[Amt4836]

Im looking at starting my own clothing line. I have had a run of tees printed up in the past using the DTG path, but I'd really like to get a heat press. With my target customer having a high expectancy on the quality of the design I'm looking at using plastisol transfers.

I'm a freelance designer so I know screen printing can be costly and also leave me with the risk of having deadstock. Is it realistic to be able expect an almost screenprint quality and to be able to apply these myself?(with practice of course) I'm looking to invest in the Stahl Maxx press(or is there other good quality presses at a lower price) I'm sorry to ask a possibly already answered question. But it's very hard to find much info about plastisol transfers here the Uk. It all seems a little information overload.

 

[madbadger]

The Maxx should be just what you need. Great presses. I have one myself, coulnt recommend it more.

 

[mmonk]

I own one as well 15x15. I would recommend it. As my usage and volume has increased I do find myself longing for an auto open press.

 

[atigerwanabee]

I have been in this business since 1985. I can say without question that Heat Transfers are the way to to. If you get a 16x20 Heat Press, If you get a very good color laser copier, If you get some 11 x17 Trim-Free Transfer Paper, you will be on your way to a very successful business. Color Laser Copiers that can handle 11 x 17 sheets are expensive. But, it will pay for itself in no time at all. Oki-data Tabloid size printers are a good start. 16x20 Heat Presses are on here as well. The Paper(trim-free) from Image Clip or Joto is another good source. I can't stress how important it is to have "Outstanding" Color. The sharpness, of Color Laser Printer is without question the best. But, they are expensive. Just invest in the best, and you will be successful.

 

[g.lupo]

i used to deal wiht transfers now i strictely use dtg, do youthink you get a better quality print with plastisol transfers than DTG, you can do so much with DTG. Maybe it was the brand you had, im blowing my customers away with the new designs i have, which their was no way i could have achieved with plastisols. Also plastisol transers arent the same as laser printed transfers, plastisol are charged based on color and quanity, so all you really save is the price of the shirt. i have many transfers just sitting here becauase no one wanted that design. So i had do dish out money for the transfers. Sometimes it was actually cheaper to get a contract screen printer and have them print.

Ps. my website doesnt have my new designs yet.

 

[onewhocolors]

I have been in this business since 1985. I can say without question that Heat Transfers are the way to to. If you get a 16x20 Heat Press, If you get a very good color laser copier, If you get some 11 x17 Trim-Free Transfer Paper, you will be on your way to a very successful business. Color Laser Copiers that can handle 11 x 17 sheets are expensive. But, it will pay for itself in no time at all. Oki-data Tabloid size printers are a good start. 16x20 Heat Presses are on here as well. The Paper(trim-free) from Image Clip or Joto is another good source. I can't stress how important it is to have "Outstanding" Color. The sharpness, of Color Laser Printer is without question the best. But, they are expensive. Just invest in the best, and you will be successful.

How dose the laser stuff compare to pigmented ink-jet transfers though? I've always heard that the laser transfers don't hold up as well, do you find this to be true?

With that said, I've been using a 13"x19" Epson Inkjet printer with a continuous ink supply system and printing on opaque transfer paper and cutting with a Rolland GX-24. My two main problems are banding issues with the printer and offset with the plotter.

I'd gladly adopt the laser easy weed model if it meant that I could get the same quality without cracking and fading in the wash.