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[TandCo]

I would like to know how everyone here handles custom transfers.  More specifically, very detailed designs that you would not want to weed by hand.  Do you send out your artwork and have someone create the transfers for you?  If so, have you found some good vendors out there that charge decent prices?  What is a decent price?  Any other solutions?

ALL feedback is SUPER appreciated!

[MonkeyMeMe]

I use first edition, and transfer express , Ace Transfer,and a few others , you need to have your artwork in eps form, for them to accept.
It is best to get as many as you can on a gang sheet, or mix it up with another design on the same sheet.
minimum is i think 25 sheets,, they will give you a quote on color and size,, and quanity.
MMM

[Masterkoin]

Depends, if its a decent quantity (say over 30), then I usually go with plastisol transfers.  If it will go on a white or really light shirt then I use JPSS quite a bit.  For under 30 on dark items, if I can't talk them into something simplified for vinyl then they have to take the hit on low quantity pricing for plastisol transfers because I haven't found an acceptable dark transfer paper yet for laser or inkjet.

[knifemaker3]

First, WELCOME TO THE FORUM! 

Now for your question.  I'm assuming since you stated how to handle a small detailed transfer that you don't really want to weed that you are talking vinyl applied graphics.  With that in mind, I would recommend this.  If it's smaller orders and you have the capablity to cut them yourself then do so.  On larger orders or design of more than say 3-4 colors you either have the option of inkjet transfers or better yet plastisol transfers.

I recently completed an order of 20 shirts all done in 3m Scotchlite Reflective vinyl with 4 placements on the shirt, back, left chest, and both sleeves.  I done all of these on the cutter as I was using 3m vinyl and that is the only thing I will use anymore for reflective shirts as it is undoubtably the best material out there and is what is used as a comparison for all industry standards for reflectivity.

However, had it been anything else I personally would have screenprinted it as I have that capability.  If not, I would have had plastisol transfers made with ganged sheets to cut down on the cost.

Each job will be different and you must decide the best way for you to complete the project.  What will work for me in my shop may not be an option for you in your shop.


Good Luck!

[TandCo]

Thank you ALL for your input.  I've been researching all morning and I think I've found what I'm looking for.  So now, my next questions... 

I have a shirt I'm trying to replicate and have been racking my brain trying to be sure of the process used to create this.  I think it's vinyl cut made with Spectra Cut II.  So...the question is...what is the texture of vinyl?  I've made assumptions (and we all know what that does ) that all vinyl is shiny and plasticky.  But now that I've done my research...I see that isn't the case at all.  The description of Spectra Cut II says screenprint-like matte finish.  The texture of the letters on my shirt is soft, yet ever-so-slightly plasticky, matte, 2-color (metallic silver and red), very minimal crack when stretched.  I'm including a pic, but I know it will probably be difficult to tell.  Can any of you distinguish? 

Thanks again for your support of a newbie!

[TandCo]

...and I think I'm going to start out (budget issues right now) with an MH-871 34" from US Cutter. 

Any opinions on this cutter?

[MonkeyMeMe]

got it,, love it,,
MMM

[TandCo]

Thanks MMM, excellent to know!  If I can get it at a low price, I'm going to upgrade slightly to the LaserPoint version...there are a few on eBay right now.

Could you tell by the pic above...if that is a vinyl cut transfer?

[COCHISE]

I would GUESS that is plastisol metalic ink on the silver and standard on the red. Both are readily available from screen printing sources. The reason I would guess this is you used the words "CRACK WHEN STRETCHED". Vinyl does not crack and zooming in on the image I can see what I think is the weave of the fabric with a coating of ink on it.

Vinyl is available in all kinds of types.

http://pimpashirt.com/
This website is created by two of the industry leaders in creating different types of vinyl imprinting.

Look at the video about Reverse Embossing and imagine your logo as puffed underlay, some form of chrome/silver overlay with red trim. Very possible, lots of fun to experiment on some scrap shirt material.

Ken

[MonkeyMeMe]

I now this is a old post but i hope the poster is still here,
I screened a tee tonight using water based ink, blue first and then gold mettalic on top, and it looks like the image you posted,
I will take a pic tomorrow and post it for you,,
MMM

[TandCo]

I am still here 

So, I replicated this tee design on my vinyl cutter with Spectra Cut II in Red and Metallic Silver and gave a sample to my customer...he LOVES it.  He loves the new look so much more that he placed an order right then!  Exciting!

Thanks so much for all the input!

[MonkeyMeMe]

Awesome thanks for letting us know,
keep up the good work
MMM