic Mix from TLM Supply House. I don't know of any other t-shirt specific inks, though most pigmented inks (Durabrite, etc.) usually work pretty well too.
I think Twinge nailed it on the plastisol. Even if it is as small as 20 pieces I would go this route. I think it is going to give you the best look, the best quality. remember everything you place in a persons hand is a reflection on you as a business person and what you bring to the table and what you can do. .
__________________ 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
How does Plastisol works?
Is it screen printing on the plastisol paper and then transfer for to the t-shirt by heat press.
yes you are correct.
Your designs/graphics are reproduced with Plastisol Ink Transfers. They are screen printed on to Transfer Paper ( aka carrier paper, release paper ), you then Transfer your designs to shirts etc. w/heat press. You can only use each design/transfer one time.
From your art/design description it sounds like a 3 color job. Black/White/Red.
the white color would most likely be done as a background/base color ALSO on the same pass. This would make the gradients/white/black better and red COLOR a lot more vibrant and a more overall opaque print........ For printing on black shirts.
Heat Press vs Transfer Paper 
