Heat transfer vs Direct to Garment

labooth

Hi all.

I am new to this site and am trying to decide what to do. Myself and my graphic artist fiance are wanting to start, what else, a t-shirt business. We live in a resort area and think they might do well in the gift shops. But I blabber.

to begin with I am going to have samples made locally to take and see if anyone is interested. But if this does take off, I want to know show I look at heat transfer, screen printing or direct to garment?

Our designs may go up to 6 colors at some point but we are holding at 4 right now.

So, can anyone give me the pros and cons of each method?

Thanks.
Laura

Flint54

Cost will be your biggest factor!

Heat Transfers are basically screen printing in reverse and flash curing the ink to a dry to touch and storage state. Once the transfer is placed under heat and pressure the ink becomes fluid again, permeates the fabric and cures on the shirt. You get your transfers from screen printers that provide this service there are many out there, do a search for heat transfers. T-Shirt Forums has a Great Discussion check this link: http://www.t-shirtforums.com/plastisol-transfers/ Also many suppliers provide samples, there are plastisol transfers and also dye sublimation transfers also linked: http://www.t-shirtforums.com/dye-sublimation/.

We are expanding in the near future to vinyl heat transfers and will be getting a Roland GX-24 Cutter/System. This way we will be able to make many of the items vs having to pay for a setup charge for small quantity items of 1 - 4 colors. http://www.t-shirtforums.com/vinyl-c...ers-transfers/

DTG Printing will require an expensive outlay, you will also need a heat press to set the inks from the printer, results vary with software and printers, darks vs lights as far as shirt color effect the final result, ink heads clog and need maintenance daily and some printers use specific inks/cartridges and some will use bulk systems. http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-...kjet-printing/

I won't say what is best for you but so far we have not been able to justify a DTG Printer based on cost vs income.

cherokeeimages

Call me, Charlie, www.cherokeelaser.com, 971-998-6336.