Discuss the different brands, makes and models of printers used to print inkjet and laser heat transfers. Also includes information on the inks that can be used to make your own transfers.
I'm in the same boat. Purchased a press and the two 1400 printers. One for dye sub and one for heat transfer. I haven't found a solid answer on the best inks to use for either system. It looks like just about every other category has a "best". Like the 1400 for printers, the 16x20 Hotronix Auto Open Clam and the Roland GX24 are all best in class.
Hey....thanks for answering. I will let you know if I find anything out......We are trying the jetpro stretch transfer paper......in our first attempt, some ink ran in the wash. We used the ink that came with the printer.
No, doesn't come with free paper. I did ask Josh at imprintables to send me some samples with my heat press and he did. That was the paper I used that ran in the wash. I bought the Maxx heat press.
Hi Debbie, the 1400 is a photo printer. The ink that comes with it is really just for photos. It can be modified to use pigment based inks which are not as bright but longer lasting for heat transfers.
Also, when you purchase the pigment inks, you should also get an icc ink profile to go with the ink. Try www.inkjetcarts.us for your ink supplies, they have excellent support and the lowest prices.
Thanks for the heads up. We did purchase another ink from the company that you suggested, but didn't put it in the machine. It is the refillable ink cartridges. Will get them in and update. Thank You!
Debbie
PS...only did 4 shirts.....now we are scared....ggg
Thanks Vatshrit, Looks like I am getting into heat transfers just in time. I myself just got my 1400 but waiting to pick the right ink. I really don't want to use sawgrass as I have heard so many horror storys. I guest that not using sawgrass ink I won,t be doing true sublimation. So looking for ink for custom heat tranfers.
Thanks, Mike
Hi chevette,
Not sure how much you should pay for a heat press.
You might want to repost this in the "Heat presses - Equipment" category to see if someone can help you.
If we can't name companies that sell to the heat press people, how can we know if a company that claims to have gone on a relentless "holy quest" for the ONLY BEST INK'S, is telling the truth or just making it up as they go along?
Hey....thanks for answering. I will let you know if I find anything out......We are trying the jetpro stretch transfer paper......in our first attempt, some ink ran in the wash. We used the ink that came with the printer.
Regards,
Debbie
Did you get your problem solved? We also use the Jetpro soft stretch from Conde Systems, as well as their dysub papers. We love the Jet pro. We use pigment inks on a smaller Epson with a continuous ink supply. Shirts come out great, and we've sold close to 500 shirts since April with no negative feed back thus far. Everyone so far says they love the shirts and many who wear them drum up even more business for us. The only problem we've had is the dead spots on our [cheap import] press, but this is usually fixed by doing a pre-press without any garment to get the bottom pad heated as well. You can see some of our examples at De-Signs by Erica - Custom embroidery and full color shirts, hats, banners, mugs and more!.
I've been told that 'Pigment inks' such as 'Durabright' are best for t-shirt heat transfers. (Still looking into what all the other inks do!...)
We don't use any name brand inks, but have installed a CIS (continuous ink supply) on ours Epson. We first tried a pigment ink system from SuperjetUSA, but have switched to one from inkproducts.com. We were the first to do a field test for them of their inks on shirts. We've had excellent results so far. See our full testemonial here: Testimonials. You'll have to scroll down to see it or just do a search on the page for "Designs Custom Imprinting". I'll write later when I get to the office with the specific ink we are using, or call them and ask for Tom, and tell him you want the ink Avery at Designs Custom Imprinting of Marquette,MI, is using. They also have some great how-to videos, as well as great tech support.
Best ink for heat transfer 
