Decorated-Apparel Transfer Printing with DTG
Today’s decorated-apparel professionals can dramatically expand their design and product offerings to include direct-to-film (DTF) with an existing direct-to-garment printer.
Full StoryToday’s decorated-apparel professionals can dramatically expand their design and product offerings to include direct-to-film (DTF) with an existing direct-to-garment printer.
Full StoryIn Parts 1 and 2 of this three-part series, we talked about how the three main variables in heat pressing are temperature, time and pressure. We then went on to look at what to look for in a heat press to ensure you meet these conditions consistently.
Full StoryIn Part 1 of our three-part series on heat presses, we looked at the basic design types and features apparel decorators want to keep in mind when considering a new system. In Part 2 we look at speciality presses for decorating caps and applying shirt labels, and also multi-function presses
Full StoryAs people across the globe continue to work from home, their wardrobe staples have transitioned from dress pants and blazers to athleisure — think matching sweat suits, leggings and other lightweight apparel.
Full StoryWhile it may be true that heat-pressing is a great way of gaining entry into the decorated apparel industry (and decorating business in general: think promotional items, like cups, mugs, handbags, etc.) the devil is in the details.
Full StoryHeat transfers have become an increasingly effective and affordable means of apparel decoration and custom brand identification.
Full StoryWhile the world worked and studied from home many people became successful digital decorators. Armed with YouTube tutorials and their first heat press, they tapped into the ever-growing T-shirt and decorated apparel industry.
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In this ever-changing world, consistency is key when it comes to applying heat transfers to any substrate.
Full StoryThe athletic, team sports and uniform markets have grown rapidly during the past several years. Soccer, basketball, football and baseball are a few team sports that are leading the charge at all levels — from organized-sports groups to collegiate teams and professional leagues.
Full StoryIf you’re a new heat press owner, then you’ve likely been busy mastering time, temperature and pressure, while also figuring out how to appropriately charge for your services to make a profit. But could you be doing better?
Full StoryEvery week we hear horror stories from companies who purchased a low-cost (i.e. cheap) heat press machine from an on-line retailer or marketplace.
Full StoryThe functionality and versatility of today’s heat presses have evolved, but they all should be safe, reliable and consistent, a sentiment agreed upon by many industry experts.
Full StoryThe apparel market is packed with a diverse range of products for every function of fashion, sports and leisurewear activity. Because of the vast array of fabrics available, it can be challenging to combine fabric and garment embellishment so that the apparel and embellishment, once applied, connect to form a natural, integral finish.
Full StoryNumbering on team uniforms is an essential part of administering the game for apparel decorators servicing this market niche. Athletic governing bodies often have rules stipulating the specific numbers that can be assigned to certain player positions, as well as sizes and colors.
Full StoryThe diversity, versatility and market appeal of heat transfers and their application to multiple fabric and apparel types is an important reason why many customers are using heat transfers for their imaging of apparel business.
Full StoryYou’ve no doubt heard the phrase “Work smarter, not harder” in reference to many applications, but none rings truer than when it comes to apparel decoration.
Full StoryWhen working with rhinestones, it’s important to remember there are numerous uses and places for this type of apparel-decoration application.
Full StoryEmbrace the challenges that new fabrics create by adding these technologies and techniques to your decorating arsenal.
Full StoryWhether you’re watching a big-league sporting event or your child’s Little League game, jersey numbers enhance the experience.
Full StoryTips to help ensure your puff details meet their potential.
Full StoryHow to use heat transfers for micro-scale textile imaging
Full StoryA big part of the ongoing success of any decorated apparel shop in the team uniform market is staying abreast of the latest trends.
Full StoryHeat printing continues to grow as an apparel decoration technology.
Full StoryMost apparel decorators are familiar with direct screen printing and heat transfers, but many are uncertain about which method is best for their businesses.
Full StoryHeat transfers are produced by printing transfer ink onto a substrate transfer paper or film.
Full StoryIt only takes one visit to a retail clothing store to see the numerous varied clothing items available for purchase that have a printed image located somewhere on each garment.
Full StoryExpression in sports comes not only from pregame rituals and post-game celebrations, but also from uniforms. Teamwear continues to evolve and so do the decorators who supply them.
Full StoryDecorating T-shirts with heat transfers isn’t a new endeavor by any means, but the fashionable garments worn by women today are comprised of a wide range of fabrics.
Full StoryWhen plastisol heat transfers were developed for decorating garments in
the 1960s, they were mainly used for embellishing white T-shirts, since
colored tees weren’t in demand yet. Times, however, have changed as has the nature of transfers, with more options available to decorators than ever before.
Time is money, so optimizing your printer/cutter workflow to ensure you are working efficiently means you also will be ensuring profitability.
Full StoryDye migration is a typical problem when it comes to decorating polyester. Generally, the darker or brighter the color, the more likely it is to occur.
Full StorySome teams prefer a classic look, but others may be interested in changing things up and having uniforms that offer a fresh look.
Full StoryJim Tenholder is dealer sales manager at Imaging Supplies Warehouse, Maryland Heights, Mo.
Full StoryOne approach to eliminating marks left by a carrier sheet is to use a heat-transfer material that allows for a quick, fast-tack application.
Full StoryFall is universally recognized as the start of football season, which offers numerous opportunities for decorators to provide numbered uniforms for teams and numbered jerseys for fans supporting specific players.
Full StoryJazz up caps and other headwear to create fashionable looks and increase sales.
Full StoryThere are different technologies and methods used in today’s color laser printers, including light-emitting diode (LED) technology. It is the newest technology and considered to be cutting-edge.
Full StoryNothing lasts forever, but the better you take care of your heat press, the longer you can avoid a breakdown.
Full StoryMobile apparel decorating is an excellent choice for the business owner who wants to dabble in the industry part time, or one who takes a decorating show on the road full time. It is a profitable business that also has a low cost of entry. Here is one decorator’s story.
Full StoryThe heat printing graphics market continuously is improving. New technology is meeting trends in performance apparel and pushing fashionable looks without compromising performance.
Full StoryAre heat transfers the new go-to solution? As with so many things in business, there is no simple answer, but here are a few key points to consider about how heat transfers compare to traditional screen printing techniques, especially on headwear.
Full StoryScreen printing is an ever-present topic of conversation among decorated apparel professionals for a number of reasons.
Full StoryHaving worked with some of the largest team uniform decorators in the country, I know Fridays mean big opportunities — and the team jersey is at the heart of the experience.
For the past 25 years, I have helped garment decorators choose various processes for embellishing garments with heat transfer and screen printing processes.
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