Newbie advice please cotton/colour etc.

[Baluba]

Although I have never done printing of this kind I really want to get into the market of printing a variety of things including t shirts, cushions, bags, mugs etc.. I am confident of demand so that is not an issue.
I have already taken the advice in reading through the forums, the FAQ's etc. but still feel I need some advice before I approach companies.
Basically what I really want to do is to print on cotton but also have the option of printing onto mugs and other consumables. Plus I would rather pay more to get good quality finishes rather than waste money on a budget set up, so I really need to get this right.
Now, I have looked at the OKI C711WT which on the face of it seems ideal for cotton but am I right in that it is only for printing on dark items? I would want to be printing on mostly light coloured fabrics.
Therefore, I have looked at a Chromablast system which I know would only be suitable for fabrics so I guess I would also have to get another printer for doing mugs/coasters etc.
I also want to ensure that prints are not plasticky and won't crack.
Does printing on cotton work out more expensive overall than standard sublimation on polyester? I absolutely want to work with cotton items as my market includes the eco-warriors and so this is important. But always good to have the option for one offs.
So, any advice on the OKI and Chromablast would be great or is there something else I could be looking at?
If I go down the Chromablast route can anyone recommend a not too expensive sublimation printer which could be used for mugs etc. and possibly for one off t shirts.
Of course there is still the issue of a heat press but I want to get this sorted first.
I don't have a bottomless budget and I am not looking at doing massive amounts of print runs. This will be for printing my own designs for local retail sale.
Many thanks!!!

[mrs maggot]

Hi welcome to the forum, from where you are a trip to a supplier might be a bit of a trek but would still be worthwhile, so I would advise going and seeing stuff "inaction" there are still a couple of trade shows coming up, not sure how far away from you BMS are.

Mug printing will be using sub inks, which are not good for cotton, so indeed you will be looking at 2 printers afaik.

Keep reading through not just the FAQ's but use the search facility to to research back through the relevant posts, there are a lot on here on people getting their set ups right for the items they are looking to print.

[Earl Smith]

Ive mentioned the Forever papers and No-Cut system they do. Look them up on Youtube, there are some videos on there that show you how they work. ( Forever Transfer papers)
You will only need a B&W laser printer for the No-cut system so its worth a look at.

[Baluba]

Thank you! I have been chatting to Scott at BMS who has suggested trying Sublicotton paper which I believe is similar to Forever papers. I think it may be worth giving it a try before splashing out on a separate printer. He has recommended the HP3805 press which is what I was leaning to anyway as I have seen some good things written about it here and Scott uses it himself so can't be bad! He has also suggested a package which includes the Virtuoso SG400 printer and a a mug press. So, unless anyone can give me reason for not purchasing any of these, then my finger is hovering over the 'Checkout' button!!
It would be great to get up to Dorset as it would be great to see things in action, I shall have to see if time allows.
Thanks again, so glad to have come across this forum as reading through past posts has already answered so many of my questions and no doubt, I shall have a thousand more.

[DyeSubSupplies]

Hi, have a look at the following this could be what your looking for an A3+ printer with Sublimation inks so will do all your blanks, Mugs ect but will also allow you to sublimated onto white or light coloured cotton using the reveal-s film. So one printer covers both things your looking to do. If you need anymore more information or advice feel free to give me a call tomorrow on 01228 712128
Steve http://www.dyesublimationsupplies.co.uk ... ublimation

[Baluba]

Thanks Steve, will take a look. Claire

[DyeSubSupplies]

Hi Claire, no worries, we do have the system set up in a demo room in Carlisle however if i'm not mistaken is Ventnor on the Isle of wight/ If it is that would be a bit of a trek!!!!!
Phone calls, videos and samples would be easier!!
Steve

Thanks Steve, will take a look. Claire

[Baluba]

Hi Steve, yes, Carlisle is a bit of a trek. No disrespect to you, but Scott at BMS has been extremely helpful and is only in Dorset, so I have decided to go for the system we have worked out. Thank you for your input though, much appreciated and no doubt I shall be buying some blanks from you!

[DyeSubSupplies]

Hi Claire, No worries, good luck with it all you know where we are if you need anything.
Steve

Hi Steve, yes, Carlisle is a bit of a trek. No disrespect to you, but Scott at BMS has been extremely helpful and is only in Dorset, so I have decided to go for the system we have worked out. Thank you for your input though, much appreciated and no doubt I shall be buying some blanks from you!