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Different quality transfer papers
Hi All,
So I got myself a heat press. Not so much to make loads of money with (not yet anyway, more as a hobby that might in a few years turn into something else.
I am trying to figure it all out… and as mentioned in another post, it came with very minimal instructions. Same goes for the transfer paper I bought with it.My question is:
Is there a lot of quality difference in these transfer papers?Last week I experimented with a small printed photograph. It worked very well, but today when I tried to do an A4 onto the totebags (that I agreed to make for free for the local playgroup for the christmas fundraiser) it all went wrong.
It seems like a lot of ink stays on the transfer paper.
I understand there are 4 variables:
1. temperature
2. pressure
3. time
4. the fabric receiving the applicationBut is the paper a big factor? Last year I used a different paper that I applied with a normal iron… the paper was a lot smoother and it left a definite film on the fabric. The paper I got this time seems quite different.
I have contacted the supplier of the paper, but time is creeping up on me for getting these bags ready. If anyone has any useful tips on how to get a good transfer, I would really appreciate it.
What is best: dropping the temperature and increasing the time, or the other way around?I have been able to succesfully transfer vinyl, now i just need to master this transfer paper….
Any tips appreciated.
Thanks for looking -
11 Replies
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Maybe Im asking a daft question. Are you printing using sublimation inks and then transferring the ink to the fabric or are you printing on transfer paper and ironing the paper onto the fabric? If its sublimation then it will only work onto white or light coloured Polyester material. Tote bags are generally cotton.
Earl. -
It is not sublimation, I am using a ‘normal’ inkjet printer…
My little sample last week worked brilliant… but on the A4 size I can’t get it working…..
😮 -
Are you sure the issue is with the paper and not your press?
Alan D -
Sorry Angelique, I dont know anything about that. But I have used a paper from "Forever" with a laser printer, it was very good. They also do a paper for ink jet as well. http://www.forever-ots.com/
Earl -
quote Alan Drury:Are you sure the issue is with the paper and not your press?
Alan DIt is possible?!?
I had loads of issues with the initial press they send me: it did not get hot enough. This replacement works okay I think: it heats up well (there is a few degrees difference between what the display says and what I read with a probe), but it is heating to 180 degrees no problem.
According to the instructions I should set the temperature between 160-180 degrees, press for 10 seconds and then peel hot.
When I did not get a good result I cranked up the temperature and increased the time (as it did not seem to come of the paper). But then the paper became brown… I am sure it was too hot…
I am sure it is me and I am just wondering what the best way is to get the settings right…
I hope I did not buy poor quality paper that I am wasting my time on… I did not buy expensive stuff (okay it was cheap: 100 sheets for £ 32, compared to many other papers)..
Should I go out and buy different paper, or keep fiddling with the settings? -
Is your press showing an even temperature and pressure over the whole platten. You can always get samples from other suppliers, if you get same results look to your press, if the results are ok its the paper.
Alan D -
Well,,, I have just been experimenting… My conclusion: it is the paper…. I printed some of the old paper I had and that transfers without any problem.
The other stuff is so hit and miss. Every now an then it goes okay (more often not), but I have to peel it straight away.. a few second too late and it stays on the paper… I suppose with a small piece it is easy, but with a larger sheet that is hard!
So trying to source good quality paper locally (that could be tricky)….
Any suggestions for a supplier in West Cork? -
I have bought stuff of these people before Angelique. Worth a call maybe? http://corkartsupplies.com/
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quote Harry Cleary:I have bought stuff of these people before Angelique. Worth a call maybe? http://corkartsupplies.com/
Thanks Harry. I rang half of Cork today. I was quite amazed how hard it is to get the transfer paper.
Plenty of places in the UK or online, but with the time frame in mind I had to get it somewhere more local.
Anyway.. a stationary place in Bantry is helping me out and have put in a special order for me. I should have it tomorrow afternoon.
Fingers crossed that this is a better quality….I am learning the hard way….
😀
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Just a note to say that I got all my bags printed with the tranfer paper I got yesterday… phew..
So what I learned this month is: that a low budget heat press can do the job… but low budget paper can’t.
At least I know better for next time.
Thanks for your help 😀 -
Angelique, good to hear you got the job done but the lesson might not be over yet. Lot of people who bought low price heat presses had problems with them after they had been using them for a while so you may have problems further down the road.
The good news is that some people who bought budget heat presses have had no problems with them at all and they have done lots of work. Lets hope your one of those :lol1: :lol1:Think you will probably find with most paper type products that buying a reasonably good quality will make a big difference. I know with photographic papers the real budget papers aren’t worth using.
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