[ouluvr3212]

I have a very small home based business where I do vinyl monogramming on shirts and bags. I have been using easy weed vinyl and an iron to apply, but having a problem with vinyl lifting when washed. I thought a heat press would help solve this problem and do a better job. What would you recommend as the best vinyl and heat press for my small operation? Thank you for your response.

 

[ayukish]

Your lifting problem is probably because you're not getting even heat and pressure when you're ironing.

 

[BrianHahn]

The 'best' heat presses are Stahls or GeoKnights. Insta and Hix are good too.
Thermoflex Plus and other Specialty Materials products or Stahls' heat press material work very well.
Stahls and GeoKnights are a bit more expensive. If you can't afford them choose another press that you can trade in for a Stahls or GeoKnight in the future.

 

[proworlded]

There are many good transfer machines, Hix, Stahls, Insta, GeoKnight, as well as some quality imports. Most high quality vinyl is provided by Siser, Specialty Materials, and Joto.

 

[ouluvr3212]

Thank you. Siser is what I use so it is good to know I am using a good vinyl.

 

[winkingpirate]

I use Siser easyweed and really like it. For a small operation you can get a pretty inexpensive press but anything will probably do better than a hand iron. (Well, almost anything I guess).

I have small JP12 from GeoKnight that as worked great for me until now. I just need something bigger with better heat and pressure control. The EasyWeed is pretty forgiving so you shouldnt have a problem finding something in your budget.

 

[MAXDesign]

I am about to purchase some of the Siser easyweed material, but have heard it has a slightly heavy hand. I have read that the Siser Stretch material has a better hand. Has anyone got an opinion on this, and will the stretch apply to cotton and polyester as the easyweed does? Cheers people

 

[macman29681]

I am about to purchase some of the Siser easyweed material, but have heard it has a slightly heavy hand. I have read that the Siser Stretch material has a better hand. Has anyone got an opinion on this, and will the stretch apply to cotton and polyester as the easyweed does? Cheers people

I use both and the stretch has almost no hand it is amazing. If you are going to have a huge logo on a shirt then stretch is the way to go. Just understand it also costs more and has limited colors as opposed to the easy weed.

 

[MAXDesign]

I use both and the stretch has almost no hand it is amazing. If you are going to have a huge logo on a shirt then stretch is the way to go. Just understand it also costs more and has limited colors as opposed to the easy weed.

Thanks for the advice Mike So would you recommend easy weed for general work, and the stretch just for larger designs? Is stretch not as easy to weed and work with? Cheers.

 

[macman29681]

Thanks for the advice Mike So would you recommend easy weed for general work, and the stretch just for larger designs? Is stretch not as easy to weed and work with? Cheers.

You have to be careful with small details with the stretch because of the nature of the material and weed close to the material don't just pull in one sheet. The easy weed is more forgiving, but it feels twice as thick. I would also adjust your downforce and speed for the stretch because it is much thinner than easy weed. I have a fusion press it it was a great investment.

 

[MAXDesign]

Cheers Mike. I think I'll buy some of each type and have a play. Much appreciated.