Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
The more I research, the more I get confused. I basically just need a printer for heat transfers AND for film positives. I can't afford to buy one of each at this point. Must be 11"x17" or bigger.
Do I want pigment inks for both purposes? If so, do both heat transfers AND films work with this ink?
I've been using an Epson 1280 with OEM ink for both purposes and it worked fine until today when it crapped out, but if there is something better out there I would love to get it. Otherwise I'll just get another 1280 used.
Thanks!
Last edited by Pwear; June 22nd, 2009 at 04:47 PM.
Re: What printer for heat transfers AND film output?
I truly believe you need to use Dye ink for the best negatives. I started with pigment which is stock for my printer and had a lot of trouble, made the switch to Dye ink and the difference is night and day.
Re: What printer for heat transfers AND film output?
Aaron,
Try doing a search to see for using the Epson 1400 for negatives.
I think some are using it. If they are, you *can* use the 1400 for heat transfers as well.
That printer does up to size 13x19, and JPSS is also available in 13x19.
That comes with Claria ink, which is a hybrid dye ink. Dye, but with water resistant qualities. I've used it with JPSS (Jetpro Sofstretch) paper with great success.
You can go with the Claria ink (search "claria ink pictures" or "claria ink results" for more on transfer results threads.)
If you want to use pigment you can buy 3rd party pigment ink from suppliers like inkjetcarts.us, inkjetfly.com... or whoever the other printers might be using successfully for their negatives.
I picked a 1400 up from Epson.com in the clearance section for $143.
Best wishes. =)
__________________ Have a nice day...
Last edited by Girlzndollz; July 9th, 2009 at 10:20 PM.
Re: What printer for heat transfers AND film output?
Thanks for the posts, I went out and bought two epson printers today - a generic printer/scanner/copier with pigment ink, and the 1400 with claria ink. Eventually I'll return the one that doesn't work out. I really want the 1400 to work because it seems like a much more professional unit, but we'll see how that ink turns out on transfers and films. I have a bunch of staples-brand transparancy paper, but I have no idea how the claria will react to it.
Re: What printer for heat transfers AND film output?
Well the claria ink and the staples vellum paper is NOT a good combination. I tried every combination of print settings but the ink is not dark enough. I then printed with an Epson WorkForce 600 using DuraBrite Ink (pigment) and the black is much darker. The problem with the 600 is that it paper jams when printing with vellum unless I tape a piece of regular paper behind it.
I'm now considering using the inkjetfly pigment CIS system for the 1400 because overall I like the 1400 better. Question is, are the inks supplied by inkjetfly ok to use, and is there a color profile available from them to print accurate heat transfers? The films will just print black, but I'm concerned about color reproduction for transfers.
Re: What printer for heat transfers AND film output?
The 1400 is well documented on this forum for it's ability to do film negatives. Ditch the staples overheads and get some quality film from one of the vendors on the left, or from your screen print supplier.
I use black dye ink from inkjetcarts.us with a good clear film made for inkjet printers. My negatives are nice and dark.
I have recently been experimenting with the same set up for printing heat transfers and have some nice results.
I have not had any problems with these inks printing poorly for pictures or transfers as compared to the stock inks.
However I am not running a 1400, I am using them with an epson 9600.
Re: What printer for heat transfers AND film output?
your going to need to mess with the setting, start with glossy photo premium paper (choose the paper that sounds the most expensive) and see what you get.
Re: What printer for heat transfers AND film output?
Hi Aaron,
If you use pigment ink for your negatives, you'll be fine for the transfer papers as well. If you use a regular dye ink for your negatives, you may have limitations with what transfer papers you can use. Dye ink will fade with most papers. JPSS (Jetpro Sofstretch) seems to be an exception, but that is for light/whites. I am not sure of a dark paper that will hold up to dye ink.
Claria is a "water resistant" hybrid dye, and folks have had success with JetWear Dark and Ironall/IYA dark papers.
If you find the Claria works for your negatives, you very well may be able to experience success with your transfers and that ink, as well.
Re: What printer for heat transfers AND film output?
Quote:
Originally Posted by auggieboy
The 1400 is well documented on this forum for it's ability to do film negatives. Ditch the staples overheads and get some quality film from one of the vendors on the left, or from your screen print supplier.
I use black dye ink from inkjetcarts.us with a good clear film made for inkjet printers. My negatives are nice and dark.
I have recently been experimenting with the same set up for printing heat transfers and have some nice results.
I have not had any problems with these inks printing poorly for pictures or transfers as compared to the stock inks.
However I am not running a 1400, I am using them with an epson 9600.
Are you using the Epson 9600 UltraChrome or Photographic Dye? Hear lots of good things about the 9600 from some of my customers.
This is a discussion about What printer for heat transfers AND film output? that was posted in the Heat Press and Heat Transfers section of the forums.
What printer for heat transfers AND film output? 
