[sweatshackuk]

New to designing, I have managed to start creating some designs to be transferred to clothing.

Before committing to buying an expensive heat press, I wondered if there was a way to literally buy some heat transfer paper and iron this on?

Naturally, I know the quality of this would never be as good however I only want to do it to gauge what it might look like on an actual item rather than a computer screen.

Is this possible? If so please can you provide your advice on what to buy paper wise? I already have an inkjet printer, I'm assuming this can just be used (sorry ultimate newbie here)

Thanks in advance,

Dave

 

[PatWibble]

You can get iron on transfer paper but the quality is no way good enough for retail use. Maybe good enough to photograph, but I wouldn't show them 'in person' as samples.

WH Smith or Staples probably sell something to suit.

Inkjet printers are used regularly, but it needs to be one with 'pigment based' ink, not 'dye based' ink ( which will wash out). If you are using an Epson and it says 'Claria' on the ink carts then the ink will be no good.

 

[sweatshackuk]

You can get iron on transfer paper but the quality is no way good enough for retail use. Maybe good enough to photograph, but I wouldn't show them 'in person' as samples.

WH Smith or Staples probably sell something to suit.

Inkjet printers are used regularly, but it needs to be one with 'pigment based' ink, not 'dye based' ink ( which will wash out). If you are using an Epson and it says 'Claria' on the ink carts then the ink will be no good.

Thanks, to be honest it was more for photograph purposes and not for actual retail.

I use an Epson XP345 so unsure what the ink is, any ideas?

 

[PatWibble]

I use an Epson XP345 so unsure what the ink is, any ideas?

Claria Dye based ink, so the ink will need changing to pigment based if you decide to go into production.

Dye based will probably be ok if you just want to sample without washing.

 

[sweatshackuk]

Claria Dye based ink, so the ink will need changing to pigment based if you decide to go into production.

Dye based will probably be ok if you just want to sample without washing.

Thanks mate, I still need to learn how to print properly too, it's not as simple as just printing the page? I have to line up correctly and cut it all out so that it transfers correctly too?

 

[PatWibble]

Unless you have a contour cutter then you will face having a clear or white paper sized box around the image.
There are plenty of laser papers that don't need cutting or weeding, but that is a different level of investment, if you want one that prints white toner ( for use on dark garments).

 

[webtrekker]

To be perfectly honest, if you just want to see the 'finished result' withiut investing in any equipment then consider making mockups in Photoshop (or whatever graphics software you use).

Even reputable sellers use mockups on their selling pages as they provide better images than photographs which, unless you are an accomplished photographer with all the lighting gear, are usually inferior.

 

[Lnfortun]

You can get iron on transfers from Walmart, Joann's, Michaels or Hobby Lobby even at Sam's etc. I had not used any of them but they are available to test the water so to speak. To get good quality picture I use the scanner of Multi purpose inkjet printer. You get more realistic copy of the image on the shirt. BTW scanner function is all I use with my two inkjet printers. I had 5 and tossed 3 in the dumpster because of clogging issue.

 

[into the T]

sounds like you are needing to have a 'sample' to shop-around and gauge reactions

i agree with webtrekker, do a mock-up in a graphics program
unless you are a professional photog (ie. full studio set-up), don't do a picture of a cheap transfer
if you don't have the capabilities right now, send me the pic and i will do one up for you

 

[sweatshackuk]

sounds like you are needing to have a 'sample' to shop-around and gauge reactions

i agree with webtrekker, do a mock-up in a graphics program
unless you are a professional photog (ie. full studio set-up), don't do a picture of a cheap transfer
if you don't have the capabilities right now, send me the pic and i will do one up for you

Thanks for the advice all, I have been knocking up some mocks in Illustrator, so you think this is the best way to continue really?

 

[into the T]

gimp or photoshop

vector mockups look like drawings/cartoons (for the most part)