Full Version: Help with transfer paper?
From: Nick (NICKIONPOE) [#1]
25 Jan 2007
To: ALL
Hi all. Not a usual topic for this forum, but I find the abundance of information and expertise here so refreshing. Anyway, in addition to the tinkering that I do with my laser, I engage in a little sublimation so I have a heat press. My little guy is celebrating his 100th day of school with his kindergarten class and they are having a parade. I thought I might make 100 day celebration T's for the kids in the class. Using sub inks and vapor wear is not going to be cost efficient. I also use some transfer paper spectra? something..... anyway I use pigment ink and get good results with it. My only problem is that if I use a color background and trim the image it looks great. If I print and plan to have a white background with wording etc... it leaves an unsightly box around the image. I understand that I could trim it but will still have that filmy look in the areas that I would just like white.
So I admit that I rarely do T's and have very limited knowledge on the products available, but since I have the equipment and can get some kid t's cheap... why not? So does anyone have a suggestion of a paper transfer that wouldn't leave such a heavy film in the areas that I would prefer to have blank.
EDITED: 25 Jan 2007 by DGL
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2]
25 Jan 2007
To: Nick (NICKIONPOE) [#1] 25 Jan 2007
I'm not sure I understand your question.
Is the filmy look a result of a thickness of the transfer paper?
Does the finished product have a heavy plastic feel?
In the industry, a transfer paper that leaves a stiff, plasticy film is said to have a heavy hand, meaning you can feel the carrier sheet that gets fused to the fabric during pressing.
There are papers, that (especially after the first wash) have very little hand. Greenline is the name of one.
From: Nick (NICKIONPOE) [#3]
25 Jan 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2] 26 Jan 2007
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#4]
26 Jan 2007
To: Nick (NICKIONPOE) [#3] 26 Jan 2007
One source for Greenline paper is www.alphasupply.com
"Uncle" Jack Franklin would be able to expound on its virtues. :-)
Another paper, with which I have personal experience, is Coast Graphic Supply's Series 2002 Inkjet Transfer Paper.
$70.00 per hundred sheets.
I used it for a customer who wanted inexpensive T-shirts for a cancer walk charity event. Very little hand after pressing and from what I hear from people who received the shirts, the image is holding up very well after several washings. No stiff hand at all.
Coast Graphic Supply
800.356.8866
www.sublimationink.net
Another thought. How long are you pressing the shirts? You may be scorching the transfer paper, if using too long a dwell time.
20 seconds is about the max for good results; at least for the 2002 paper I mentioned.
From: Nick (NICKIONPOE) [#5]
26 Jan 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#4] 26 Jan 2007
Thanks David,
I appreciate all of your help. I am familiar with both companies that you gave me, so I will give it a whirl.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6]
26 Jan 2007
To: Nick (NICKIONPOE) [#5] 26 Jan 2007
Good luck.
Please let us know how you do. We love success stories. :-)
Between the two companies, I'm sure you'll have one.