I am new to heat transfers and hoped someone with more experience could help me out. I realize there are alot of variables that effect the quality of the transfer but using a standard ink jet printer how long, or how many washes, should a transfer last using JPSS and opaque papers (assuming I transfered it correctly)? Is there a way to test if the transfer is good before it goes to the customer?
Usually I will be sticking to screen printing my images but just trying the transfers as an easier and less expensive method if I'm just doing 1 or 2 shirts.
I don't think there is any set time on how long before a transfer starts to fade. There's too many variables involved.
It's pretty well known that pigment inks will give lasting results with transfers, however it would be best to do your own wash tests before decided to retail your products.
I will be showing shirt that I did back when JPSS just came out I would say it has been washed over 100 times and you will see what JPSS will look like be showing pics on Saturday..
__________________ Never say "no I can't" when you can just takes time and patience!!!!
JPSS is great stuff. I have a test shirt that I just started throwing in the washer everytime I do whites. I just put a tally on it with a permanent marker everytime it come out so I know how many washes. I'm up to 7 washes, 2 with a cup of bleech and it still looks perfect.
Thanks for the help. So if I wash the shirt and it still looks good then the transfer was probably good and should last for a while for the customer (and not peel off)?
This is probably a dumb question but the JPSS is for light colored shirts - does that mean white only or would it work on other lighter colors (ash, ect...)?
Thanks for the help. So if I wash the shirt and it still looks good then the transfer was probably good and should last for a while for the customer (and not peel off)?
The purpose of doing a series of wash tests is to insure that the transfer process is being done properly before you do a run. The main things you are checking for is that you have a good batch of transfer paper, that the ink saturation on the transfer is adequate, That the ink you are using is not washing out, and the transfer adhered properly from the heat press. Once you know all is well it's time to start pressing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EricO
This is probably a dumb question but the JPSS is for light colored shirts - does that mean white only or would it work on other lighter colors (ash, ect...)?
That's actually a great question.
It does work on other light colors, but the image starts to loose its opacity with non white t-shirts. The darker the shirt (it doesn't take much) the fainter the image becomes. Just for kicks I transferred JPSS onto a black shirt. You can barely see the transfer, all the colors just blend into darks.
question about the durability of JPSS 
