[Rodney]

After reading this forum for over a year, and seeing what heat transfers can do, I've decided to jump in and experience the heat press/heat transfer world first hand.

Reading about it in a forum is one thing, but actually "doing it", hopefully will prove to be an exciting new challenge.

Hopefully, this is going to:

• Give me more hands on experience, so I can better help others who want to make t-shirts with a heat press.

• Open up new business opportunities
• Be fun

If you're a heat press newbie or a heat press expert, or just curious, feel free to follow along or jump in with questions or tips.

 

[Rodney]

What press and materials are you going to start with?

Stay tuned But suffice to say, I like to "go big" when I get into stuff.

 

[Rodney]

I went to the Hotronix Website but of course the price is not listed... What's the ball park as far as pricing?

You can get pricing and deals from a few of the suppliers listed on this page:
http://www.t-shirtforums.com/view_sponsoroffers.htm

 

[Rodney]

Going to go to ISS Long Beach to check it all out - maybe I'll see you there?

I'll be there Jim, hopefully we'll catch each other. I think Lou's going to, so maybe we can all hook up and eat some lunch or something.

 

[Rodney]

Looking for an economical (and feasible) way to print 3-5 shirts at a time, if need be. Can you or anyone else in this thread tell me a little about the plastisol transfer process?

Plastisol transfers are basically heat transfers that are printed by screen printers. Instead of printing onto the shirt, they print the design (with plastisol screen printing ink) onto transfer/release paper and then ship that printed paper to you so you can press it on the shirts as you need them with a heat press.

You can't print plastisol transfers at home. Some plastisol transfer printers have low minimums (like 6 or 8 sheets), but the bonus is that you can place several designs on one sheet (especially one line text designs).

Pricing will vary depending on the number of colors in the design and the quantity ordered. If you have a heat press, you can contact a few of the companies in this thread for samples and they'll send you some with their pricing sheets.

 

[Rodney]

How soft is the hand on plastisol transfers?

It's just like screen printing. It can have different types of hand. Soft, glossy, etc.

 

[Rodney]

I have been toying with the idea of getting a heat press to do ceramic tiles. At the moment I decoupage my designs on the tiles and understand that sublimation is much better! Can anyone recommend a good starter press as well as a place to get good reasonable tiles?
Thanks!

There are some tips on which heat press to buy here: http://www.t-shirtforums.com/t-shirt-crossover-diary-heat-press-newbie/t9682.html