Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I am a high school business teacher. My entrepreneurship class has decided to start a t-shirt business. We will be using a heat transfer machine. My students will be designing, marketing, producing, etc... I am in need of some help/information. The students and myself are very excited.
Is heat transfer a good place to start as opposed to silk screening?
Do heat transfers look good on shirts?
What is a good software program we can use for designing?
What is a good printer to use for the transfer paper? I currently have a large format HP inkjet printer and a HP laser printer.
Our school district requires us to purchase products/equipment for vendors that are on the state (TX) coop lists. Does anyone know of such companies whom we can buy from?
1. I would look into either stock plastisol heat transfers or custom plastisol transfers.
2. plastisol or inkjet printed look great on shirts. The inkjet printed don't last as long, washing, as plastisol heat tranfers.
3. Myself I use Corel Draw x3, Inkscape is free. You'd want a vector based program, unless your'e with photos for shirts, then a raster based program, like photoshop or similar.
4. Any printer that uses a pigment ink. Epsons have a great variety of printers, many use pigment inks.
5. Not sure about TX.
6. Use the forum search feature, a wealth of knowledge.
Maybe someone else will chime in.
Mike
Thanks Mike! Great information. Using your information I have read about using the plastisol transfers and it sounds like this might not work for my class. Are than any good inkjet papers that produce a quality end product? Thanks again for your help!
Your'e welcome. I use Jetpro softsoftstrech, it is an inkjet paper. I looks great when pressed with a heat press, after washing quite a few times, depending on how the tee is washed, and color of the design, you will notice a lightening of the design. Although I have designs pressed with this paper that have held up a long time. Just the nature of the beast with ink jet transfers. Mike
Teaching High School Class - Need Help 
