Hello Everyone Ive just joined and new to this

General
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Hello Everyone,
I am new to this although I did have a very old heat press many years ago and didnt get on with it. I am thinking of starting again into a business I want to create from home.
I am going to get the HTVFRONT heatpress 2.
Do I need to purchase a sublimation printer to go along side this or can I just use print transfers,
I would also like to know what other accessories I will need to purchase to get started.
Thank you in Advance

Sue

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Hi and welcome, @dentons543! You’ve asked a fantastic question, and honestly, it’s one I hear all the time. The real answer is that the “best” method depends on what you want your shirts to look like, how long you want them to last, and what equipment you’re comfortable using. Every shirt‑making method has its own strengths and limitations.

Below is an overview of the main options, along with the pros, cons, and a few tips to help you choose.

HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) – Iron‑On

This method uses a cutting machine (like the LOKLiK iCraft) to cut a mirrored design from HTV. After prewashing your shirt which you should do for all the methods I have listed. You will lint‑roll your shirt, you pre‑press for a few seconds, position your design, and press according to the HTV brand’s recommended time and temperature.

Pros

  • Huge variety of designs available online and in LOKLiK Idea Studio
  • Works on almost any fabric: cotton, polyester, denim, and more

Cons

  • Requires a cutting machine
  • Requires HTV
  • Not permanent—good longevity with proper care (I’ve personally gotten 40+ washes)

Care Tips

  • Pre‑wash and fully dry your shirt before applying
  • Let the HTV cure for 24 hours before wearing or washing
  • Wash inside out, cold water, no tumble drying; hang dry inside out

A quick note on Sublimation HTV

This uses sublimation ink and paper, but the print is applied onto HTV, not directly onto the shirt. The design will only last as long as the HTV layer itself.

Printable Iron‑On

Printable sheets that work with a standard inkjet printer. Print your design, cut it out (by hand or with your cutting machine), lint‑roll, pre‑press, and apply following the product’s instructions.

Pros

  • You can print almost any picture you want
  • Works on most fabrics

Cons

  • Durability varies a lot—many brands fade quickly
  • In my experience, Siser performed the best, but even then the print began fading after ~10 washes
  • Printer type may affect results (I used a Canon)

Sublimation

You’ll need a sublimation printer (converted Epson EcoTank) or a Sublimation printer like Sawgrass, Brother. Converting a printer voids the warranty, so keep that in mind.

This is a video on how I converted my Sublimation printer

After printing your mirrored design on sublimation paper, lint‑roll and pre‑press your shirt, place butcher paper inside, tape your design face‑down, cover with butcher paper, and press according to your sublimation paper’s instructions.

Pros

  • Bright, vibrant colours
  • Perfect for multi‑colour or photo designs
  • Extremely durable—the print lasts the lifetime of the shirt
  • Normal washing and drying

Cons

  • Only works on polyester (higher poly = better results)
  • Works best on white shirts; colours show through the ink
  • Not suitable for dark fabrics
  • Requires sublimation‑ready blanks for non‑fabric items
  • Strong smell during pressing—ventilation recommended
  • Colour accuracy can be tricky
  • Sublimation printers can be pricey

More sublimation info:

Learn more here:

DTF (Direct to Film)

DTF uses a DTF printer with DTF ink to print onto film. You can buy a printer (expensive and requires daily maintenance) or outsource the printing and order ready‑to‑press transfers.

Process (if printing yourself)

Print → apply DTF powder → cure the powder (oven or heat press without closing the plate) → lint‑roll shirt → pre‑press → press the design following manufacturer instructions.

Pros

  • Works on any fabric type
  • Very vibrant colours
  • Longer‑lasting than HTV
  • Can be used on dark or black shirts
  • You can order pre‑made transfers

Cons

  • DTF printers are costly and require daily upkeep
  • The powdering and curing process can be messy
  • Fumes require good ventilation
  • DTF ink is expensive

Some other materials you may need for heat pressing
Heat Resistant Tape
Teflon Sheets
Pressing Pillows
T-Shirt measurement guide
Butchers paper or copy paper
Cutting Machine
Cutting Mats

This is a beginner video on cutting machines but it does go into detail about using HTV, Heat Presses and sublimation and things you may need.

Hope this information helps you out. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

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Hi and welcome to the community @dentons543! The HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 is an amazing choice—you’re going to love it. I use mine all the time, along with my converted EPSON Ecotank sublimation printer. If you’d like to see them in action, feel free to check out my YouTube tutorial where I share some of the projects I’ve made with both.

Hope you enjoy the video and find a little inspiration to help you kickstart your crafting business!

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Can’t wait to see what all you make.

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Welcome to the community :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:
Excited to see your creations
I have the Loklik auto press v2, mainly use it for htvs and printable htv since I don’t have a subli printer yet

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