Looking to start a T-shirt printing business but don’t want to invest in expensive equipment like DTG printers or screen presses? Plastisol heat transfers are an excellent alternative that offer high-quality results with minimal setup costs. In this guide, we’ll test Goof Proof heat transfers from Transfer Express to see how they compare to other printing methods.
If you’re considering heat transfers for your side hustle or small business, keep reading to learn about setup, cost, quality, and durability.
What Are Plastisol Heat Transfers?
Plastisol transfers work by printing screen-printing ink onto transfer sheets, which are then applied to garments using a heat press. This method offers the same ink used in traditional screen printing but eliminates the need for large-scale equipment.
Why Use Heat Transfers?
- Lower Initial Investment – No need for a DTG printer or screen printing setup.
- Fast and Easy – No extensive training required; simply press and peel.
- Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders – Great for team shirts, sports leagues, and event merch.
- Professional Finish – Comparable to screen printing when applied correctly.
Testing Goof Proof Transfers from Transfer Express
For this test, we used:
✔ Goof Proof Transfers from Transfer Express (Stahls’ brand)
✔ Bella+Canvas Heather Gray Tri-Blend shirt
✔ AS Colour Gold Staple Tee (100% cotton)
✔ Heat Press Settings: 365°F, 7 pressure, 6-second press time
Application Process
- Pre-Press the Shirt – Removes wrinkles and moisture.
- Align the Transfer – Using a grid or laser guide for accuracy.
- Press the Transfer – Apply at 365°F for 6 seconds with medium pressure.
- Hot Peel – Immediately peel off the transfer paper for a clean finish.
Results & Comparison
Bella+Canvas Heather Gray (Tri-Blend)
✅ Good color vibrancy
❌ Slight ink residue left on the transfer paper
❌ Needs a longer press time for better adhesion
AS Colour Gold Staple Tee (100% Cotton)
✅ Clean, smooth finish
✅ Strong adhesion, no ink left on the transfer paper
✅ Feels more embedded into the fabric
💡 Key Takeaway: Heat transfers adhere best to 100% cotton compared to blends. If using tri-blend fabrics, consider increasing press time or pressure for better results.
Pricing Breakdown
Plastisol transfer pricing depends on quantity and number of colors in your design. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Colors | 6-11 Sheets | 12-17 Sheets | 18-23 Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Color | $10.90 per sheet | $5.89 per sheet | $4.99 per sheet |
| 2-Color | $19.98 per sheet | $10.68 per sheet | $7.96 per sheet |
| 3-Color | $29.98 per sheet | $15.80 per sheet | $11.58 per sheet |
💡 Profit Tip: Bulk ordering reduces costs significantly. If selling shirts at $20+ each, keeping transfer costs under $5 per print will maximize profit margins.
Are Heat Transfers Right for Your Business?
✔ YES – If you need a fast, affordable way to print bulk orders or want to test designs before investing in screen printing or DTG.
❌ MAYBE NOT – If you’re selling high-end, soft-hand print shirts, DTG or screen printing may be a better fit.
Best Use Cases
- Sports teams & school merch
- Event T-shirts
- Custom logos for small businesses
- Limited-run designs & prototypes
Final Thoughts
Heat transfers, especially Goof Proof from Transfer Express, offer a solid alternative to screen printing and DTG. While fabric type and press settings affect quality, they’re a cost-effective, beginner-friendly way to print T-shirts.
💬 What do you think? Have you tried heat transfers before? Drop a comment below!
📌 For more T-shirt business tips, visit: SideHustlePlaybook.biz
