For the Business of Apparel Decorating
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8 4 | PRINTWEAR D EC E M B E R 20 1 4 desktop equipment, meaning office-style printers that can handle media up to 13" x 19". This setup can handle hundreds of diverse, high-margin products in a startup price range of $500 to $2,800, depending on whether you need a heat press. However, some applications, such as large signage and all-over shirt printing, need more specialized equipment. If you're con- sidering this avenue of sublimation printing, it makes sense to investigate large commer- cial printers that offer roll feeds in widths of 24", 36", and 44". These units have a much higher price tag and require wide-format heat presses, as well, which can cost in excess of $12,000. Startup packages can run be- tween $14,000 to $25,000 and even more. The general rule of thumb is to buy the smallest printer that can print the largest image you'll routinely need. For example, if you plan to sublimate a lot of apparel, you will print designs in the 12" X 12" to 12" X 18" range. A printer that can print a maxi- mum media size of 8 1/2" X 14" is too small for your needs. Similarly, a printer that deliv- ers images up to 44" wide is more machine than you need. Your ideal printer can handle media up to 13" X 19". With that said, an 8 1/2" X 14" print- er would probably suffice if all you want to produce is personalized products, such as phone cases and jewelry. Keep in mind that your order sizes could also impact which printer is right for your business. A 13" X 19" printer can easily output a dozen phone case images at a time while an 8 1/2" X 14" printer can only deliver about six. If you're looking at high-volume Sublimation Startup Guide I n addition to equipment, invest in high-quality graphics software to produce your designs and become a pro using these programs. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and CorelDRAW are the industry standards and work well with substrate-spe- cific templates and color man- agement profiles. Though these programs are expensive, some offer a monthly subscription rate. Also, consider taking an online course to learn how to use the program you chose. There are many free tutorials online. pw Along with apparel, you can use sublimation to create personal- ized items, such as phone cases and charms. (Image courtesy Sawgrass Technologies) I n addition to equipment, Along with apparel, you can use sublimation to create personal ized items, such as phone cases and charms. (Image courtesy Sawgrass Technologies)