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T-Shirt Printing – Heat Press
Hello Again
Hopefully this is the right place to post this, if not please feel free to move it Rob.
I’ve been asked a lot recently about T-shirt printing. I’ve been looking for information and to be honest I can’t find that much. I’m probably looking in all the wrong places but thought I’d ask on here.
I’m looking for a heat press, what type would be the best to look for? Whats a good size? I’ve seen a lot at 36cm x 36cm, is this about right?
Also what vinyl do you have to use on these? I see grapfityp supply a textile film which can be cut in a plotter, is this stuff the best type to use? I just design it like a normal sign, cut it and then use the heat press to do the rest?
Is there anything else needed, like special application tapes and equipment?
I want to give this a good go and not make a mess of things..
Cheers
Jonny -
13 Replies
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if you are a grapfityp customer then ring Nigel he will explain all and sell you all
chris
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Even if you are not a customer you can still ring me 😀
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you got your plug, dont milk it —– now about my discount
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😀 😀 😀 😀
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Hi Nigel
While you are here, we have some digi print heat press and have found that the carrier film is stronger than the application tape. this makes it a right pig of a job to apply. Any ideas mate?
Tony
Astra
Castleford -
Ok guys thanks. I have the Grafityp catalogues here. I will phone Nigel now. Looking for advice on the areas in my original post more than anything.
Hopefully there will be some other users with more suggestions and advice too.
J
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Just spoken to Nigel top bloke very helpful.
Anyone else with suggestions?
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Sorry nigel
I got my wires crossed the printable we were using was from metamark.
Thanks for the prompt phone call nice to know you are on the ball,cheers
Tony
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No probs, if what I said helps you Tony then all good 😀
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Ok this is what I do more of than anything.
Buy the best heat press you can afford, with a large platen at least 40×50 cm, and make sure its a swing away not a clam shell, they are more money but you will realise where the extra money went when you want to align a logo that is at the back of the platen.There are no application tape issues other than the fact you might use some heat tape to hold logos and designs in place for alignment, other than that you just put a sheet of silicon paper (or greaseproof if you like) over the design covering the backing sheet and press for the required time according to the material, apart from that the only equipment you need is a plotter to cut the vinyl software to design it, and a weeder.
I buy all my Vinyl and stuff from xpres but there’s lots of suppliers about, I just find that nobody in this country can beat them on price. -
We gave up the heat stuff quite a few years ago, but we used http://www.themagictouch.co.uk
I would recomend them for both equipment and materials, they also do free training courses (or used to)
Anyway their web site is very informative, even if you opt for another supplier.
If you do visit them, feel free to pop in for a cuppa, we are not far away from them
Peter
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We got our press from revolution transfers, thermopress swinger 40×50.
Swing away press, digital temp & timer, audible alarm, not had one single problem with it in 2 years, its paid for itself so many times over.
Its quality German engineering at its best, cost us about £1300 at the time might be cheaper now but Ive not had cause to even look.
I sound like I work for them now, I just give credit where credit is due.
I know a guy who bought a cheaper clamshell press, had to buy a new platen, it squashed the tins he was trying to sublimate, broke a hinge, had uneven heat etc.
You get what you pay for.
The magic touch look good for sublimation stuff but are more expensive on garment vinyl, Ive yet to find one place that does everything I want,
I have to use
Xpres for garment vinyl, BMS for pillowcases lighters & sublimation paper, and places like magic touch for other stuff I cant get from those 2.
the transfer press is also another I have used theres plenty out there some better than others. -
Can also recommend Europa Leisure for presses. Made here in the UK by Jarin Industries, with a 5 year warranty. They are a clam type,but not found that a problem – a bit of tape keeps things in place if necessary.
Take the time to search the boards – loads of good info’ and tips on this type of thing.
Happy Hunting 🙂 🙂
Barbara
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