There are 3 important factors to consider when getting started with a heat press.

1. Heat Press

The only piece of equipment you’ll need to start your own T-shirt business is a heat press. The best option for beginners is the Auto Clam Heat Press, which opens automatically once it's done pressing a garment. This unique feature allows you to multi-task without running the risk of over-applying or burning a garment.

Platens come in several different sizes. It's best to plan ahead for larger projects by purchasing a larger platen than what you need now. Start with a 16" x 20" and purchase smaller platens if needed.

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2. Decorating Products

The most popular decorating products are also the easiest to use.

Pre-Cut Letters & Numbers

• Easiest, least expensive way to start personalizing.
• Arrive loose, pre-cut, in packs of 10 or 20.
• Arrange the letters and/or numbers on the garment and heat apply.
• Choose from more than 40 font/style options.
• Depending on the quantity, material, and size of the pre-cuts needed, pricing is as low as $0.06 per character.

Pre-cut letter and numbering kits are great to have on hand. If someone asks for one-off personalizing, you can do it instantly.

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Pre-Spaced Text & Numbers

• Name and/or number arrive pre-aligned on a carrier.
• Carrier greatly reduces labor and time.
• Depending on the quantity, material, and size, pricing is as low as $1.25 per text or number.
• Perfect for name/number team orders.
• Order as few as one name or number.

Pre-spaced is a great time saver when you’re in a hurry. Ordering online provides you with the convenience of uploading team rosters.

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Any Word. Any Way.™

• Best product option when the same team name or word needs to be placed on multiple garments.
• Great for fan wear that complements sports uniforms.
• Similar to pre-spaced text only with more customization options, including split fronts and tails.
• Depending on the quantity, material, and size, pricing is as low as $1.09 per word.
• Sew and no sew options available.

While there are many products within Any Word. Any Way., start with CAD-CUT^® materials which do not require sewing.

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Auto Open Clam Hotronix®Auto Open Clam

Swinger/Draw Hotronix®Fusion

Air Swinger/Draw Hotronix®Air Fusion™

3. Heat Transfer Materials

The material choice is typically based on the type of fabric of the garment/piece being decorated.

Be aware of polyester fabrics; they tend to bleed through heat transfer materials. When decorating polyester fabrics, select CAD-CUT^® Thermo-FILM^® to prevent dye migration.

To get started, review this chart of popular heat transfer material and fabric combinations.

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Ready to start heat pressing?
Download the Getting Started with a Heat Press Checklist.