[Great White]

Okay, let me preface by saying that Im sure this has been posted before. I have been reading posts here and still have not been able to come to a conclusion.

So I need some help (advice).

I have been in the sign and decal biz for a few years now. It became common my customers wanted apparel with their logos and such on it. I always designed for them and played the middle man when it came to apparel. I would have tshirts outsourced because I did not have appropriate equipment to meet their needs. So now I am wanting to venture into the tshirt biz also. I have researched several methods and still confused on the best way to go. I work from an office out of my house for now, so screen printing is not an option. What would you recommend for startup. Whats the best way to go? I want to be able to be economical but not sacrifice quality. I had my mind made up on Chromablast but after reading threads on the transfer residue that does not wash away Im not sure thats what I want. Not crazy about only poly shirts, so Sub Dye is not looking too hot. I have a press and plotter and have dabbled with that. But really want more options. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Chris

 

[deChez]

Re: I need help

Well, first of all the good news is that you can offer several methods. So you already have a vinyl cutter, graphics software, and a heat press, so you're pretty well set up to add garments using the equipment you have.

You can custom cut text and simple graphics on heat applied t-shirt vinyl with that cutter and software. You'll simply mirror the image before cutting, and weed as you would for a sign. The text/design will stay on the carrier sheet, and you'll use a heat press to apply it to the t-shirt (or bag, or jersey, or umbrella, etc.)

Inkjet transfer papers have improved greatly. I've recently switched to Jet Pro Soft Stretch (JPSS) for lights. I use this paper with my HP printer (black cartridge is pigment, color cartridge is dye) and have had great results. If you have a printer that uses pigment inks, all the better.

For dark garments, my inkjet transfer paper of choice is Everlast (aka Ironall). With these opaque transfers, it's important to use pigment inks. I purchased an Epson C120 directly from Epson that was refurbished -- cost was $39.

As for screen printing, yes you can. You don't need to do direct screen printing in your shop to offer this. You can purchase plastisol transfers. This is screen printing done on release paper instead on directly on the garment. TransferExpress.com is who I use. They have stock designs to choose from, or you can use a custom design.

I use all of these methods -- the method I use for any individual job just depends on the job itself. You don't need to limit yourself to any one method.

 

[Great White]

Thanks deChez! With the ink jet transfers do they leave behind a residue from the transfer paper? That is what alarms me with the chromablast.

 

[kriscad]

vote: screen printing

 

[DTFuqua]

If your cutter/plotter is able you should add a carrier sheet to the JSS and contour cut the design to remove any polymer window but with Jpss, I just trim close because the polymer is very light and disappears after washing. With the the everlast(if its like alphagold)you print straight(not reversed or fliped) and then add the carrier sheet to the front (instead of the back like the JPSS) and peel the backing of and press.

 

[Great White]

Unfortunately I cannot contour cut.

 

[deChez]

Thanks deChez! With the ink jet transfers do they leave behind a residue from the transfer paper? That is what alarms me with the chromablast.

I have not used chromablast so I can't speak to that. But, I can tell you about that window or residue with other papers and inks.

The JPSS for lights leaves virtually no discernable window on white shirts. Most will leave some window on light colors, that's where trimming comes in. If you're doing a small order, trimming probably would not be an issue. I just do it with scissors. If it were a very large order that does not lend itself to screen printing, then I would find a DTG printer to sub it out to.