Inflation or supply and demand. There are only two print shops in the US that still do dry transfers, and they're ridiculously expensive. Perhaps the Canadian gov't is clamping down on the chemicals the way the EPA did in the US (which is what drove most print shops to stop making them), hence the price increases on that side of the border, too?

All-out is good to work with, though if you're doing custom colors (such as EBT orange), mail them a color swatch to match. Matching Pantone colors over the computer is not advisable. The basic colors (white, black, gold, silver, etc.) are fine.

Later,

K

K,

After I had read on one forum or another that the process had been basically outlawed in the states (why I couldn't find Lettraset and Chartpak anymore), that explained why the price was so high All-Out Graphics. When the supply is restrictive, the price will usually be elevated. Do you know by chance which chemical or chemicals were the culprits??

Bob C.

Do you know by chance which chemical or chemicals were the culprits?

No, I don't. I had a friend in Rochester who used to make his own (before the EPA cracked down), but I never learned the process.

BTW, you can still find Chartpak and Lettraset at good art supply stores. (Not the Michaels or similar chains.)

Later,

K

Guys - see the link at the beginning of this thread - it is a simple process for making your own dry transfers at home. The "secrets" are a special paper and a spray on adhesive. Basic idea is you use a laser printer to print your graphics on this special paper. You then use heat and pressure to temporarily laminate a clear sheet of mylar over the graphics. This sandwich is then soaked in water, causing the top surface of the special paper to dissolve. The result is the paper separates from the mylar, but the laser toner is left on the mylar. You then dry off the mylar, apply a spray adhesive to the exposed toner, and then press it on the surface like a dry transfer. After rubbing it down you peal the mylar away and you are left with the toner "printed" on your target surface.

Now there are actually a few more steps, esp when it comes to printing color on black surfaces, but the concept is the same - you are lifting the toner off the paper and placing it on your target object. The results are impressive - really does look like it was professionally printed on the object. The transfer is easily removed with alcohol, so a clear overcoat is required to prevent damage.

I bought my kit a while back, but I think they are about $150 - not bad for making a bunch of custom dry transfers. Biggest problem is you need a laser printer - but most people have access to one at work. Ink Jet will NOT work.

We still have a custom dry transfer service available, prices £15 for the camera negative and £28 per A4 sheet for a single colour, prices are from your own artwork.
David Bailey www.djbengineering.co.uk