Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
New to the field so far and I have been experimenting with picture perfect light and dark heat transfer paper and my new heat press.
I am not that happy with the quality and the fact that I have to cut it out all the time. Should I be looking at sublimation or is there something out there that does a direct transfer of just the image your printing?
Also I want to do names and numbers in vinyl or something similar? what is the process for transfer of vinyl or other products in lettering? Can I buy any vinyl or does it have to be something in particular?
I am not that happy with the quality and the fact that I have to cut it out all the time. Should I be looking at sublimation or is there something out there that does a direct transfer of just the image your printing?
Also I want to do names and numbers in vinyl or something similar? what is the process for transfer of vinyl or other products in lettering? Can I buy any vinyl or does it have to be something in particular?
Vinyl is a good option if your designs have 3 colors or less, and not too much in the way of fine detail. You will need a vinyl cutter to cut the designs. I am sure one of our vinyl experts will come along and give you more info later.
You should also check out screenprinted plastisol transfers. They have to be custom ordered (not printed on your home printer). You do not have to cut around the design.
This thread has a good post from Josh about the pros and cons of each method:
Hi Dan! Welcome to the family!
Where in Australia are you?
There is a good link to dye-sub info on the left and you are welcome to PM me if you have any questions about the process or blanks. I'll send you some swatches with dye-sublimation prints if you want.
I believe, you can't use just any vinyl - there's special type for t-shirts. I'm sure you'll get a help from someone in the know
I believe, you can't use just any vinyl - there's special type for t-shirts. I'm sure you'll get a help from someone in the know
Thats Correct Tania,
You need Vinyl that is made for t-shirt applications. Also, a cutter/plotter is required. So if multi-color small quantity transfers is what is needed, vinyl transfers is not the answer, nor are plastisol transfers.
Yeah I am using straight heat transfer at the moment and it limits your range as you have to trim and also you cant trim some of the stuff and it does take a long time.
Vinyl I only want to do small names and numbers only an inch or so high in the one colour unless there is something else I can use that does not have a surround only the letters or names?
Maybe dye sublimation but then again I dont want a polyester style tshirt or polo I want a cotton feel.
Is it true thou you can get either a polyester tshirt that feels like cotton or a cotton tshirt with a polyester coating for sublimation these days on the market?
Is it true thou you can get either a polyester tshirt that feels like cotton or a cotton tshirt with a polyester coating for sublimation these days on the market?
Vapor's 100% polyester shirts feel a lot more like cotton than you might expect (not perfect, but very good). The biggest downside to them isn't the polyester, but the cost.
Is it true thou you can get either a polyester tshirt that feels like cotton or a cotton tshirt with a polyester coating for sublimation these days on the market?
You are talking names and numbers - sounds like shirts for sports teams. Some styles of Vapor Apparel (as Lewis said) feel very much like cotton and made for active wear: i.e. it's moisture wicking, has antibacterial/anti-odour/anti-stain properties, etc.
As I suggested - send me a PM and I'll send you some samples - you'll see for yourself.
The problem I am having is should I go vinyl or sublimation for this part of my business as they are for baby's and children up to 2 years old and its hard to get clothing for that size.
I am thinking vinyl one colour. Names no bigger than an inch and numbers no bigger than 3 inches.
The problem I am having is should I go vinyl or sublimation for this part of my business as they are for baby's and children up to 2 years old and its hard to get clothing for that size.
In principle I'd probably prefer dye sublimation for children's clothing, but in practice I think getting dye sublimation suitable blanks in those sizes/styles would be an absolute nightmare, which means vinyl wins by default.
we use a craft robo and its fine for small jobs, just dont put anything to large and detailed into them, takes far to long to cut the more complex designs, great for prototyping though.
This is a discussion about Heat Transfer and Vinyl Suppliers In Australia??? that was posted in the Heat Press and Heat Transfers section of the forums.
Heat Transfer and Vinyl Suppliers In Australia??? 
