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G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M J U N E 2 0 2 3 • G R A P H I C S P R O 3 3 S T A R T H E R E F or years there had been a stigma about shops that operated solely using a heat press as their primary decoration technique. You wouldn't find too many of those types of small businesses driving the industry, but com- panies today find it easier and easier to build a business on the back of the heat press than ever before. With so many heat-applied products avail- able, it's easier than ever to create unique and eye-catching designs. Decoration techniques and options have finally unlocked the creative potential of the heat press and businesses are literally pressing money. We'll explore a handful of heat-applied prod- ucts to find the best quality, ease of use, and creative techniques to bring your customers' garments to life. Open up your toolbox and grab the heat press… we're going to make some money. Heat-applied vinyl For starters, simple heat-applied vinyl has been a popular choice for apparel decoration for years. It's simple, has many color options, and is extremely durable. We still use it for individual names and numbers on tees, hoods, jerseys, etc. You can also create simple one- or two-color designs for the small runs. It's a sta- ple product for a lot of shops. Glitter, rainbow, cheetah prints, reflective, safety, hologram, glowing vinyl … all these options can be used to wow your clients when used creatively. Sublistop, for instance, is a printable vinyl that inhibits dye migration on poly garments. is is perfect for your local youth sports teams that want a creatively colorful logo on a run of 12 team shirts. ink about your local soccer club that has a five-color crest on its left front chest. Design it, print it, press it. Building your business on the back of a heat press has never been easier than it is right now Adam McCauley is the co-owner of Sandlot Sports, a custom screen printing, embroidery, and promotional company that specializes in spiritwear, team uniforms, corporate workwear, and event T-shirts. SUCCEEDING WITH A B Y A D A M M C C A U L E Y DTF print used for a youth soccer team participating in a special Halloween soccer event. (Images courtesy of Adam McCauley) FlexStyle emblem heat applied to a trendy jacket for a local middle school staff.