WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED WITH HEAT TRANSFERRING?

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED WITH HEAT TRANSFERRING?

In order to start your heat transfer printing, there are few things you need to acquire. They are affordable and come in different types depending on your purpose.

1. Heat press machine

These comes in different sizes and with different prices. Also, some are unique for some kind of designs. So get the one that matches your need.

Also, check the temperature at the edges and the middle of the plate to be sure that the temperature is uniform. This is to make sure that the designs don’t peel off due to inefficient transfer.

Heat press machine is different in sizes and affordability. If you are starting out newly, go for the simple and cheaper ones. When the business starts growing, get the professional machines that have bigger platen for heat transfers on a large material.

These professional heat transfer machines also have unique features like temperature and time settings, pressure and bigger platen for bulk printing.

2. Inkjet printer

A printer is used to print out your designs, artwork or logo on the paper you will use for the heat transfer. There is a reason why I prefer the inkjet printer to Laser printers.

• Inkjet printers will produce excellent heat transfer than laser printers.
• Not all laser jet printers can produce good heat transfer designs.
• Inkjet printers are more affordable compared to laser jet

Don’t forget to buy your Printer inks/t-shirt ink depending on your choice.

3. Carrier paper

This is the paper you will use for the heat transfer on the t-shirt. It usually has a film on one side where your design will be printed on. Be sure to buy the professional carrier grade type instead of the regular paper you see everywhere.

Remember, your choice of transfer paper will also affect your output. However, there are some things you need to check before you purchase a heat transfer paper.

• Buy a transfer paper vinyl type that has a soft hand after transfer and after washing. It will have enough film to make your designs or images stick to your t-shirt. So you should avoid any paper that feels like a cardboard paper when you touch it.
• If you want to print on a white t-shirt or any other light colored garment, the choice of the paper to buy will be the clear transfer paper.
• On dark or deep colored t-shirts, buy an opaque transfer paper.

Believe me, you don’t want to use opaque paper on white and clear paper on dark materials. That will certainly create confusion.