transfered image quickly fades in wash

[johNA]

Hi ppl.

The service users and i have printed some t-shirts with some greaaat advice from this forum. A huge thanks for your help so far. We sourced the printer/press from the place you advised and are very happy. However, the tshirts seem to be fading after a small amount of washes. Could it be the ink which we sourced online a lil cheaper than the standard ink ? I thought it was cheaper because it was a refill. Any advice would be gratefully received....

[NASH]

you really need to use pigment inks for transfer papers.

[Paul]

is this transfer papers? what kind of papers? are they cheap papers you can find in stores?

[johNA]

We bought the transfer paper from 'the magic touch'. TTC 3.1 . we're very happy with the machinery so i guess the paper wouldn't be a problem either.. I'll have to talk to colleague about which kind of ink it was too.
i'll call him later today when he's back from work. It's national recovery month so i guess i'll have the info tomorrow ...
Thanks for the speedy replies

[socialgiraffe]

TMT 3.1 and their printers will be fine, however laser transfers will fade if not treated properly.

Firstly, you do need to use decent "official" toner for these. I have tried cheap as chips off ebay toner and it does not last as long.

However. You must give the wearer washing instructions. By doing this you will pro long the life of the garment and may even get away with cheap toner.

Do not wash over 30 degrees
Iron inside out

There are probably other bits to put on there and I am sure TMT will be able to tell you with that but following the above means your garment lasts.

Also note...

The first was will always be the biggest fade.

[Paul]

Ttc papers are laser printer transfer papers. You dont use ink on those.

[logobear]

If You are using TTC3.1 it must be laser, so use genuine toner.
Re washing, insideout, 30c, line dry (avoid HOT Tumble)
And Medium iron OVER the design, not insideout to make the colours pop again.
They will fade a little with time, - don't we all.
Importantly, hand trim the clear surplus paper round the edge of the transfere to keep background print to a minimum.
Experiment with garments too, results do vary, we find Fruit of the loom SS6 the best value T and Gildan Top T better for more £
Do you have a cheap press? - you want the highest possible pressure, and cheap chineese presses are not upto the job for laser transfere, thou are ok for vinyl or sub coz they don't need as much pressure.
imho