Heat Press Strategies for Decorating Team Apparel

February 07, 2011
By Cara Cherry, Contributing Writer

As a parent, having a child participate in team sports is almost inevitable. In addition to ballet and tap dancing, my 6-year-old daughter plays T-ball and soccer. Last year, she was the only girl on her T-ball team. She was the hero of all the little sisters as she rounded the bases in her pink cleats and pink helmet.

Whether it’s a youth T-ball league, high school basketball team or recreational volleyball league, the one thing that every team needs is a way to easily identify their players. In our case, my daughter was easily identifiable because she was the only one with a ponytail. Of course, that’s not normally the case. So what better way to identify each player than by putting a name and number on the uniform that they are wearing?

Using heat-applied graphics is the easiest and most economical way to number uniforms. It is so simple — all you need to do is provide a name and/or select a graphic, select a color and material, and your custom design ships in about 24 hours. When you receive your heat-applied graphic, you simply follow the easy heat printing directions using your heat press and you can customize a garment in less than 10 seconds! You can outfit a team in a matter of minutes.

Some benefits of heat printing include:
• Low startup cost
• Minimal education and training
• Ability to produce one-of-a-kind, individual items
• Short runs
• Portability of equipment
• Environmentally friendly
• The ability to create anything from a one-color to full-color design at minimal cost

Endless Possibilities
Heat printing is the fastest, easiest, most profitable way to decorate uniforms, sweatshirts, jackets, bags, caps, banners, mouse pads, or virtually any other soft good made of cotton, polyester, a poly/cotton blend, nylon mesh or woven mesh, as well as nylon knits, cordura, satin, acrylic blends, sublimated polyester, porthole mesh and spandex blends.

Heat transfer film comes in a number of different forms, such as pre-cut letters and numbers, custom cut, and by the roll. Most companies ship stock letter and even custom graphics within 24 hours, which allows for a fast turnaround. Dealers who currently use computerized cutters can purchase rolls of materials and cut designs for quick in-house custom applications.

Orders typically range from 10 pieces for a team to several hundred for a league. Heat-applied transfers are ideal for short-run orders, especially those that require personalization. They are especially popular for teams on a budget. Simple names and numbers can be applied for a very low cost. If the customer wants an upscale look, options for twill or appliqué exist.

There also is a greater demand for unique and multi-color graphics, more letter and number styles, non-traditional team/school colors and options that extend beyond uniforms. Today, more dealers offer complete outfits and are becoming full-service providers. In addition to customizing the uniforms, they are increasing their add-on sales by supplying coordinating bags, jackets, sweats and caps. With the recent advances in full-color digital printing, dealers also can offer banners, wall graphics, window decals and custom helmet decals.

It all starts with a heat press, which is needed to apply heat applied graphics. Heat presses are available in many different forms and capabilities depending on your budget, output volume needs and space availability. Prices range from $500 to upwards of $4,000. They come with a range of platen sizes, so choose a press that will be suitable for the types of items you will decorate. A press with interchangeable platens will allow you to offer a wider variety of items. In addition, a cap press is necessary for creating headwear and providing that finishing touch to uniforms.

New technology in heat presses, such as touch screens, automatic-open presses and digital pressure gauges, makes them faster and easier to use than ever before. Be sure to check out the latest technology advancements when shopping for a heat press.

The opportunities and options that are available in decorating team uniforms are virtually unlimited. Keep heat-applied transfers in mind and you’ll find that decorating team uniforms and apparel can equal big profits.

Cara Cherry is a Public Relations Enthusiast for St. Clair Shores, Mich.-based Stahls’ ID Direct, manufacturer and distributor of equipment and materials for heat-applied technologies. For more information, e-mail Cara at Cara.Cherry@StahlsID.com or follow her on Twitter @PRGirl704.



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