What's next after vinyl

[Coops]

Hey,

I have been getting more and more enquiries for t-shirts shirts with multi coloured designs. I only have equipment for vinyl therefore limited with the scope of my designs. I mainly do text based t-shirts so my market is limited.

Can anyone recommend another method I could look at moving into to help this? I personally like screen printing but the initial layout costs including training etc is way beyond my budget. I then thought of outsourcing plastisol transfers but due to varying designs this is not feasible. I also looked at different printers and came across a DTG printer. Its a large initial outlay but what I've seen of it they look good...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[webtrekker]

You'd need to have a lot of work coming in to justify the cost of a DTG printer, and they need to be run on a daily basis from what I've heard.

Dyesub is great for white and light colored polyester material, and for darker materials you could try the Jet-Opaque papers, or the Forever papers, but I'm not sure about durability and washability of these processes.

It's possible to screen print with a cut vinyl stencil attached to a screen, eliminating the UV exposure part of the process.

[Justin]

If you have numbers big enough to be screen printing look at contracting out or getting ready made transfers in. I used to screen print but it's just not worth the time and hassle anymore.

DTG is a huge outlay and from what I've seen and heard it just isn't there at this level. £20-£30k and still users are disappointed.

Keep an eye on the Reveal Cotton system. They're hoping for print onto dark garments in the next 12 months (possibly) and this could be a game changer.

[pw66]

What is your main market - workwear or fashion/novelty?

If you are mainly making workwear, and have a need for full colour small logos then a solvent printer would be a good option. It would also allow you to add signmaking to your business. Solvent prints are less use for full size prints because the transfer is on the heavy side - similar to vinyl you are currently using. Costs are between £5k and £15k.

If you are looking for fashion/novelty customers ( and assuming you already offer sublimation) then there are a range of inkjet or laser transfers that are available. There are printable ( and sublimatable ) flocks and vinyls available. Results are varied, depending on your chosen set up. Costs are between £200 and £4k.

DTG is getting better, but as webtrecker said they need to be used virtually daily. Printers cost from about £10k up, + pre-treat machine and a method of curing (though you will presumably already have a heatpress).

Screen printing is an option, but multi colour designs can prove expensive for the customer unless they are ordering high volumes. There are also serious legal considerations if you are set up as a business. You will need a trade effluent licence to dispose of all water used, and chemicals will need to be stored and handled within HSE guidelines. You will also need a hazardous waste contract. If working from home you might be able to fly under the radar, but still risk a massive fine from your water supplier or refuse collector if caught. Setup costs can be a few hundred pounds or tens of thousands.

[Earl Smith]

I usually stick to vinyl for most of my printing but for the more complex designs ( ie designs with lost of small text) I use the Forever no cut system. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVLScQjlW58
You can layer it for multi colours too.
I do not use this for workwear as Im not sure of the washability but for fun shirts that are not often washed it is a great alternative and not too expensive.

[Coops]

Thanks for the replies.

I only sell fashion/novelty clothing, using vinyl on t-shirts or hoodies. I am being kept rather busy but get enquiries for colour designs etc. With the limitations to vinyl, I have been looking into another method.

I do have the equipment for sublimation however I don't like the quality of t-shirts and their is so much competition with the other sub items (mugs etc) which you guys are fully aware off, it just isnt cost effective for me.

I do like the solvent printer but as mentioned the design would be heavy for a full size image.

I've done further research into DTG and as mentioned I can't guarantee that I would be using it constantly every day.

I would love to do Screen Printing but the costs etc are too much for me.

I'm just unsure on how to progress further. I have looked into plastisol transfers and it is a great idea however as always it's trying to keep costs down.

Thanks for all your help again.

[Coops]

@Earl Smith - the Forever paper looks great. Im going to check the wear-ability of the clothing and prices but so far it looks good.

What's the best method to use for printing work wear?

[pw66]

I have heard some good reports from guys using laser transfers. The quality and durability of the prints are getting better, and most are quoting 25+ washes before the print begins to degrade. The downsides are the cost of the paper - around about £4 each for an A3 size - and the cost of the printer with white toner.

Solvent/eco solvent printers only really make sense alongside a sign making business.

Ironically screen printing comes into its own with mid size runs of single colour designs, with ink costs of pennies per print. It is also good if you regularly re-print designs and can leave the screen on the shelf.
Is there not a print club near to you where you can use their equipment?

[Earl Smith]

Work wear I use vinyl or ( mostly ) embroidery. Make sure the vinyl is 60c+ degree washable too.

[pw66]

What's the best method to use for printing work wear?

Vinyl or printed vinyl is best, or screen printing for larger orders/cheaper items.
Embroidery is very good (though not strictly printing) if the embroiderer knows his stuff. I have seen plenty of garments where the embroiderer hasn't quite got it right. Not ideal for light weight garments, such as t-shirts, but excellent for hoodies, jackets and outerwear.
One of the common complaints my customers make about embroidery is that items that are washed regularly - polo shirts etc - reach the end of their usable life while the embroidery is still in good condition.