Did you know that we offer custom transfers? In addition to the stock products that we carry, we also have a whole section of our business dedicated to custom printing. Before you get started on your first custom order, you probably have some questions. Today we are going to touch on the basic info, as well as diving into some of the most frequently asked questions that arise when placing a custom order. So grab a snack and pull up a comfy seat!

Let’s start off by explaining the different products that we offer. In general, there are three different types of custom transfers – screen printed, rhinestone/rhinestud, and sequins. Today we will be talking about screen printed transfers, which are the most popular and versatile.

Screen printing is a technique where plastisol ink is transferred through a mesh screen onto a substrate (e.g. a t-shirt). A screen printed transfer is created in the same way, except that instead of a garment, the ink is transferred onto a release paper, which is then applied to the garment using a heat press. The end result is indistinguishable from a screen printed garment, and is just as durable. We have three different types of plastisol screen printed transfers:

VibraTrans is a spot color product, that is intended to be pressed onto light or white colored garments only. Easytrans is also a spot color product, very similar to Vibratrans, except that it can be pressed onto both light and dark colored garments. Our EasyTrans product gets backed with one of the colors within your design. This backing is an extra layer of ink that creates the base of the transfer, which also creates an approximate 1pt outline around the edges of your artwork. To avoid this outline, you can opt to add Clear as an additional color, and your job would be priced accordingly. In the image below, you will see an example of a transfer that was printed with a white backing.

Colortrans is a 4 color process transfer for both light & dark garments, which uses CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, & Black) to create the colors within your design. These four colors are printed in layers of small dots that combine to create the illusion of many more colors. With this product, we are capable of reproducing full color images. Colortrans is only recommended in a case where spot colors would not be an option- like the designs shown below.

We can also create some gradients/halftones with our Easytrans product by laying down small dots of color to achieve a fading effect from one color to the next. Below is an example of a job that was printed with 3 colors – Orange & Electric Green + Clear as the backing.

Now that you’re familiar with each product, you are ready to fill out the quote form. This form will provide us with all of the information needed to provide a price quote. Choose your transfer type, let us know what type of garment(s) you will be printing on, and upload a file of your design. There is an area underneath where you will upload your artwork, to input any comments about your design that you think we need to know. For example, if you need two different sizes, you would include that information here. (e.g. 50 prints sized at 8×8″ and 50 prints at 3×3″)

We print on 13×19″ gang sheets, and can usually fit more than one print on each sheet. It is important to let us know when multiple sizes are needed, so that an accurate quote can be provided. We can also gang different designs on one layout if they contain the same colors. (i.e. front and back designs, different size labels for t-shirt tags, etc.) Since the quote form only allows for one file to be uploaded, you would need to submit separate quotes for each design that you have. In the comment section, just let us know that you are looking for your designs to be printed on the same layout.

Once a quote is submitted, one of our customer service experts will review it and send you an updated/final quote within a couple of business hours. At this point, you can leave a deposit through your dashboard to proceed with a proof. Proofs are usually completed within 1 business day, and sent to you for a final approval. Once approved, you can pay for your order to push it forward to production. The normal turnaround time from quote-to-print is normally between 2-4 business days. Rush services are available upon request, and can be requested on the first step of the quote form.

Our custom transfers can be applied to a variety of items and materials, such as t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, hats, koozies, and more! We offer 80 standard colors for you to choose from when printing spot colors, including neon colors and metallic ink. Pantone colors are available for an additional charge. You can order a free sample pack for testing here!

Additional resources:

Pricing Chart:  https://www.pwcustom.com/site/pricing/

Artwork Guidelines:  https://www.pwcustom.com/site/art_guidelines/

Calling all vinyl addicts! We have recently expanded our vinyl inventory to include sign vinyl, which can be applied to a variety of surfaces without heat. Check out our post a few weeks back on how to apply vinyl to a planter.

Today, we will show you how to apply our FDC High Gloss vinyl to a car window. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your vehicle, whether you may be advertising your business or creating your own unique stick figure family!

This process only takes a few minutes, but does require you to work slowly, especially when working with a larger design area. You want to pay careful attention to make sure that the design is transferred smoothly and evenly.

I started off by creating my design in Adobe Illustrator, and exporting the file as an AutoCAD Interchange File (*.DXF) to work with our in-house Silhouette cutter. I loaded my white glossy vinyl into the cutter, and off to work it went!

After the design is cut, I used a weeding tool  to weed away the excess material. Next, I cut a piece of gridded clear/blue application tape to the size of my design, peeled the backing off the tape, and applied the adhesive side of the tape to the vinyl. Prepare the sticker for application by firmly rubbing a squeegee or credit card across the clear transfer tape to remove any air bubbles that may have formed.

So, you want to launch your own t-shirt business, but you have no idea where to start. How much money will you need? What products do you need to get started? Which heat press is best suited for your needs?

As one of the world’s largest suppliers of transfers and t-shirt printing supplies, we get these questions every day. And we feel it’s about time that we make it easy for you, by putting all of the information in one spot and breaking it down into just 3 simple steps.

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH!

First things first, do your research. We cannot stress how important this is. Before investing your money in starting up a business, make sure you know exactly what you will need to get started, and the basic knowledge of how the industry works. There are so many different products out there and so many different ways to create a t-shirt.

In order to figure out what products you’ll need, you will first want to decide what type of t-shirts you plan on selling. Create a business plan. Are you a graphic artist interested in creating one-of-a-kind designs? If so, custom transfers will probably be the best option. Just send us your design through our quote form, and we will turn it into a screen printed heat transfer. Or, maybe you are looking to print jerseys and numbers for local sports teams? Then a Vinyl Cutter and vinyl may be the answer. Opening up an online store? We have a huge variety of stock transfers to get you started. Decide your target market. This will help you greatly in determining which products will be necessary. We have put together a bunch of starter packages as well as offering some great deals on our TransPro heat presses.

We also have a wide range of support videos on our products that are extremely helpful in getting you familiar with our different products.

2. CREATE A FINANCE & MARKETING PLAN.

What is your budget? Once you know what products you’ll need, figure out how much your start-up cost will be. Outside of materials like a heat press and transfers, you will also want to include the cost of t-shirts, labeling your product, shipping/packaging, etc. Make sure all of this is roped into what you charge for your t-shirts, as well as your time.  Keep track of all of your expenses.

Create a marketing strategy. Will you mostly be selling online? Social marketing these days is KEY. Take advantage of free marketing like Instagram and Facebook. Reach an even larger audience by sponsoring your posts on Facebook. Give out free shirts occasionally to promote your brand. Remember that sometimes, spending money is making money when it comes to marketing. Identify your strategies, and create a long term vision. Set goals for yourself each month, and believe in your ability to reach it.

3. HAVE FUN, BE CREATIVE, & DON’T QUIT!

Why run your own business if you can’t have fun doing it? Always remember to keep a positive outlook and provide more-than-amazing customer service. Customers are key, and will always return if they receive a quality product combined with a pleasant experience. Always try to improve, and continue to learn new products and new strategies. Never stop promoting your “brand”. And remember that success comes with time and hard work, so don’t give up!

With Mother’s Day just a month away, you definitely don’t want to wait until last minute to shop for a gift for the most important lady in your life. Our moms would do almost anything for us… so why not show them just how special they are by creating a personalized photo frame with sublimation?

I decided to go with a blank 8×10 picture frame, which has an offset opening for a 6×4″ photo so that the frame can be rotated horizontal or vertical to place the opening in a different position. This frame has a thick beveled edge, and comes in black.

After creating a “wood” background and custom text in Photoshop, I mirrored my design and then printed to our Virtuoso Sg400 sublimation printer, using an 8.5×11″ sheet of Texprint paper. After pressing for 60 seconds at 400° Fahrenheit with the TransPro 15×15 heat press, my frame is complete… it’s that easy! Now just toss in your favorite photo of you and your mama, and VOILA!

Be sure to check out our complete line of sublimation blanks to find the perfect gift for your mom! What will you be making your mom this Mother’s Day?

Hey guys, today we are going to be telling you all about our newest and easily the most popular vinyl that we sell, Siser EasyWeed! This material comes in three different options… regular, stretch, and electric.

Why is Siser EasyWeed our #1 selling heat transfer vinyl? Simple, EasyWeed applies at a lower temperature, can be peeled HOT or COLD and doesn’t lift during weeding. It’s also extremely durable wash after wash and uses a lower pressure setting for application. EasyWeed is thin and offers a one-step application that’s great for multiple layers. Best of all, it comes in 44 colors!

Siser EasyWeed Stretch delivers all the benefits of the regular EasyWeed and combines it with super stretch-ability to create one remarkable heat transfer material! The thinnest of any Siser material, EasyWeed Stretch has an ultra-matte finish (except for gold and silver) and a soft hand that’s currently available in 7 popular colors.

Siser EasyWeed Electric represents the latest trend in CAD materials for the fashion industry. If you’re looking to take your designs to the next level, EasyWeed Electric has a finish or pattern just for you, currently available in 11 vibrant colors, each with a pearlescent metallic sheen. EasyWeed Electric is durable wash after wash and maintains its bright color and brilliant finish.All of the EasyWeed vinyl comes on a pressure-sensitive carrier – which makes cutting detailed designs and logos a breeze. EasyWeed is also CPSIA Certified, so it’s perfect for decorating children’s clothing and accessories. Want to layer your design? Not a problem! All of the EasyWeed vinyl is layer-able, so the options are pretty much endless.

To see all of the other types of Siser vinyl that we carry, follow this link. We carry everything from glitter to flock, and even printable vinyl!

Also, be sure to check out and subscribe to Siser’s YouTube channel for tons of helpful and creative videos on using their products, like this layered design combining regular EasyWeed & Glitter!