GingerSnapsMama

This forum was a big help to me when I started my line of embroidered bodysuits for infants. Currently I am preparing to launch a line of t-shirts with printed designs for infants, kids and adults. Quality is important and my budget is limited. I will only be printing my own designs to sell in my online store.

I have searched the forum for information, formulated a plan of action. I would greatly appreciate your feedback on my plans. Here are the details...

1) I have decided to use PLASTISOL transfers on the 100% cotton, white, colored and dark tops sourced from Monag (currently use them for my embroidered garments).

I want to print many different t-shirt designs on different sizes (infant, youth, & adult), small or medium runs. Screen printing would not be a good option because of the higher minimums. I considered DTG but find the cost of equipment beyond what I want to spend (but would outsource DTG if I can find affordable vendor who would print on my Monag garments).

2) I am leaning towards getting a SEIKI heat press. I want to get the best that I can afford and not spend more than I need to, whether that is a new seiki press or used model of a different brand.

I am concern that there is no pressure gauge.
How do you consistently produce good work without it?
Is it not that big a deal?
Is there a source for used brand with gauge I should check?

3) OUTSOURCING. Can I get someone else to press for me? I like the idea of being able to create shirts on demand and print tote bags with my own equipment, but I also value the peace of mind and time saver of having an experienced decorator print or press the items.

Are there vendors out there that would press the shirts if I provided the transfers and the shirts? I wasn't sure if they make most of their profit from marking up the transfers & shirts and thus not interested in only pressing.

I embroider the baby tops myself as the orders come in but I like that I have sources I can outsource the embroidering to if volume too high, I'm short on time or having difficulties. I would like to have the same options with the t-shirts.

What do you think? Move forward with using platisols with a Seiki press? Are there companies out there that will press platisols or DTG on shirts I provide?

Thanks!

 

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veedub3

Quote: Originally Posted by GingerSnapsMama . 1) I have decided to use PLASTISOL transfers on the 100% cotton, white, colored and dark tops sourced from Monag (currently use them for my embroidered garments). I want to print many different t-shirt designs on different sizes (infant, youth, & adult), small or medium runs. Screen printing would not be a good option because of the higher minimums. I considered DTG but find the cost of equipment beyond what I want to spend (but would outsource DTG if I can find affordable vendor who would print on my Monag garments).

Many screen printers will print on your supplied garment and in my area many will do small runs. Some as few as 12 shirt minimums. these are the mom and pop shops. check your area and you may just find one or two. Haven't gotten into DTG so can't comment on that option.

Quote: 2) I am leaning towards getting a SEIKI heat press. I want to get the best that I can afford and not spend more than I need to, whether that is a new seiki press or used model of a different brand.

It is important to have the right tool for the job. some here have had success with the Seiki press and some haven't. Check your local listings first as many shops are going out of business and you can get great equipment for a fraction of the cost.

Quote: I am concern that there is no pressure gauge. How do you consistently produce good work without it? Is it not that big a deal? Is there a source for used brand with gauge I should check?

This is a good question. I have a seiki press and as you no it does not have a guage. Once I began testing the machine I now kinda have a feel for the pressure needed. So for me it is not a big deal. Others may feel differently.

Quote: 3) OUTSOURCING. Can I get someone else to press for me? I like the idea of being able to create shirts on demand and print tote bags with my own equipment, but I also value the peace of mind and time saver of having an experienced decorator print or press the items.

Sure you can but you will save money in the end by investing in the equipment and doing it yourself.

Quote: Are there vendors out there that would press the shirts if I provided the transfers and the shirts? I wasn't sure if they make most of their profit from marking up the transfers & shirts and thus not interested in only pressing.

I do not know anyone that does this but that goes not mean they won't.


Good luck!
Katrina

 

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GingerSnapsMama

Thanks for the info Katrina!

 

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