Why Heat Transfers May Be Right For Your T-Shirt Printing Needs

It’s time for some real Print Shop talk.

The reality is, as much as we at Turn90 love screen-printing, sometimes it’s not what our customers need. But the good news is we have another option: our heat press is ready and able to handle even the most complicated graphics in an easy and affordable way.

The limits of screen-printing

Screen-printing dates back to 10th Century China when people started pressing ink onto silk through mesh stencils. Since then, basic screen-printing technology hasn’t changed much at its core. And while the adage of “if it’s not broke don’t fix it” really hits home here, we have to admit: sometimes there are limitations, even with the most high-tech screen-printing equipment in the 20th Century.

For example, screen-printing works best for graphics with colors that are easily separated. Want something with an ombre effect? Screen-printing probably isn’t for you. But if you have a logo with two separate colors or simple letters, it’s generally the best and most cost-effective process out there.

I need something different. Tell me about heat transfers?

If you grew up near a beach community in the 1980s and 90s, you know what a heat transfer is. You saw them all the time in t-shirt stores, where you could pick out a trendy decal (the more sparkles the better!) and watch as they ironed it onto a shirt of your choice with a big, steaming press. The smell was ubiquitous and unmistakable. 

Heat transfer decals are perfect if your graphic is complex with color gradients or realistic images. They’re excellent if you have more than a few colors. They’re ideal if you need sports jerseys with different numbers on the back. And they’re awesome if you need a small number of shirts at varying times. We can order decals and keep them in stock to reprint when you need more. 

Having a heat press as part of our Print Shop tools opens up opportunities for our customers. It makes us far more able to meet your needs in new and exciting ways. 

Want to know more? Get a quote today and find out how we can best help you print custom t-shirts!