Discuss the various aspects of heat pressed vinyl transfers. Popular and new types of vinyl media, suppliers, vinyl cutters /plotters, press times, quality, how to instructions and more can be found in this heat press sub forum.
looking for some suggestions on Vinyl type. i have seen the type that has the sticky backing so we know we want to go with that. I understand that helps when doing the weeding. We want to try and only have 1 type to keep it easy. I know that may be impossible but we want to go with the most common type for banners, signs, and even t-shirts. We have a 34 inch cutter.
Past that, i do not have an idea on what brands we should look at or other factors that we should look into.
Any suggestions.
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Clark Custom Screen Printing & Embroidery
I like the eco film from imprintables. I have also tried the stuff from specialty but I dont like the extra film that I have to peel before cutting. I think it is either the thermoflex plus or the siser easy weed, one or the other. My favorite is the eco film though, its super soft and feels like screen print, once its pressed.
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Always do right; this will gratify some people and astonish the rest. ~~~Mark Twain BobbieLee
Past that, i do not have an idea on what brands we should look at or other factors that we should look into.
As you've probably read, there are a variety of vinyl types for various uses.
Other factors to be mindful of are:
-Your target market(s). You may desire to use one vinyl product and brand, but is that the right vinyl type for your markets? Some markets, such as college/schools, may need a different type of heat applied material used vs. a high-end fashion market. Or, if you're making jacket designs for security officers to wear at night, they may want you to use reflective material. Various heat applied materials have different "hands," or, feel to them. One market may like Polyurethane vinyl that's thin with a slight hand, another may like flock that feels thicker and like velvet.
-Sample each of the vinyl brands suggested by the members to know all that's available to you. It may also help you become competitive, as you may find yourself using something that no one else is and your customers love it! Trying only 1 product and only knowing about 1 product is sort of putting blinders on, IMO.
-Even if you decide to use only one brand/type of vinyl, find more than one supplier in case your primary runs out of stock, go out of business, etc.
Brands (not specific material types) I'd suggest are Siser, Specialty Materials, Joto Paper, Stahls' ID Direct.
[quote=sunnydayz;411651] I dont like the extra film that I have to peel before cutting. I think it is either the thermoflex plus or the siser easy weed, one or the other. [quote]
Hey Bobbie.....
I think you are referring to Thermoflex Xtra which is used for lower temperature materials (nylone / rayon) etc. I remember that coming with the extra material covering the top side. Thermoflex and Easy Weed is very similar to the Eco-Film.
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I have been getting good results with Siser's EasyWeed (Premium). We order our heat transfer vinyl from Coastal Business Supply but, a downside, shipping is a long wait down here in Texas. Internet orders over $199 receive free shipping (by ground).
The backing is sticky and the vinyl does have a tendency to be tough to peel up. This does help; however, with intricate designs but plays Hell with cutting numbers. Just takes more time to peel up the excess material.
I enjoyed the ease of number cutting with Stahl's ThermoGRIP/ThermoFILM, but hated the expense.
Best Vinyl Brand and Type? 
I will check the label later.
