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Which Type of T-shirts are Best for Printing T-shirts??? 

By  Cartess Ross

Got this question from a young lady by the name of Angel… She asks the following:

“I’m wondering if there is anything that I’d need to consider when it comes to the quality of the t-shirts I’d buy for printing? As some t-shirts that are out there are considerably thinner/thicker than others. Will the ink adhere to different materials better than others?”

Play the video below to hear my response…

video-ad-under

Resources from the Video:

Feel free to share your questions or comments below…

If you’d like to cut your learning curve by half and jump-start the growth of your t-shirt business, click here to take a look at our comprehensive t-shirt course!

Cartess Ross


I will guide you through this process and provide you with proven strategies to help you build a t-shirt company. As one of the original pioneers to start selling t-shirts online 20 years ago, I've sold millions of dollars in t shirts to people all over the world. I founded TshirtRiches in 2007 to teach others how to turn their t-shirt ideas into a business. So if you're ready, hop onboard and let's make this money!

Cartess Ross

  • Hi Cartess,
    I love your videos! Very informative and motivational! My husband and I have used your advise to follow our passion. We created a unique use of individualized QR codes on shirts. Our son Jay has mod to severe autism. He is very fast and impulsive. We worry that he may run off and get lost. Also, his language skills are very poor so if he became lost he would not be able to go to someone and ask for help or be able to provide contact info. So we are printing individual QR codes on shirts that are designed by artist who have special needs. When a person becomes lost the person who finds him can scan the code with a smart phone or tablet to obtain the contact info and any other info that they would want a rescuer to know. This info can be changed in real time for what is happening then. Our example on the web site “We are looking for him down in the parking garage right now the reception is terrible. Please take Jay to security level 1. We will be right up”. This can help people who have Alzheimers, Down syndrome, or other cognitive or physical issues that keep them from being able to self advocate. The shirt does it for them. Please share our story.
    Best, Erin

  • Hi Mr.Ross, I had a problem with a printing, the transfer i used did not Transfer The image properly to the t-shirt I had the temperature and pressure set properly on my press. While removing the transfer paper the image did not adhere In spots Am I doing something wrong even though I follow the directions For the image transferred.

    • What type of press do you have and where did u get it. Was it new or used? It’s possible the heating element isn’t working properly. Confirm the pressure is right and that it heated up to the proper heat temp.

      Try preheating your shirt for about 3 seconds, and then press it. Also, try a different transfer — it could be that as well. Where did u get that?

  • Angle,
    there are of course different ways to print shirts such as , Direct silk screen printing, Heat transfers, both digital and offset as well as Direct, and of course the new Direct to garment Digital. which process are you using?

  • Hi Cartess,
    how are you . hope you are fine. well do i able to print on 100% cotton t-shirts ?
    would you please suggest a sublimation printer for me .

    • You can print onto 100% cotton tees — I don’t do sublimation and can’t offer much advice on it… Sorry.

  • Chad Sakers says:

    how can i get my artwork on the platisol paper?

    • Hi Chad,
      You’ll need to send your designs off to transfer companyof your choice to have designs printed onto the plastisol transfer paper.
      We have a source list available for purchase. The source list includes various companies to purchase custom, and pre-made transfers from a list of transfer vendors as well as vendors to purchase blank shirts.

      The price for custom transfers will be determined by the amount of colors you have in your design. If you are on a tight budget then I would recommend no more than 2 colors in the design. The more colors in the design the more it will cost to have the designs screen printed onto the release paper.

      If you would, please click the link below to purchase the source list.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/where-to-get-custom-t-shirt-transfers/

  • tavita salu says:

    hi how to start a tshirt business??

    • Hi Tavita,

      All the information about starting a tshirt business is listed on our website. I would like to encourage you spend as much time on our website as possible.
      http://tshirtriches.com.

  • hi cartress… im inspired right now..i just want to ask if the transfer companies you recommend ship internationally?.. thank you?

    • Hi Lery,

      We do have a source list available for purchase. The list includes countries from UK, Canada, and US.

      We have a source list available for purchase. The source list includes various companies to purchase custom, and pre-made transfers from a list of transfer vendors as well as vendors to purchase blank shirts.

      The price for custom transfers will be determined by the amount of colors you have in your design. If you are on a tight budget then I would recommend no more than 2 colors in the design. The more colors in the design the more it will cost to have the designs screen printed onto the release paper.

      If you would, please click the link below to purchase the source list.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/where-to-get-custom-t-shirt-transfers/

  • I took you what you said on one of your video and started my t- shirt business and doing well and I just want to say thanks so much. Now I own my vinyl cutter and loving it. Thanks again

    • Hi Marylin,

      That’s awesome! Glad to hear you’re moving forward!

  • Hi Cartess!
    Thank you so much for all the info you are sharing with us. May you be blessed ten fold for your helpful nature.
    I do have a question for you…
    My husband is an artist and we have created our own designs, but are having a difficult time finding a graphic artist to transfer them to the correct format for the plastisol transfers (vectorized artwork). Do you have any advice as to how to go about finding a graphic artist?
    Thank you,
    Laura.

    • Hi Laura,
      I just sent you an email regarding this question. Unfortunately, you’ll need to hire a graphic artist to create the design for you in photoshop, illustrator, or any of the Adobe programs. There’s really no way to scan the artwork without losing resolution and the quality of the art work. Especially since you want to have the designs printed on tshirts. You’ll need the high resolution, (300 dpi) in a digital format. Unfortunately, times have changed and everything is now digital. Which is why you’re having trouble trying to find a graphic artist to do the work for you. The graphic artist will have to recreate (sketch) the design from the beginning in a digital format.

      Sadly, it’s one of those things you either catch on or get left behind as far as technology is concerned.

      I would like to make one suggestion, but not sure if this will work for you or not. I believe it’s a start and may be what you need.
      I’m assuming your husband is not familiar with any of the digital programs like photoshop, Adobe, etc. There are the Wacom bamboo digital tablets for consumers and not “professional graphic artists” that you will allow you to sketch your artwork in the digital format you guys are needing. All you do is connect the tablet to your computer using the usb cord. The Wacom tablet will come with software you’ll need to sketch your artwork.

      I hope this helps! http://www.wacom.com/products/pen-tablets/bamboo You can grab a Wacom bamboo digital tablet at any office store like Staples, Office max, etc. I will suggest have your husband to go in the store to feel the pen. Each pen feels different and depending on the pen it may not feel right to him, so it’s a matter of getting a pen that feel most comfortable to him.

  • Do you cut out your designs or you use the full paper. Does it leave that thick space around your design after its being transferred? Is there a transfer paper that wont like that think space around the design after its being transferred? Thanks.

    • Hi Kaneo,
      The only thing that will avoid this issue is screen printed transfers. Other wise, you’ll have to cut around the design.

      We have a source list available for purchase. The source list includes various companies to purchase custom, and pre-made transfers from a list of transfer vendors as well as vendors to purchase blank shirts.

      The price for custom transfers will be determined by the amount of colors you have in your design. If you are on a tight budget then I would recommend no more than 2 colors in the design. The more colors in the design the more it will cost to have the designs screen printed onto the release paper.

      If you would, please click the link below to purchase the source list.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/where-to-get-custom-t-shirt-transfers/

  • I am really excited and raring to go. You break it down like im a 2 year old and I appreciate that. Thanks for leaving no stone unturned!

  • The website isn’t my t-shirt company, but I left it anyway in case you want a lapel boutonniere! I’ll hook you up. Just want to say it’s been fun finding your information and the videos have been great. You’re testimony regarding how you started is awesome. My question; I’ve been looking at press machines. I’m thinking about buying the one you have or had because after doing some research it’s pretty legit. However, I’ve found this one – Heat Press RiCOMA HP-4050C 16″x20″ Hydraulic Heat Press Machine. It’s cheaper and it’s new, but I was wondering is it a good machine to start with? If not I’ll save a little longer until I can afford the one I want. It’s kind of hard for me to buy something used that is a very important machine-which the whole biz depends on. Well, thanks again! Hope I hear from you but I know you’re busy.

  • Thanks for all your advises Cartess. You’re very kind. Now I wanna know where i can catch nice and good quality blank t-shirts. I am from Senegal, West Africa. I may need to know if they sell outside the United states. If so. The freight cost will be needed too. I wanna high quality blank t-shirt it’s good to ve nice designs but t-shirts have to be nice indeed. Best regards!

    • Hi Viye,

      Yes, the vendors that are based in the US do ship outside the US. As far as the cost, I am unable to say. The cost will be determined on the exact location and the weight of the order.

      Here’s a list of vendors that are listed in the US, UK, and Canada.
      We have a source list available for purchase. The source list includes various companies to purchase custom, and pre-made transfers from a list of transfer vendors as well as vendors to purchase blank shirts.

      The price for custom transfers will be determined by the amount of colors you have in your design. If you are on a tight budget then I would recommend no more than 2 colors in the design. The more colors in the design the more it will cost to have the designs screen printed onto the release paper.

      If you would, please click the link below to purchase the source list.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/where-to-get-custom-t-shirt-transfers/

  • I continue having the same question: how do you print white in colour t-shirts? what kind of transfer paper do you use to do it? I have sublimation ink, does it works? I am from Spain, where can i buy these papers?
    Thanks for your information

    • Hi Corina,

      Sublimation printing is solely used for printing on non cotton items. Anything light like white colors, etc. You will need “light” transfers. Any color shirts you will need “color” transfers to print out dark color shirts.

  • Andrea Smith says:

    What wholesale companies you use to purchase your t-shirts?

    • Hi Andrea,

      We have a source list available for purchase. The source list includes various companies to purchase custom, and pre-made transfers from a list of transfer vendors as well as vendors to purchase blank shirts.

      The price for custom transfers will be determined by the amount of colors you have in your design. If you are on a tight budget then I would recommend no more than 2 colors in the design. The more colors in the design
      If you would, please click the link below to purchase the source list.
      https://www.tshirtriches.com/where-to-get-custom-t-shirt-transfers/

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