Why Do It Yourself?

In order to produce your own letters, numbers, and graphics, you'll need a heat press, vinyl cutter, and/or print/cut system. Do-it-yourself production allows for greater flexibility and customization. Products can be monitored and controlled throughout the production process. Changes can be made with less hassle and at a lower cost.

Because letters, numbers, and graphics are produced at the same site, turnaround time on orders will be significantly shorter, even allowing for one-stop walk-in orders. Plus, smaller heat printing jobs can be completed more profitably.

Though do-it-yourself production of transfers can be quite profitable, the initial investment on equipment can be high. In addition, a larger workspace and more labor is required when producing your own graphics versus ordering from a supplier.

Basic T-shirt Printing And Printing Method

Design - Print - Press - Sell

That’s the basics of using modern digital heat transfer products.

Ok, there might be a little more too it, but it is that simple, and it will get you into the multi-billion dollar apparel market for a minimal investment.

What do you need to get started?  A computer with graphic software, a printer and a heat press. The easiest way to start is with a color laser printer, a computer, a heat press and our Laser Transparent and Classic Universal paper. These don't require a cutter and deliver excellent results that can look as good as direct to garment or screen printing!

Considering that you are reading this online, we know you have the first component - a computer.  There are many graphic software packages out there, but the two most popular are CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Either of these will allow you to create custom artwork that can then be printed.

The second component is a printer. Our’s transfer paper is available for most printers available on the market, including inkjet pigment, inkjet sublimation, color laser and solvent.  If you are just getting started, you can get excellent results with almost any inkjet printer and most color laser printers but we recommend OKI for laser printing.

The last piece of the basic package that you need is a heat press.  No, your home iron and ironing board won’t cut it.  We do recommend that you invest in a quality heat press as this is the make it or break it piece of the puzzle.  The ultimate quality of the transfer relies on a heat press that provides a consistent temperature and pressure.

You now have the complete picture, and we welcome you to the exciting and profitable world of apparel decoration! Contact us today so we can help you determine what you will need and answer any questions you may have at 604-226 3393

Come To Visit Our Shop

221E, Burma Road, Penang, Malaysia
www.ujustprint.com


Monday - Saturday
11AM~7PM
+604 226 3393

 

Do-It-Yourself vs. Contracted Services

Whether you're starting a T-shirt printing business, a heat press business, or expanding your current business with heat printing, you must first consider whether you wish to print, cut, and heat press designs yourself or apply transfers that have been produced by a supplier.

How to Select the Right Equipment

Quality equipment is integral to any heat printing operation.

Things to take into consideration when choosing the right equipment for your business include the type of work you will be doing, volume of work, the size of your workspace, and the experience of anyone operating the equipment.

Make sure to choose a reliable heat press. Money saved up-front on a lower-quality machine won't be worth the aggravation, time lost, and expense incurred when that machine doesn't operate as it should.

And don't forget that you'll need accessories to go along with your heat press. Cover sheets, heat-resistant tape, and heat erasers will be needed for most jobs, and optional equipment, such as interchangeable platens, pads, and heat printing pillows will come in quite handy.

Use these comparison charts to help decide what equipment will work best for you.

DIGITAL TRANSFERS

In digital transfer printing, high-quality print/cut systems are used to print full color designs onto printable heat transfer material.

After being printed onto heat transfer paper, the design is transferred to the garment using a heat press. This process allows more complex and vivid images than those produced with traditional screen printing, as well as patterns, shading, and color transitions. 

The process is also more cost-effective for small orders and for designs with many colors. This makes digital heat transfers a popular choice for short-run personalization.

Our full color digital transfers can be made from any artwork and applied to a wide variety of materials. Opaque transfers are highly stretchable, making them perfect for rib knits and performance apparel. 

Photo realistic, high-definition designs with an unlimited color palette. full color digital transfers are available in a wide variety of options including matte, glossy, and metallic finishes. Use layouts or your own artwork to create full color digital transfers.

Ideal for artwork that contains special effects, patterns, or shading. No per-color fees. If you can't embroider or screen print it, transfers it.

Digital transfers are applied with a professional heat press.

What is Heat Transfer Printing?

Heat printing, also known as heat transfer printing, is the process of transferring heat-applied materials to various items (or substrates) using a heat press.

Generally speaking, the term "heat printing" refers to the personalization and customization of garments, other textiles, and hard goods using a heat press. There is a wide variety of material that can be applied through heat printing, from heat transfer vinyls (commonly used on athletic uniforms), heat transfer materials featuring special effects (such as glow-in-the-dark or reflective properties), and screen printed transfers, to name just a few. Heat printing products are also referred to as heat applied graphics and heat transfers.

There are several options for garment decoration, such as screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, and embroidery. Heat printing can be used in place of other methods or to supplement them. Learn more about heat transfer printing in the following sections.

Heat Printing Start-Up Costs

Consider where your business will be and what rent and remodeling expenses will be required. Next, determine your equipment needs, including furniture, computers, software, printers (as well as fax machines, scanners, and copiers), phones, office supplies, start-up inventory, and, most importantly, your production equipment (i.e. heat press, print/cut system, etc.).

You should next determine your businesses expenses, such as employee wages, insurance costs, licenses and permits, trade association memberships, and professional fees (accountant, lawyer, etc).

 

Once this information is gathered, calculate your opening expenses and your start-up capital. Consider available resources and what financing will be needed.

Create Your Own Business With Heat Trasnfer

If you're looking at a time-tested way of promoting your business you may want to consider custom T-shirts. They are great for raising brand awareness. Your message gets out to the public every time an individual, group or organization orders your custom T-shirts. Here are a few suggestions of ways custom T-shirts can benefit your business.