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Evan1215 · October 22nd, 2009

Hey guys,
I am beginning to print color photos on t-shirts of all colors. As I am very new at this, I am trying to figure ot the best and most economical way of doing this. I understand compromises must be made, but I would like to have some decent quality results.

What is a good beginner heat press to purchase?

Secondly, and very important, what should my process be as far as the photos go? If they are to come from an Inkjet printer onto paper which is okay for dark garments, do I need to save or format the photos in any manner?

I'm sure I will be back with more questions, thanks for the reponses in advance.

Evan

muneca · October 22nd, 2009

Hey there...

welcome to the forum and good luck to you! i am sure another member from the forum will reply to your post. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar w/this process @ this time.

BigBear · October 25th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evan1215


	Hey guys, I am beginning to print color photos on t-shirts of all colors. As I am very new at this, I am trying to figure ot the best and most economical way of doing this. I understand compromises must be made, but I would like to have some decent quality results. What is a good beginner heat press to purchase? Secondly, and very important, what should my process be as far as the photos go? If they are to come from an Inkjet printer onto paper which is okay for dark garments, do I need to save or format the photos in any manner? I'm sure I will be back with more questions, thanks for the reponses in advance. Evan

Greetings Evan,

Welcome! This is a great place to learn, both on-site and off-site.

Your general heat press question is a very common question for new folks. All heat presses are just devices to deliver heat, under pressure, for a specified period of time: they all do that.

The most important factor is to make sure that the press you select does the work that you need it to do. Regardless of price, equipment that doesn't do what you need it to do, is no bargain.

In addition to what I am sure will be many helpful suggestions, we contributed a Heat Press Basics article to the forum last year. It is located here: Heat Press Basics - How to Choose the Right Heat Press to Fit Your Needs

One additional factor of consideration (not in the article) is if you need the benefit of being able to easily slip a garment onto the lower platen (like an ironing board). This allows you to quickly do one side of a garment, reverse it, and then do the other side.

I specifically mention that feature because an increasing number of our clients consider that to be an excellent competitive advantage.

This is especially true in a fast paced, mobil retail environment where there can be a lot of competition. However, in any environment, the retailer who can offer higher perceived value (in a cost and time efficient manner) usually prevails.

I've very unsure about your printing question. I wouldn't think it matters, if you can print it. It just sounds like a normal heat transfer.

I'll end with one of our closing thoughts in the article:

It may well be that no one heat press (that fits into your budget) has every feature and benefit that you would like to have. In that case, pick what are the most important features that you need and get that press.

narleski · October 25th, 2009

Hi, Welcome to the forum! My advice would be to get at least a 16 x 20 size press. The smaller ones are cheaper, but it will limit you to what you can press. Also make sure your press is of good quality for high commercial use. i know we all want to start cheap, but remember you get what you pay for. Good luck on your business!

muledalton · October 25th, 2009

I made a rookie mistake when I bought my first press. I bought a Chinese made heat press and couldn't return it quick enough. I want to say who sold it to me but since they were more than willing to refund my money I won't rat them out. They also sell good heat presses too.

I ended up buying a Stahls Maxx 15x15 and love it. 100 time the quality of a cheap heat press. I would like to eventually have a 16x20 so I can do pretty much any shirt that comes my way.

EnMartian · October 26th, 2009

Definitely go for the most press you can afford, and the best quality you can afford. There are several U.S. companies who make decent, economical presses.

proworlded · October 26th, 2009

Go with the heat press that you can afford and that has a good warranty and supplier backup. There are some good imports, and many domestic presses to choose from. You can print any size print on a 15x15 so if that's all your budget can afford don't be afraid of the size.

Grimwood · October 30th, 2009

I am new to this and i got a 16 X 20 myself because everyone on here kept saying go for it if you have the extra money for it. I can see the benefits of having the extra size for some situations. I bought my heat press for one specific purpose that didn't have anything to do with clothing but still yet i bought it. I would like to know from someone though truly the huge difference between the 15 X 15 and the 16 X 20? We are talking about 1 inch X 5 inch size difference which i can see would be really good for extra large clothing but wouldn't a 15 X 15 do almost any shirt that comes your way too? Just wondering like i said i am new to this whole process my Stahls Maxx is a wonderful press and i wouldn't think of giving it up but that question has always been in the back of my mind as i do sports jerseys and some team t-shirts now. Anyone clear to chime in on this question?

proworlded · October 31st, 2009

From my perspective the big difference is that the 16x20 gives a more comfortable work area and if you are doing any athletic uniforms you can transfer the name and number in one application. That being said, the sales for the 15x15 are overwhelming more than the 16x20. Of course, much of that is because of budgetary restrictions, and any size design can be applied with the 15x15. I advise customers that if the difference in the price is not a factor, then purchase the 16x20. I don't think anyone is sorry that they bought the larger heat press.

BigBear · October 31st, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by proworlded


	...I don't think anyone is sorry that they bought the larger heat press.

I agree with Ed. I have had clients regret not buying a 16x20. I have never had one regret it, if they started with a 16x20.

charles95405 · October 31st, 2009

I have been doing this for over 8 years...starting with a Hix hobby lite 9x12 manual which I still use for small jobs and some portable stuff. I also have a 15x15 Hix Manual and a Sunie 15x15 fully digital press. I just have not had the need for the 16x20 and really don't have the extra room that would require and I think most are horizontal...that is the length is horizontal to the user.

For beginners, I think the Sunie Press is a good value..about $299 w/three year warranty. Ed of Proworld does not mention this as we can't do self promos but I believe he also sells the Sunie press or one similiar. So since the units are heavy, Ed is in the East and Sunie is in Carson City, NV...pick the one closest! I have used my Sunie for almost 2 years w/o any problems..you can check them out at SunIE.com

Evan1215 · October 31st, 2009

excellent, thank you for that reference!!

Evan1215 · October 31st, 2009

checking out the sites now Charles, $300 is definitely in the budget

charles95405 · October 31st, 2009

Don't just take my word/experience but do a search on the forum for 'sunie' and you will find a long thread about this press and there was poll...started by bobbielee I think...about user satisfaction with the Sunie press

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