What are the disadvantages of heat press printing?

Heat-transfer is a two step process of printing on fabrics. The design is transferred from the paper to the fabric using heat and pressure. First, the art work is printed with special ink on wax paper. Second, the design is transferred to the fabric by using heat along with a heat press; similar to an iron. Heat triggers this special ink to create an adhesive on the opposite side of the wax paper, the ink sticks to the fabric; the wax paper is peeled away and the design remains. Transfer printing has become more popular over the years because full color images can be printed on fabrics. This process lets you print full color images on garments. It is an easy process and can take 3'5 minutes to make one item.

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Pros

• Small quantity runs allow customers to get their items faster.
• Photo prints can be transferred in full color.
• Allows for a variety of colors and placements on a garment.
• Software allows graphics to be altered with unlimited options.

Cons

• Large quantity runs are expensive and time consuming
• Prints fade after several washes and do not last long.
• Prints are stiff, making the fabric firm
• Prints are appear best on light colored t-shirts.
• Ironing prints will ruin image

Everyone wants his or her own unique shirt, whether it is a t-shirt or a sports uniform. In today's society, it is important that we stand out instead of blend in. When you want to add a design to an article of clothing, there are two primary methods to choose from'screen printing and heat press. Both methods offer their own advantages and disadvantages. Whether you are making the shirt on your own or allowing a professional to do it, you should understand the differences between the two.

Screen Printing

This method is the most widely used method of t-shirt printing. In the simplest terms possible, an ink-blocking stencil (the design) is applied to a woven mesh. The stencil forms an open area through which ink or other substances can be transferred and pressed onto the shirt.

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Pros:

• Perfect for larger designs consisting of one or two colors.
• Ideal for printing onto cotton and poly cotton clothing items
• The ink is heat dried, therefore the garments can withstand the roughness of machine washing.

Cons:

• Each color is applied separately, making the cost higher per additional color
• Separate screens are required for each individual design. So, for each additional color, a new screen will need to be used.
• Not the best option if your design consists of several colors.
• Coated fabrics cannot be screen printed.
• Longer turn around time if many colors are used
• Time consuming to set up and clean.

Heat Press

A heat press is a machine that presses a design onto a material. The machine uses high temperatures and heavy pressure to embed the design onto the material permanently. For professionals especially, these machines are highly recommended instead of using irons. Irons cannot reach the high temperatures and pressure that a heat press machine can reach and sustain. Heat press machines typically require 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In terms of pressure, they typically demand forces of 40 to 80 psi.

Pros:

• Can use several colors, as long as they do not overlap.
• Photographic material can be pressed.
• No registration marks.
• Not messy.

Cons:

• Expensive set-up costs.
• Cannot layer colors because the t-shirt will become bulky and heavy.
• Each image needs to be cut precisely to eliminate the extra paper you do not want to print onto the image. This can be very time consuming.

Both methods, when carried out properly, make for shirts or uniforms of great quality and appearance. It is suggested that you seek professional help when taking on a printing project. Professionals have the proper equipment and expertise to get it right the first time.

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