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This week, we’re joined by Cris Saunders and Greg Farmer from Insta Graphic Systems to explore the key factors for DTF transfer success. We’ll discuss how to streamline production, avoid bottlenecks at the heat press, and why quality still matters even with outsourced transfers. Plus, we’ll cover the current limitations of DTF and how businesses can adapt for long-term success. Whether you’re printing in-house or outsourcing transfers, this episode will provide valuable insights to help you get the best results.
Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created for our employers but for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened-to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will improve your business and our industry. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list, and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening!
Your business’ SVPs—Strengths, Values, and Passions—are the foundation for long-term success. When aligned with these, you can move from feeling overwhelmed by daily operations to gaining clarity and control.
News
If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”
Dad Joke
Terry: What did the scientist say to his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day?
I think of you… periodically
DTF Outsourcing Success
Aaron: Welcome to the show, Cris and Greg! We don’t do long bios here—so tell us a little about yourselves and how you got into the industry.
Terry: Most of our listeners know Insta as a heat press manufacturer (or maybe that’s just me). Let’s start there.
Aaron: But you’re clearly more than that. I know you’ve been involved in screen print transfers, but talk to us about Direct-to-Film production. How did that come about and how’s it going?
Terry: With every trade show there are more DTF machines, and around every corner more DTF film decorators vying for our business. What separates one DTF transfer provider from the next?
Aaron: There are two parts to this equation. There’s the transfer, and there’s the heat press. Terry and I are going to take a break from standing on the BUY A GREAT HEAT PRESS soap box and let you take a stab at it.
Terry: OK, we’ve got a great heat press and a great transfer. How do we make this job more efficient?
Aaron: DTF transfers are known for their versatility, but are there still limitations when it comes to substrates or applications? What advancements are being made to address those challenges?
Terry – Dan – Do you have plans for more automated carousel-type heat presses?
Terry: Do you advise customers to start by outsourcing your transfers, or taking the plunge into a DTF printing system? When’s the best time to make the switch?
Aaron: We’ve covered a lot, but let’s look ahead. What does the future hold for DTF technology, and where do you see it evolving in the next few years?
Terry: ISS Long Beach from them…
For those interested in learning more or working with Insta, where can they connect with you?
LB Shoutout
Lenny Huiras with Vital Signs NW in Oregon
Show review
Some industry merger rumors floating around the show and the internet lately. One of the key players will join us at the top of the show next week to give us the facts. Stay tuned on the who, what and why.
As always, saw lots of familiar faces which is a high point for most of us trade show carnies
Busy but not overwhelming
A deficit of buyers outside Southern California
I had someone in my Thursday morning seminar say she was concerned about what she would run into driving from Bakersfield, so the fires definitely impacted the show
The singular question I heard was, “What print head do you have in your DTF printer?” Maybe people think that’s the only method of comparison. We’re still on the misinformation highway.
Epson introduced their new Epson brand DTF only printer… to less than thunderous acceptance. Going back to one of the points during our “what we want to see in 2025” show, still lots of DTF confusion in the industry. Embargoed prior to the show.
More new companies, as Marcia said garments and also equipment… Best Support, Best Machine, Best Everything…
I heard a lot of “We’ll see,” when asking vendors how the show went for them
The springboard into the new year this show has always been… lost a little spring this year.
The Secret Sauce
We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar.
OTHER EVENTS
- Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.
- Rising Tide Talks! – Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time.
- Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-Weekly Mastermind Groups on top of the industry-leading business training.
- Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago March 15-16.
- Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, February 1-2
- The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time
- Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell
- Understanding Emblems Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.
Trade Shows
- DAX Kansas City KCI Expo Center, Kansas City, MO – February 21-22, 2025
- Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals – February 21, 2025 at 2 PM
- How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit – February 22, 2025 at 12:30 PM
- Graphics Pro Expo Irving, TX – March 6-8, 2025
- Impressions Expo Atlantic City, NJ – March 20-22, 2025
- Summit of Success – April 10-12, 2025 | Coteau des Prairies Lodge | North Dakota
- DAX Nashville Farm Bureau Expo Center, Lebanon, TN – May 9-10, 2025
- DAX Chicago Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL – May 30-31, 2025
- Graphics Pro Expo Indianapolis, IN – June 19-21, 2025
- DAX Twin Cities Hilton Doubletree, Bloomington, MN – August 1-2, 2025
- Graphics Pro Expo Long Beach, CA – August 21-23, 2025
All dates and events are subject to change
