Hello all. I am ready to take the dive and buy some equipment, but rather than rely on what I see on websites, I would like your input on what to do.
I currently am outsourcing my printing, but here is some info on what I do. I use standard size prints, and oversized prints(usually large enough to cover a whole shirt). My design are intricate, but typically low in color count. Before I buy, I am trying to get some input on whether to go with screen printing or sublimation. I usually have print runs of 100-200 prints a month, but I need the availability of large prints, it is a must. I also would like to be able to print full color if needed.
I have seen alot of screen printing kits, but none of them include a printer for transparencies. I am new and really naive when it comes to what to buy, so I would really appreciate any input.
It's a kind of odd thing to be torn between - sublimation means having to use polyester, so if people are going that route it's normally for a specific reason. Why do you want to use polyester for your tees? Low colour count lends itself nicely to screenprinting, although sublimation is a pretty cool process. If you're not married to polyester I'd go with screenprinting (you'll save money on the blanks too), but if you have a reason to be using polyester anyway then it might make sense to use sublimation.
Misconception about sublimation. Sawgrass has a product called Chromoblast that works on 100% cotton t's. It is the same process as the sublijet yet for cotton.
I may have been speaking out of context. Instead of sublimation, what about heat transfer? I know the cost is higher per print, but will the quality be there?
Misconception about sublimation. Sawgrass has a product called Chromoblast that works on 100% cotton t's.
That's not a misconception about sublimation, that's dismissing Chromoblast as not being real sublimation. I don't count marketing hype as science. Chromoblast allows you to use sublimation inks on cotton - that doesn't mean it's actually sublimation.
I am curious, where did you hear about sublimation then?
Quote:
Originally Posted by themadmarmoset
Instead of sublimation, what about heat transfer? I know the cost is higher per print, but will the quality be there?
In my opinion, digital heat transfers are entirely inferior to screenprinting. If you do some forum searches though, there are many threads discussing the topic (there's a bunch here for example). Ideally though you should get a sample of each and decide for yourself - people have differing ideas of quality.
Scratch that - I just re-read your original post. Large prints means you don't want heat transfer. Sublimation is fine because the dye enters the fabric and there's no hand, but other heat transfers (or even plastisol) will leave you with an uncomfortable shirt.
I want large prints as an option, and by quality I mean durability, feel, and workability. I have had really good work done by screen printers, I just hate to keep paying them when I know that given time and experience, I could do a better job. I just want to make sure I get the right setup for what I want to do. Is there any qualifying worksheet to help you decide what to invest in? I think if there was a worksheet that asked the right questions to help you decide that would be great.
You need to prioritize... is your goal to become a printer or is your goal to make money selling printing? There is no shortage of guys who can drag a squeegee but there is always a shortage of good salespeople. If this is a part-time gig and you don't already know how to screenprint then I can't think of a single reason to start learning. If making extra money is your goal, dedicate the time you would spend dragging a squeegee to meeting potential customers, you'll make more money in the long run.
If you do decide to print your own:
If you're selling uniforms and workgear plastisol transfers are perfectly fine and in many cases I prefer them for this application.
If you're selling retail or fashion tees then you can go either way but screenprinting is more versatile and can give you a softer hand over transfers.
If possible, learn how to screenprint by working for someone else. You'll learn faster, be a better printer and your mistakes will be on their dime.
I am new to this business and still learning, but my best recommendation is to search as much as possible. Use the internet, find different resellers and then bring your comments to this forum. Example, I found a one color printer for 225.00 in one place and for 125.00 in some other place. Assess what you really need and make a decision once you have done all search possible.
What to do? 
