Skillnaderna i Laser och Inkjet papper från Beatrice Carol

To help answer these burning questions

—frequently asked by apparel decorators—we conducted a study of how

inkjet and laser papers performed compared to each other, then took a look

at how each performed in various applications.

As it turns out, preference for inkjet versus laser printers was split about

50/50. To help decide which paper is best for you, let us look at how each

performed in the details that follow the study.

Inkjet

Over half our participants reported the best art reproduction was done on

inkjet papers, and they offered the following feedback:

Color is more easily reproduced, especially saturated color, and the color

range is more adaptable to most software programs. Inkjet also appears to be

the favorite of graphic designers and artists.

Given a choice, the distributors recommend inkjet for beginners and for

anyone who will primarily be decorating T-shirts.

Cost of entry is low. Heat transfer products work well with almost any inkjet

printer, even free-after-rebate printers.

Inks are expensive and most participants recommend the use of bulk ink

systems.

Laser

Equally adamant and more passionate were the people who insisted laser is

the only way to go. Here’s what they have to say:

If you have basic training using the popular software programs, you can get

excellent color reproduction. Laser equipment is faster to print, and each

copy is less expensive.

Cost of entry is slightly higher. However, costs per copy are significantly

lower.

Laser papers are a good choice for heat transfer if hard surfaces such as

metal, glass, plastics, canvas, tiles and cups are part of the business equation.

Selecting the correct transfer paper is very important, because if it melts in

the fuser section, cleaning the fuser is not easy.

Once the user has identified the best transfer paper and the settings to fuse

the toner onto the transfer—and understands how to keep the fuser roll

clean—there should be few problems.

Several participants in the study cautioned that large copiers on long runs

can get very hot.

Inkjet for light fabrics

These papers are easy to print on and apply. The newest ones have great

hand¾the print doesn’t feel like you have a piece of plastic hanging on your

chest¾and offer great washability. The target number of washes seems to

be about 15

or so. After that, the shirt will likely lose much of its beauty.

These can be applied to almost any lightweight fabric with a heat press, and

many can also be applied with a hand iron. Trim the papers to remove any

unwanted polymer border prior to pressing.

There are advantages to the newest light-

fabric inkjet products which can be peeled from the fabric hot or cold and

work with polyester, poly blend or cotton substrates. Although they work

on most stretchy fabrics, always check the temperatures the fabric can

withstand first. And don’t forget, the image must also be reversed.

Inkjet for dark fabrics

These products are designed specifically for dark-colored fabrics such as red,

blue, green, navy, brown and, of course, black. They have multiple layers

of coating, with one of the layers providing the opaque base. These products

are printed, trimmed and peeled from the base paper, applied to the fabric

face-up and heat pressed with a release sheet on top. The surface of the

transfer takes on the texture of the release sheet and many shirt makers vary

the look with different release sheets. When looking for paper to use on

dark fabrics, seek one that peels easily from the base sheet and offers

excellent washability of 15 or more washes.

Laser for light fabrics

Laser-transfer papers are used with laser color printers and laser color copiers.

Hand is very important and tends to be slightly heavier than inkjet. The

image is reversed, printed and trimmed, then heat pressed onto the substrate.

The newest light-

fabric laser transfer papers are designed to handle the latest toner chemistry

without toner scatter or toner blow. Thus, white areas are actually white.

They are also designed to have an easier peel force and work well on

polyester, poly blends, cotton substrates and heavy fabrics such as canvas,

denim and fleece.

Laser for dark fabrics

Laser-transfer papers for dark fabrics contain an opaque layer, therefore producing

a heavier hand. This can be used to one’s advantage, depending on the art.

The image is printed, trimmed and peeled from the backer, then pressed to

the substrate with a release sheet. Some papers work universally well on

almost all fabrics and blends. But, when transferring to nylon or polyester

fabrics, temperatures should be kept below 300°F to avoid migration of the

fiber dyes into the transfer.

Inkjet or laser?

Heat-transfer products designed for hand ironing are also available. Many

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