InkJet -Vs- Dye-Sub

[Tim Bateson]

I did a sample DyeSub (MyTransferSource) then found the same graphic on-line and used my old InkJet printer and transfer paper from Office Depot.

The Dye Sub has no feel & is part of the material - The colors were not very vibrant - but a good product.
The InkJet has a slight feel to it - Colors VERY vibrant - I'm very impressed.

The shirt is about to go through several washes as I test the ware of the InkJet sample. The shirt is 50/50.

I was going to purchase a laser for CLTT, but I'm not sure it's necessary.

[Gary Hair]

Tim,
If the shirt is 50/50 then that explains why the dye sub image isn't very vibrant. Most of the color will wash out as well, you really need 100% polyester for dye sub to work. With the right material I can get some pretty amazing results with dye sub.

Gary

[Mike Null]

Gary is exactly right. The 50/50 shirt is not the right material for die sub. (Hanes used to make a 50/50 that would work because it was poly on the outside and cotton on the inside but it was discontinued a couple of years ago)

Inkjet transfers will fade quickly and will not have the color intensity of either dye sub or CLT. Remember, CLT can be applied to nearly any substrate. That said, dye sub will give you the best color of all.

[Scott Shepherd]

Just to add what's already been said, dye sub will only stick to the polyester. So in your 50/50 example, expect 50% of the ink to wash away because there is nothing for it to fuse itself into. If you don't get vibrant colors with dye sub, you are doing something wrong. Wrong time, wrong heat, wrong paper, or something.

[Tim Bateson]

Thanks guys. I love SawmillCreek! It really bends the learning curve in favor of novices like me. :-)

[Gary Hair]

Tim,
although you will find a lot of experience here, you should check out the dye sub forum at dyesub dot org.

Gary

[AL Ursich]

Plus with IQ Dye Sub Inks you can select "VIVID" in the printer settings.... For me it makes some colors pop and faces orange. So with faces you should use Regular not Vivid.

AL

[Scott Challoner]

Tim
I got an Okidata 3400 color laser printer new for $250 including shipping a few months ago so the price to get started in CLT isn't too bad.

[Larry Bratton]

I am about to buy a Ricoh 3300 for dye sub. But to add to the topic on inkjet. If you print it with Canon pigmented ink like on my IPF8000-44", the longevity is unbelievable. I printed some transfers for a couple of cotton t-shirts last summer. My wife has worn these things and they have been washed a lot of times. They still look good. Used Jet Pro Soft Stretch paper with my Hotronix Swinger heat press.

The cost for getting into dye sub with the Ricoh printer is low also..$450.00 with a complete dye sub ink set. I want the capability of doing hard goods and not have the fear that the color is going to wash or wear off.

[Mike Null]

Larry

Is that Canon or pigmented ink available for all inkjet printers?

[Martin Boekers]

Has anyone played with Chromablast inks for textile transfer to 100% cotton?

Marty