DSF

Hello

I am a total novice, no training in printing whatsoever. I currently own no equipment at all.

I got intrigued by Sublimation after looking around ebay for an Iron on logo for a few old football tops that I own that have lost them in the wash. I saw how cheap presses etc were and thought it would be worth looking into as various members of my family have small businesses and it looks ideal for promotional materials.

The further I looked into it, the more I realised that the quality of equipment and materials vary. Everytime I put a question about a brand or supplier into google I usually ended up here...so much that I got a message saying I had viewed too many pages and maybe I should register for a free account. So here I am.

I don't have a great budget for equipment so I am looking for advice so I can get as much value for money as I can, and to avoid the pitfalls of buying inconsistent / poor equipment and consumables.

cheers

Will

Hi Will and welcome to the forum

Good to hear that all roads lead here! You're certainly in the right place.

Justin
DSF Admin

Hi Will. My advice, decide if you want to do mugs or other items as they use different types of presses. A mug press is purely that and has a heated wrap that can hold a 10/11oz mug whereas a flat press can be used for coasters, key rings, t-shirts, mouse pads, phone cases... Also decide if you want to do this as a business or hobby. Business does require better equipment, ink and presses whereas for hobby you could get away with cheaper.

All of us printing onto A4 (special paper and special ink needed!) would be using the Ricoh SG-3110DN printer although DON'T use inks supplied with printer as you need to buy special sublimation inks. You either buy from a supplier who will give you good support (e.g. BMS or you buy the bits yourself. I found a SUPER deal on this printer at Amazon Warehouse Deals (says used but normally new with damaged box):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listin ... ition=used

BUT you need sublimation inks. The PROPER way to go is Sawgrass inks and all four ink cartridges will cost you about £200. Yes, not a cheap hobby. BUT you can buy cheaper ink which no-one on this forum would recommend (nor tried) but if for hobby you may take a punt. If you have the cash then buy from a supplier as a starter kit (save 10% if you become a member on this forum for only £10!).

So to get started you need Ricoh printer, sublimation ink, sublimation paper, heat press (mug or flat press), heat tape, blank items and fingers that you don't mind getting burnt every now and then!

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING - PAY £10 TO BECOME A PROPER PREMIUM MEMBER HERE WHICH ALSO MEANS YOU SAVE 10% AT A NUMBER OF SUPPLIERS!!!!

Phew. All the best, Olly.

2nd the above. I looked around and spent a good time on here looking through all the older posts and getting to know my products. The Ricoh is the way to go as a starter and with your £10 membership, the starter packs from some of the suppliers make a no brainer in value for money.
All the best with whatever you choose.

Thanks for the replies and the good advice.

I am not going to rush into anything, mainly because of the advice I have got on this thread and from reading through the forum, but also because I need to save up some money.

I am leaning towards getting a quality start up from a reputable company but I am investigating all available options.

Thanks again for the advice, its much appreciated.