Transfer Express is the leading manufacturer of digital and screen printed heat transfers for apparel printing. With two production facilities in Mentor and Arizona, we’re able to meet the demand for our customers; from major athletic apparel dealers, T-shirt retailers, to small and home-based businesses across the U.S. and Canada.
We’re dedicated to customer service and helping grow your custom apparel businesses is our number one priority. Everything we do is focused on making sure we send high-quality, fashionable, custom transfers on time and on budget.
Our RU-vid channel is built to inspire and educate on a variety of topics - Heat Applied Transfer Application - Creating and selling custom apparel - Using our free, Easy View Online Design Center - Discovering our latest transfer offerings - Apparel business education and marketing tips and tricks and more!
I have a design that the length is 6.78 but the height 4.0. No matter what size I bring it to the length makes it a challenge. I don't want it to be small because of the length. How should I measure it for a left chess placement.
Hi, I am new to this and quite confused, so I apologize if this is a stupid question. Am I supposed to design in CMYK and have a transparent background? I thought PNG files are only RGB. So what file format do I use to export?
Howdy Bea, that's a Fantastic Question! PNG's with a transparent background will work perfect as long as they're high resolution (300DPI or more at the print size) With DTF, colors are handled a little differently and since we've published this video... we've made some major adjustments as to how we accurately print color for both RGB and CMYK color spaces. PNG's with a transparent background will work perfect as long as they're high resolution (300DPI or more at the print size). With DTF still being a digital process, you can get quite close to exact colors but there may be a variance- For spot-on matches, or Pantone colors, screen printed transfers will be your best option.
100%, Absolutely, this press would be perfect for printing on tote bags. While it's not 100% fully threadable (opening the tote bag and putting it over the lower platen) you may still be able to load larger bags onto it to print, otherwise, just place the heat printing pad inside the tote bag and print. All sizes of this press should work great!
Thanks Louise, we're so happy to help out in anyway we can for small businesses, hobbyists and apparel decorators of all sizes! We also take requests for videos on any specific issues or challenges you may be facing, if you ever need us just give us a shout.
Welcome! We're always happy to help out in any way we can. Here on the channel you'll find tons of helpful tips and tricks from different heat transfer types, to placement and efficiency videos. Our latest video covers heat press operation and some tips for getting the highest quality results without any frustration that might be super helpful for you too: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WAwp-IIjlYc.html
Unfortunately hot peel isn't working for me either. I have to let the decal cool completely before I can lift the carrier off with the design coming up. I tried heating it to 340 for 10 and peeling it off like a ripping off a bandaid and it just completely ruined my design. This really only works for me if I do a cool peel
We're using the Hotronix 16 x 20 Auto Open Clamshell Press and the optional Caddie Stand for this video: www.transferexpress.com/heat-presses/hotronix-auto-clam-heat-press Now through the end of September (or while supplies last) You can get $1950 in free custom transfers with the purchase of this press! More details: www.transferexpress.com/hotronix-special
Fantastic question Rachel! We typically use size medium for an accurate representation of the graphic sizing to the apparel and the ability to fit it into the photo without needing a step ladder or stool to stand on. Also, for any showroom displays or photos on a mannequin, medium t-shirts fit the best on most displays.
Our DTF is priced by the square inch or by the gang sheet. Starting at just $0.06 per square inch and as low as $0.04 sq/in. A 3.5" x 2" left chest graphic would start at $0.42 each at just 1 quantity. An 11" x 8" would be $5.28 each
Great question Otis! The answer here depends on just a few variables: 1. Single Color: The Single-Image prints are only available as 1 color prints, so if you need multiple ink colors, the gang sheets will be a better option. 2. Sizing: If your image is larger than 12" x 12", you'll need to use the standard or jumbo gang sheet options 3. Additional Prints: If you need a left chest print and a back print, or inside tags, the sheet options will be more economical. If you need just a single, center chest print in 1 color, the single-image option is definitely the less expensive option, even at lower quantities, 6 pieces of the sheets are the same total cost as 50 of a single image. We have a great breakdown of cost and profit on the single-image transfers here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5RQkWCkKMwY.htmlsi=Skh84fl-V68xtHuL
Hey Juan, these screen printed transfers featured here are produced using the same inks that are traditionally screen printed directly to the garment, so they look and feel identical (in this specific example, the transfer is actually lighter on the tshirt than the example we sent to a local screen printing shop). Our Goof Proof transfers do not feel like a plastic sticker. Don't just take our word for it, you can try them for yourself, request a free sample (we wont even ask for a card): www.transferexpress.com/marketing-tools/free-samples
Hey Chardnay, unfortunately we've heard similar issues from many apparel decorators with the low cost DTF printers. We understand it can be frustrating- While we don't have experience with those specific printers or supplies, it would be best to contact the company you bought it from for advice on how to fix the issues. With our extensive knowledge of DTF printing, We know it could be several things causing your issue, from specific inks and their compatibility to the PET carriers you're using to your print heads, print speed or even the climate of the room it's printing in (Do you monitor/control the humidity and temperature?). We've even seen quality differ from different batches of inks & carriers. Essentially what is happening is the ink is beading up on the carrier and not laying flat on the plastic from the print heads, then once white prints on top of it, it gives it the grainy texture and can even change the color/vibrancy of the ink in the finished print.
If I may, I have a technical issue with my stahls hottronix air fusion iq. I loose pressure and the air if coming out on top where the power button is… can I find some Info somewhere on how to fix this?
Oh no, we're sorry to hear you're having issues! And yes, absolutely, Hotronix is always available to help: Please submit a service request at: www.hotronix.com/ You can also call Hotronix: 800-727-8520
What are the sizes for the front of the jersey? Or whats a good size for player shirts. Was trying to size it up with your single image and color to get the cost down to .99 im a coach trying make mutiple ones for my high school team
Depending on how the print was created, you may not be able to reduce any glare on the print. Some DTF (notably cold peel films) A few things you can do (if it's a DTF Print): #1, Washing will sometimes remove the shine from the print. #2, Repressing with a parchment paper, craft paper or canvas coversheet on a heat press. This may texture the graphic and reduce any shine. Avoid any teflon/non-stick coversheets, as they may introduce more sheen to the image.
That's a great question- We typically recommend at least doubling the cost of the goods to ensure you're making profit. Single-piece orders (or low quantity) will have higher margins than bulk printing. We have a great video that details costing and pricing a little more in-depth here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-u34x3TuM04c.htmlsi=L7xhlz3P3EOjUXDA
Great question: Shipping costs would be passed onto the customer, or delivered locally. Even with $15 in shipping costs rolled into each shirt, it would add 15 cents per piece at 100 Quantity, or 30 cents at 50.
While we appreciate your skepticism, With the right heat printing setup, just like we have here, you would have no problem ensuring the placement is correct on every piece. Loading the shirt onto the lower platen holding the side seams (or crease) can help align the shirt on the platen straight, which ensures each shirt will be printed correctly. With only one layer of fabric on the lower platen there's no wrinkles, and you can see how Dave even grabs the seams where the sleeves meet the body to ensure it's loaded on evenly. The auto clam allows for quick and efficient operation with the auto-open feature and on the adjustable Caddie Stand, it's at the right height for comfort and ensuring everything is straight on placement. Dave printed 24 hoodies in under 14 minutes, (10 second press time) all straight (no misprints) on this same equipment (which you can watch as the timer ticks) in this video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sg7vV1B9a4o.html
I think it is very feasible. We print 120-150 t-shirts an hour on our presses (transmatic double pneumatic presses). This is for loading, placing transfer, pressing, removing film and unloading. Unpacking the shirts and packing them after printing is additional time spent. We still feel this is too slow per operator though, so looking into getting the Turbotran 6.1 to increase that number to approximately 450-500 shirts per hour per operator.
That time frame is very accurate. The transfers are only printing for a few seconds. Once you get accustomed to aligning your shirts, then you will be breezing through the shirts.
I do enjoy your videos but I have a different description of profit. Your calculation over the 1 hour does not include the operator labor or machine / electrical costs. I do agree if we could produce 50-100 per hour that there would be sure profit for the owners. But my experience has been that it take far longer to prepare the shirts and position the transfer that what you are able to do. Experience matters, are you available to hire??
Great points there Gorden, Dave does loop around at the end of this video and note that figuring in all of the overheard costs will ensure you're profiting (and the best way to go). And yes, while experience matters, equipping your shop with the right heat presses that aid in efficiency really make a difference too. While Dave is not currently for hire- We do have a video coming out soon that is essentially a training video for any heat press operator to print more efficiently and effectively- Reducing misprints and increasing throughput.
People really need to be watching videos of this type. Transfer Express has a ton of them and they are all great. I'm getting ready to start a business where I will need to print on Athletic wear and the education you receive from their videos are priceless. Remember, your product is everything in business. People want to be (As Warren Buffet, with a cash position of 270 billion dollars would say) Wowed by it.
Thanks for the kind words- We're always happy to help in any way we can, whether it be printing t-shirts, marketing advice, blank reviews or anything t-shirt related!
Are you printing/cutting your prints with HTV? You'll just need to mirror the image first. All of our transfers here at Transfer Express come aligned and oriented ready to print, just submit your artwork to us as you would like to see the finished product printed.
Lightweight t-shirts are definitely popular for many different industries and markets and were the top sellers back in 2022 when we made this video (The Port & Company Style we review here is a mid-weight). We just did a revised version of this video with some popular heavyweight tees here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HxLy3zYF6us.htmlsi=IP_EsycD3eJOtiBz
Good point: Shipping costs would be passed onto the customer, or delivered locally in these examples. Even with $15 in shipping costs rolled into each shirt, it would add 15 cents per piece at 100 Quantity, or 30 cents at 50.
That's a great question: At this new low-cost single image pricing, without setup fees, we do require artwork to be submitted as vector files or designed in our Easy View Online Designer. Recreating the design in Easy View as simple text, or vectorizing would allow you to avoid any proofs. Of course, with our gang sheets of screen printed transfers any artwork fixes needed are included in the cost of the gang sheets- No proofing necessary.
Correct! The same sizing is set here for single-image Goof Proof and Inktra Screen Printed Transfers from STAHLS. The Goof Proof here on the paper carrier are slightly less in cost.
It's actually way easier to make this effect with Affinity Photo. No need to duplicate the original file, it's non destructive and you have way more control.
That's awesome Philippe, do you have a link to share that process? We'd love to try it out ourselves. Greater control of the halftone dot could eliminate a step or two here too! We did try to keep this tutorial as simple as possible for some decorators who may not know the ins-and-outs of photoshop. The best, non-destructive way would be to apply a clipping mask with the selection to the original file.
@@transferexpress Well, I figure out the process myself, but it pretty obvious when you know the software. Affinity have live filter that are not destructives. There's a half tone layer filter in Affinity. So you can apply a black and white filter, adjust it with a curve filter as you wish, and you basically have your halftone screen live, right in the file and fully adjustable. You can change the white balance, the angle or the size of the dots, and the file is not even heavier. When you are happy, go into your channels and load any of them into your selection. Apply this selection to your design as a mask and that's it. Just disable the filters you used to create it, you can tweak them latter if you want to. The file is intact and fully editable. I use it for the three transfers I printed just today, and the are awesome. Photoshop is a great piece of software, but my opinion is that Affinity surpass it in most aspects. I use Photoshop professionally since 1995, and Affinity since the Beta version.
Super good information thanks for doing it. I'm a high school football coach and looking to do shirt and shorts and things for my program to get a good selection and keep cost low since we aren't a huge school. Question when doing some front dtf design would 8x11 or 9x10 be a good size on dry fit type shirts?
Yes, currently we're only serving the US, Canada and select Caribbean Islands. Where are you located? We likely have a similar services available from one of our STAHLS companies around the globe!
While Easy View Online Designer is not available in your region, Stahls Asia (Based in Korea) carries similar apparel decorating solutions: stahlsasia.com/
Why is it when we order plus size t-shirts (big boobs) they are ALWAYS printed crooked??? Every. Single. Time. From. 500. Different. Companies. We have stopped ordering t-shirts if they are printed because of this. Does anybody do it right actually???
Are you referencing the vintage oil-can packaging that Dave holds up at 39:19? We do sell the stickers used to wrap the tube, however this is actually created from a recycled cardboard shipping tube.
AquaTru is our water-based version of our screen printed transfers. You can learn more here: www.transferexpress.com/heat-applied-transfers/aquatru-screen-printed-transfers
Dave, I can't get enough of your videos! It's obvious that you are a professional. You are so good with your explanations, and it really makes all the difference in the world to someone who is just starting to get their business going. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Aww Trish, I really appreciate the kind words, we're always happy to help out in any way we can! If you ever have a question you can't find an answer to we're always here.
Absolutely! We're so happy we could help out. From the front door to the press floor, everyone at Transfer Express is here to help your business, side-hustle or hobby grow.
The Apparel Color feature is only to help you get an idea of what the final shirt will look like, correct? What is printed is only what we design, correct?
Great question Keith! Yes, the background apparel color feature just colors the background in the designer and will not print. It's there to help you design & visualize what your finished prints will look like.
Great question- It depends on the size of the artwork and the look you're going for. For smaller upper back prints you'd be looking around 2" or so down from the collar seam, for a larger, full back graphic something around 4" down from that collar seam should work great.
Absolutely, when applied correctly (with a heat press to the proper time, temp and pressure settings) they sure do! We have our transfers independently tested to last 50 wash cycles (the industry standard for the 'lifetime' of a garment). In many cases the t-shirt will wear out before the print does.
