Reveal-w White on to dark cotton @ Promotion and Branding Show 2018

[socialgiraffe]

I struggle to see the benefit.

What about hoodies with full zips or pockets for example. Unless DTG has changed significantly I seem to remember that being a complete no go for them.

I agree that, the colour on dark garments will need to be available and it will need to handle linear blends well, but if it does then I can not see any barrier to rival DTG.

I suppose, just like anything, there are always compromises. Most of the time it then comes down to the public and what they will "put up" with.

[Stitch Up]

We've not had any problems printing on zipped hoodies, one just needs to build a platen so the zip can descend a little, same with the button platen on polos.

There are always compromises in this garment decoration industry - I chose to put up with the tantrums of DTG printers!!!

The fact is, that as things stand just now, there's no transfer paper out there that can hold a candle to a good DTG print on blck cotton.

When I saw this thread on Sunday and a comment made about this could mean the end of DTG (or similar), I was excited BUT, this transfer paper no where near. I do hope to be proved wrong in a couple of months and I'd be the first to adopt it.

[socialgiraffe]

I chose to put up with the tantrums of DTG printers!!!

Tantrums are not limited to just DTG printers though

The fact is, that as things stand just now, there's no transfer paper out there that can hold a candle to a good DTG print on blck cotton.

When I saw this thread on Sunday and a comment made about this could mean the end of DTG (or similar), I was excited BUT, this transfer paper no where near. I do hope to be proved wrong in a couple of months and I'd be the first to adopt it.

I 100% agree with you, there is nothing that currently comes close. It was me who made the comment about DTG and I stand by it, but I should be A LOT clearer.

IF it lives up to the demo's I have seen and WHEN the colour comes on board and IF it can handle linear blends then that is when I think it will potentially be the end for DTG.

I appreciate that there are some very big 'IFS' there which it will need to prove itself on. But if you look at any new technology it takes a while and is a constant progress. Look at the first sheets of WOW and how they were such a PITA. Or look at T.ONE for how far we have come.

If someone said to me "you have to purchase a garment decorating system today" I would probably go for a DTG as they are the best quality by a country mile. But if I could hold out for 3-4 months I may well change my mind.

[Stitch Up]

I really look forward to the opportunity of 'changing my mind'. Would I recommend DTG to people? Yes I would BUT, one must have a thorough understanding or be willing to learn. I'm afraid that some people entering the DTG market have been mislead in order to make a sale. They believe that it's as easy as printing A4 paper with an inkjet printer!

I'm waiting with baited breath and live in hope that something will emerge.

[webtrekker]

So what's the Real cost of DTG? I know the machines are very expensive, and maintenance costs can be high, especially if not running every day, but I also read horror stories in other forums of certain machines using copious amounts of white ink due to the constant head cleaning maintenance cycles.

[Earl Smith]

Hi Webtrekker , Im sure John will also back me up with this reply.
It is not just the cost of a DTG that needs to be considered , a DTG will need a dedicated operator just for it. Or, at least someone who will/can run the DTG every day. You will need orders coming in daily for it so it can be efficiently used and doesnt clog up.
I tried a DTG and for the first few months things were great. It ran every day. But then I started to get more and more embroidery orders in so the DTG was used less. I just didnt have time to run prints through it. Eventually after leaving it for three days the white was clogged and to get it working again I needed at least half a day to clean it out. This was happening more often than I needed so I got rid of it.
It produces a great print and so far cant be beaten in print quality. I eventually bought an Oki white and with the new RIP program that you buy for the Forever papers it will produce a print more or less like the DTG. The gradients arent there in such quality but ask yourself how often you need a gradient fill. In my work place, not very often.

This new Reveal white system ( once the paper for dark is out and proves itself) could be just what Subli printers are looking for. Im staying with the OKi because Ive invested enough in it and Im happy with it too.

[Earl Smith]

Hi Webtrekker , Im sure John will also back me up with this reply.
It is not just the cost of a DTG that needs to be considered , a DTG will need a dedicated operator just for it. Or, at least someone who will/can run the DTG every day. You will need orders coming in daily for it so it can be efficiently used and doesnt clog up.
I tried a DTG and for the first few months things were great. It ran every day. But then I started to get more and more embroidery orders in so the DTG was used less. I just didnt have time to run prints through it. Eventually after leaving it for three days the white was clogged and to get it working again I needed at least half a day to clean it out. This was happening more often than I needed so I got rid of it.
It produces a great print and so far cant be beaten in print quality. I eventually bought an Oki white and with the new RIP program that you buy for the Forever papers it will produce a print more or less like the DTG. The gradients arent there in such quality but ask yourself how often you need a gradient fill. In my work place, not very often.

This new Reveal white system ( once the paper for dark is out and proves itself) could be just what Subli printers are looking for. Im staying with the OKi because Ive invested enough in it and Im happy with it too.

[webtrekker]

Thanks for that Earl. I haven't a DTG machine myself and, to be frank, wouldn't have the cash available to buy one anyway, but was just wondering what the true cost was once you figure ina all the wasted (usually white) ink and the high maintenance costs.

[DyeSubSupplies]

Hi stitch up, I sent your post and images to the chemist who developed the printperfect system his reply is below.

Hi Steve,
Yes... these images are possible with WC.
How were these imaged? Screen, dtg?

Thank you.
Jim

Obviously good news but proof is in the pudding so to speak.

Yes, this is what I'd like to see too. Especially how well fades to the cotton colour and gradients work out.

The only way transfer papers on dark/black cotton t-shirts will ever challenge DTG is the ability to print fades and gradients - DTG does this all day long with ease - if you have a good RIP

[Stitch Up]

Thanks for the update Steve, if the information from Jim is correct, this product could pose a huge threat to the DTG industry - I still await the 'proof of the pudding'

Do keep us informed.