PLASTISOL TRANSFERS what is a plastisol (silk screen printed) heat transfer: a definition
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This section of the forum is where Rodney, a die hard screen printing fan, journeys into the world of heat press and heat transfers. Coming from the perspective of a complete heat press newbie making t-shirts for the first time. Jump right in :)
[PLASTISOL TRANSFERS] - what is a plastisol (silk screen printed) heat transfer: a definition
Re: what is a plastisol (silk screen printed) heat transfer: a definition
I'm not trying to violate any self promotion rules, I just want to add to and clarify what Mr. 4-Color Process has said. Generally speaking he is correct, I just wanted to add that there are some exceptions.
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Originally Posted by Mr.4ColorProcess
Photograph quality, which is the hardest quality to achieve, can only be printed using the CMYK (4-color process) color scheme. CMYK printing is one of the most expensive printing methods available. Just let your printer know in advance that you'll be pressing your designs on dark garments. ALWAYS SAY BLACK. Your printer will then add a white backing, which is another screen charge, so your design will appear on darker garments. Ask for 4-color process samples to see if your printer can achieve a quality CMYK color scheme. This is one of the hardest methods of printing for heat transfers.
4-color process with a white backer for opacity on lights and darks (black) is available in small quantity plastisol transfers (8-4"x6" sheets being the smallest). Of course it may not be cost effective for most companies until they get up 24 to 32 sheets.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.4ColorProcess
Turn-around time all depends on the amount of business your printer has. Let's be realistic, if you want a rush order, there will be mistakes. Anything you do in a rush has things that are over-looked. Two working weeks should be enough time for your printer to complete your order, no matter how many colors you have in your design.
Standard 3 business day turn around is also available.
Re: what is a plastisol (silk screen printed) heat transfer: a definition
I solely use plastisol transfers for my shirts and have been really happy with the quality and durablity of them. My SO has shirts from when I first launched my store (1.5 years ago) that are washed regularly and put in the dryer that look as good as they did the day they were made. Whereas I have screenprinted shirts from other places that started to crack after a few wears/washes. Of course, like with anything - you pay for what you get. I had tested plastisol transfers that were cheaper and they were crap.
If you're planning on doing dark shirts, you'll want to look into transfers done in opaque ink. Which will be a higher cost - but obviously worth it. I print mainly on black shirts and most of my designs have white in them and they look great!
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Re: what is a plastisol (silk screen printed) heat transfer: a definition
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Originally Posted by kinyemi
Do i have to send my designs to the company, or can i do the whole process myself? So i just get to buy the paper.
If you can screenprint, you can learn to do it yourself. If you can't screenprint, you need to outsource it to someone who can (like a plastisol transfer printer).
Re: what is a plastisol (silk screen printed) heat transfer: a definition
I wonder, I got these really old T-shirts from Superman and E.T. they have photo prints with glittered borders...I know they are transfers but what type I always wondered..
Re: what is a plastisol (silk screen printed) heat transfer: a definition
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jevries
I wonder, I got these really old T-shirts from Superman and E.T. they have photo prints with glittered borders...I know they are transfers but what type I always wondered..
They could be four color process transfers or lithograph transfers or glitter transfers (or a combination).
Is Plastisol good for wraparound and all over designs?
We are going to be printing all over and wrap around designs. Is there a limit to the size that the plastisol can print? Also, how many colors can you print on it?
Re: Is Plastisol good for wraparound and all over designs?
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Originally Posted by brendad
Is there a limit to the size that the plastisol can print?
The size will depend on who is printing it, but it is possible to make sheets larger than any t-shirt. You'll then need a heat press big enough to press it though (which can also be larger than any t-shirt, but often aren't).
Quote:
Originally Posted by brendad
Also, how many colors can you print on it?
If you get four colour process transfers done, then perceptually speaking you can have full colour printing (i.e. no limit as such).
Re: what is a plastisol (silk screen printed) heat transfer: a definition 
Re: what is a plastisol (silk screen printed) heat transfer: a definition 
