WHICH TRANSFERS?
To be more specific, we are solely talking about UltraColour Transfers. We get ours from a UK based company called Target Transfers and we have set up a handy DISCOUNT CODE (SQUEEGEE) for all of our followers to use.
THE GOOD BITS
Obviously, here at Squeegee & Ink we LOVE screen printing! So why on earth would we use transfers? Here is why;
Multiple colours. UltraColour transfers can print photo-realistic images with no extra set up costs. There is no limit to the amount of colours AND they are pretty vibrant!
Small MOQ’s. The smallest amount of transfers that can be purchased is just 10 sheets. This is great if you are trialing designs or still in prototype mode.
Cost. Transfer printing is a great, cheap way into the industry for new printers. We advise splashing out on a decent heat press for best results but once you have that 1 piece of kit, you are good to go!
Image nesting. Another cost saving trick is to nest all of your images together onto one transfer sheet. When you’re transfers arrive, cut them up yourself to save money.
Eco-Friendly. UltraColour transfers are made with water-based ink. While there is still a plastic backing which will need to be discarded, in comparison to standard HTV (heat transfer vinyl) the UltraColour Transfers use approximately 50% less plastic in our opinion. They are also applied with a lower temperature and time than HTV which saves energy.
Quick. Target Transfers usually take around 1-2 days to arrive in the post. You can’t complain with that!
Print on demand. If you are starting a new clothing brand, this is MASSIVE! With just a heat press and some transfers, you can print your orders as they come in. Meaning you do not need to hold large amounts of stock AND you can save on outlaying such a large chunk of money before making any sales. Win win.
Unusual placements. A great thing about UltraColour Transfers is that you can decorate your garment in unusual placements. This can be restricted when screen printing so if you are looking for multiple and unusual placements, transfers are something you need to consider!
THE NOT SO GOOD BITS
While UltraColour Transfers are great, screen printing will never die! Heres why;
Vibrancy. Although UltraColour Transfers have a great spectrum of colours, they will never be as vibrant as a screen printed garment. Sorry.
Soft touch. If you are comparing UltraColour to HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) then the softness of the UltraColours is AMAZING… however, if you are comparing them to screen print… screen print wins. Sorry.
Washability. UltraColours can withstand over 60 washes on a 40 degree heat. Thats pretty good! But screen print can withstand more. Sorry.
No-keylines. This is a HUGE benefit for Ultracolour. A big step up from HTV… but guess what… screen print doesn’t need key-lines either. Sorry.
WHEN SHOULD I USE ULTRACOLOUR TRANSFERS?
If you are a new clothing company who wants to print their own merch. UltraColour Transfers are a great cheap introduction into the industry.
As a ‘die hard’ screen printer… We use transfers on our promo products when we need to show unusual placements, have multiple colours in the design or even just a small print run.
We love UltraColour transfers. Although we still believe screen printing is the number one way to print garments… UltraColour are coming in at a strong second method along side embroidery.
WHERE CAN I BUY THE GOODS?
Get your transfers here (discount code: SQUEEGEE) : https://custom.targettransfers.com/create/UltraColour-Heat-Transfers?c=6162313
Get your Heat Press here (discount code: SQUEEGEE) : https://www.targettransfers.com/heat-presses-38/hotronix-auto-open-clam-heat-presses.html
Check it out before you buy – Our YouTube video covers everything you need to know about UltraColour Transfers:
FANCY GIVING SCREEN PRINT A GO?
We have loads of resources to help you start screen printing. Check out our Mini Course : An Introduction into Screen printing
SUPPORT US BY PURCHASING SOME MERCH
We fund all of our YouTube videos and blog posts by the sale of our merch. Grab yourself £10 OFF all limited edition t-shirt at Blind Maggot Clothing.
