Is this good for start up, or a waste of money?

[Kernow]

Hi Guys

These may sound like very basic noob questions, but I need a bit of advice. I have a press, cutter etc and have been cutting vinyl prints for t-shirts etc for a little while and very happy with it.

I would like to break in to full colour print though. My budget is fairly limited at the moment (As I do stickers/decals also I would ideally would like a Roland BN20 Solvent Printer, but budget doesn't allow quite yet)

In the short term would the following printer along with a CISS produce good results, or am I just wasting my time and money?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Epson-WF-3520 ... 258b41fb62

Also, am I right in saying that I will only be able to print onto white sublimation t-shirts? How can I print full colour onto coloured cotton shirts, or is that just not going to happen?

As a side question, I see that Xpres sell solvent printer transfer paper. Thinking in the longer term with buying the BN20, what are the results like from this?

Again, sorry for the noob questions, but hope you can help!

Lee

[Frostee]

Seems pricey. There's a 'refurb' one for half that http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Epson-WorkFor ... 43c70df6fc

then u can get a proper ciss for around 20 quid or those refillable cartridges for even less.


if you are wanting full colour on cotton clothes your gonna want a direct to garment printer and a few thousand pounds. Your also need to be printing every day to avoid it clogging up

[logobear]

Why would you get something unsupported from a none sublimation specialist.
As a noob you want all the help, setup support and advice you can get.
Don't waste your time pissing into the wind!

[Kernow]

Why would you get something unsupported from a none sublimation specialist.
As a noob you want all the help, setup support and advice you can get.
Don't waste your time pissing into the wind!

OK, what would you recommend for an A4 sublimation printer? Also, am I right on saying it is only possible to print on white sublimation shirts? Or is it possible to print on a poly/cotton blend?

Thanks

[Markola]

Being a "noob" myself take with a pinch of salt what I say, however, I want to do the same, full colour cotton T-shirts.
After a bit of homework I have found a solution that I may try. Use a printer that can cope with pigment inks and use transfer paper. Can be cut out on your cutter. Not ideal but I have read that with a decent printer and press you can get ok results with ok feel.

Im sure there are quite a few on here that use this method and can advise better than I can.
http://www.yolo.co.uk/heat-transfer-paper-1-c.asp

[logobear]

I think you are looking for 1 size fits all, - and they don't exist, - or at least not to my knowledge and especially on a budget.
Printer Owners/BMS are well represented on this forum and have a number of supported solutions.
I have been a customer of The Magic Touch for many years.
Sublimation only works on Poliester, - and you can only make it darker, so for decent colour control that means white poliester tops, - which limits you far too much imho..... - imho sub is superb for mugs, phone cases etc, but too limited for garment decoration stand alone.