Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
How do you do text with heat transfers? I mean like single letter text.. where the letters aren't touching? Is it feasible? And I don't want to cut out each individual letter...yikes!
If youre looking fo ra way to keep all the letters in line so you can press them, heat resistant tape. Most heatpress supplies shops carry one brand of another. The tape is semi sticky and should adhere to the back of transfer paper. I use it from time to time when I have a rack of vinyl logos and/of graphics that I want in a perticular style.
I'm still not 100% sure of what those are yet. I've only heard you mention them, but I haven't seen anybody else ask about them or mention they used them in production.
Ok... I'm a newbie so ... ummm Lettering on light OR dark t-shirt... with inkjet heat transfers? Now, if you used a desktop vinyl cutter to cut light inkjet transfer paper, could you weed it? Would that work? OR dark inkjet transfer paper with heat tape? ORRrrrrr.... just screw it and go with vinyl? Which comes with a backing already on it right?
Side question... what process gives (in general) the least amount of hand?
Ok... I'm a newbie so ... ummm Lettering on light OR dark t-shirt... with inkjet heat transfers? Now, if you used a desktop vinyl cutter to cut light inkjet transfer paper, could you weed it? Would that work? OR dark inkjet transfer paper with heat tape? ORRrrrrr.... just screw it and go with vinyl? Which comes with a backing already on it right?
Side question... what process gives (in general) the least amount of hand?
You would not use a vinyl cutter for inkjet transfers. You could just use scissors and an exacto knife to cut around your design.
Vinyl transfers are simply that, vinyl. For the most part it is a thicker, glossy, type of desgn, or lettering.
Plastisol transfers, which are screen printed onto transfer paper may have the least amount of hand, but must be outsourced.
Probably most of us have great results from inkjet transfers and for simple text designs, this may be the way to go for you.
You would not use a vinyl cutter for inkjet transfers. You could just use scissors and an exacto knife to cut around your design.
Vinyl transfers are simply that, vinyl. For the most part it is a thicker, glossy, type of desgn, or lettering.
Plastisol transfers, which are screen printed onto transfer paper may have the least amount of hand, but must be outsourced.
Probably most of us have great results from inkjet transfers and for simple text designs, this may be the way to go for you.
Actually vinyl is ideal for lettering, isnt thick and doesnt have to be glossy. You wouldnt even worry about printing or transfer paper with a cutter because there is a sticky mylar backing which holds all the letters in place. A vinyl cutter is the perfect solution for doing one liners, phrases or numerals.
I've been reading about different kinds of vinyl for shirts... some that say the vinyl is similar to silk screen...(one color of course)..
Thanks Rodney.. I read all through that thread... lots of info..
I believe the Craft Robo has an optical reader... I think that's the whole point of the Craft Robo... You print out designs on your inkjet printer then the Craft Robo cuts them out...what I was wondering was would it cut light transfer paper so it could be weeded then applied....I'm not sure anyone has actually tried it...
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Jay - InkJet Heat Press Kamikaze - www.GetSpotted.ca
Actually vinyl is ideal for lettering, isnt thick and doesnt have to be glossy. You wouldnt even worry about printing or transfer paper with a cutter because there is a sticky mylar backing which holds all the letters in place. A vinyl cutter is the perfect solution for doing one liners, phrases or numerals.
I agree with David, if it's single color or two color text and you have access to a vinyl cutter it is a no brainer. You can get heat transfer vinyl with a multitude of finishes. Glossy, matte, thick, thin, glittery, felt like etc. etc.
Plastisol transfers is also a very good option if you are getting a lot done of the same phrase.
How do you do text with heat transfers? 
