Flock transfers provide incredible detail on challenging fabrics like terry cloth and corduroy. Photo courtesy of New World Graphics. SUBLIMATION TRANSFERS Sublimation has been around for decades but today's inkjet printers have increased the popularity of sublimation transfers since decorators can now print them in house with a desktop printer instead of outsourcing the printing to an offset printer or screen printer. The vast majority of sublimation ink is water based and is ideal for printing with an Epsonbased, piezo inkjet printer. It's important to know that sublimation inks only will work when transferred onto 100% polyester materials. In addition sublimation inks are translucent and should only be printed on white or pastel garments for best results. Here is a sublimation application tip: Open the heat press gently after the pressing cycle to avoid the paper from moving on the garment's surface. This shift of paper after transferring can cause a ghost image on the garment since the ink is still "gassing." Pick off the paper fast after transferring. General guidelines for applying sublimation transfers onto polyester garments are 390˚F-400˚F with medium pressure for 30 to 40 seconds. CLC TRANSFERS The term CLC is an acronym for color laser copier and to produce a CLC transfer all that is needed is a computer, laser printer, coated CLC paper and a heat press. CLC papers are easy to use and work on a variety of fabrics from 100% cotton to poly blends. The main advantage for using CLC heat transfers is for quick turnaround jobs and short print runs. To be able to take advantage of all of impressionsmag.com the latest ink and chemistry advancements in the heat transfer industry, it is important to acquire a heat press that is accurate and up to date. Since the heat printing process is dependent on three variables - time, temperature and pressure - it's important to purchase a "modern" machine that accurately controls all three. James Ortolani has more than 30 years experience in the decorated apparel industry, specializing in hands-on direct screen printing and heat transfer production. He has worked for main industry suppliers, and currently serves as R&D project manager for Transfer Express. For more information or to comment on this article, email James at james.ortolani@stahlsdfc.com. Pre-heating your garment by heat pressing it first before pressing your design removes the chemicals and moisture that may be in it due to manufacturing. Also, pre-heating assures a wrinkle-free surface for heat application. Suggested Reading Like this article? Read these and other digital printing articles at impressionsmag.com: * "Add Digital Garment Printing to Your Shop" * "Pressing for Profit" * "Push the Design Envelope with Multimedia" February 2015 | Impressions 59 Use Info*Action #22 at impressionsmag.com/infoactionhttp://www.impressionsmag.com http://www.stahls.com http://www.impressionsmag.com/infoaction http://www.impressionsmag.com