There are many things involved in T-shirt printing that you need to understand to achieve the perfect results. From choosing the best T-Shirt transfer paper to using a heat press machine, you need to get all steps right. At first, you might run into mistakes, but with persistence, you will grow better to become a pro at making tees.
To help you get started, here are professional guidelines to show you how to go about quality T-shirt printing using a T-shirt transfer paper.
Choosing a Heat Press Machine
One of the most important steps in making tees with a T-shirt transfer paper is to find a good heat press machine. Don’t settle for any machine you can lay hands on because this depends on your project specifications. Some brands you encounter may give you ease when it comes to pricing but, cheaper ones may not give the flexibility your project requires. Moreover, don’t settle on the first machine you see. You may be attracted by the overall appearance but, in the end, don’t really give you the service you actually need. Here are some of the things you should pay attention while choosing a machine.
Size. The size of the image you want to create will influence the size of the printing machine you can buy. Depending on whether you are printing small size, medium, or a large sized image, you should choose the perfect heat press machine for that work.
Designs. You will find heat press machines in a variety of style and designs. Different designs offer you different features, so you should also choose what would work perfectly for you.
Your Budget. Of course, you have to consider this aspect. You cannot go all out with the choosing spree as you may be hindered by the allocated budget. You would not want to be broke just because you bought the most expensive there is. Settle within your budget but be picky enough that you know you get the most out of your money.
Choose the Right Fabric
It’s vital to use fabric that is perfect for this kind of project. The most common options, in this case, would include cotton, polyester, spandex, nylon, and Lycra. Ensure to pick a fabric that can withstand the heat of the machine as you don’t want to work with something that melts under the heating press machine. Actually, you might as well base your fabric selection on the heating press machine you have bought. Also, make sure you have an idea of each option’s characteristics, for example, the fabric’s reaction to heat and how well the paint can stick to such fabric.
Preparing your Artwork
With the machine, transfer paper, and fabric in place, the next thing you should do is to prepare the artwork. Using your computer, create a design on Corel Draw or Adobe Illustrator. This is the image you want to print on the paper, so make sure to tweak things to perfection at this level.
Test the Paint
It’s important to test the paint. You need to confirm if the design has the perfect margin and whether the color looks professional on the print. Even the smallest mess will mean the final output will not look impressive, so use a few transfer papers to do the testing.
Set the Heat Press Machine
At this stage, you should open the heat press machine and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it runs smoothly. Before going into this stage, consider using an old garment to test it to see how it looks on actual cloth. Adjust the temperature and do the same about the pressure. Place your T-shirt on the machine and set the timer before pressing the start button to print.
Before you can print your T-shirts with a transfer paper, you need to understand the basic steps to follow. This is a simple procedure that includes collecting the materials required and also preparing them. Start with finding the right transfer paper and a heat press machine. You also need to choose your fabric wisely as indicated above, and while printing, remember to do some test runs to avoid ruining the good fabric.