FatHamsterGirl said:
I've been looking into what I would need in the ways of heat transfer tees. I am looking to get an epson printer with inks and a hix heat press.
Epson printers are generally best, and Hix is a great press brand. You'll want a pigmented ink -- either OEM Durabrite ink or Magic Mix inks.
FatHamsterGirl said:
What is the most recommended transfer paper? (that isn't too pricey)
Transjet II (a.k.a. MagicJet). 95% of everyone I've talked to (online and offline) finds this paper to be the best. There are cheaper papers, but it's not too bad; less than $1.00 a page and dropping futhur as you get a larger bulk.
FatHamsterGirl said:
Do I need anything else other than the heat press, printer. and inks (and tees of course)?
Adam said:
Greese Proof Paper, Guillotine, Scissors, you can get little pick things that help you tease the backing paper from the transfer (sorry I forget what they call them).
Adam said grease proof paper -- another item which serves the same purpose (and seems to be used more) is a teflon sheet. These aren't too expensive and they're useful for several things; you'll want one if you do any 2-sided prints, vinyl/flock pressing, etc.
By Guillotine I assume he means a paper cutter -- I haven't had any need for one myself yet. You will need some scissors anyway, to trim around the edges of your designs.
The little pick thingys (I dunno what they're called either) are probably not nessicary either - and if you do need something like that, you should be able to find something around the house that'll do the job jsut as well.
I'd recommend Gildan Ultra T-shirts for Men's/Unisex and probably American Apparel for girl's styles (still looking into that more myself).
FatHamsterGirl said:
I've read about a protective cover for the heat press...is this a necesssity or someone trying to get my money?
Depends on the price and your house condition. We just put a spare sheet over our press, because we have a ton of dust and cat hair ambient around it.