What's next after vinyl

[Earl Smith]

You are right about embroidery on t-shirts. I use a very stable and soft, cut away backing but if the design is large then it feels horrible against the skin. Cheap, thin t-shirts should not be embroidered. And yes, the embroidery will out last the t-shirt/polo.

[Xpres_Adam]

Hi Coops,

We can got trough all options of creating garments with you.
If you would like please give us a call on 01332 85 50 85.
You can come down to us and see all the kit in action too if you would like.

Thank you,
Adam Roberts

[DyeSubSupplies]

Hi Coops,

If you would like to see a design printed using the reveal printperfect system on a garment you can email it to us or if you want it to go on a specific item send that as well and we can do a video of it being done, the other option is you are more than welcome to come up to Carlisle and spend as long as you want in our demo suite to see if the system would be what you are looking for.
Steve

What is your main market - workwear or fashion/novelty?

If you are mainly making workwear, and have a need for full colour small logos then a solvent printer would be a good option. It would also allow you to add signmaking to your business. Solvent prints are less use for full size prints because the transfer is on the heavy side - similar to vinyl you are currently using. Costs are between £5k and £15k.

If you are looking for fashion/novelty customers ( and assuming you already offer sublimation) then there are a range of inkjet or laser transfers that are available. There are printable ( and sublimatable ) flocks and vinyls available. Results are varied, depending on your chosen set up. Costs are between £200 and £4k.

DTG is getting better, but as webtrecker said they need to be used virtually daily. Printers cost from about £10k up, + pre-treat machine and a method of curing (though you will presumably already have a heatpress).

Screen printing is an option, but multi colour designs can prove expensive for the customer unless they are ordering high volumes. There are also serious legal considerations if you are set up as a business. You will need a trade effluent licence to dispose of all water used, and chemicals will need to be stored and handled within HSE guidelines. You will also need a hazardous waste contract. If working from home you might be able to fly under the radar, but still risk a massive fine from your water supplier or refuse collector if caught. Setup costs can be a few hundred pounds or tens of thousands.