Heat Press Vinyl on umbrellas?

[Image Embroidery]

Has anyone done any kind of decorating on umbrellas? The ones I got from Alpha are "pongee" which is a type of polyester.
I am thinking I could do some simple one color vinyl designs on these and offer them around the holidays.
So, I need to know if anyone has successfully done this in the past.
Thanks,
LuAnn

[Ballyhoo]

There is an article on doing that in a recent Printwear magazine. I don't have it here so I can't tell you the month of the issue. However, I recall that the suggestion was to use a cap press that fits between the ribs. Otherwise, take the fabric off off the frame/ribs.

[signman]

There was a long discussion somewhere about doing umbrellas, the hat press did come into play...the problem you will run into is the waterproofing on the umbrella material...if it is treated for water repellancy, then it will ALSO repel anything you try to adhere to it! Most of the umbrella work is done with screenprinting or pad printing, solvent based inks will usually stick to it good.
All you can do is get one, take a deep breathe, and try it and see what happens but most likely a digital printed full color image (diecut) will go much better than a 1 or 2 color straight vinyl job.
I'd be happy to run off a couple images on my Versacamm for you to try-that way I'll find out if it does work at your expense!
I wouldn't charge for the sample prints...it's worth the experiment to see what happens. Do you have a cap press already? I have a Mighty Press with different size platens for it.
Roland

[Buy The Stitch]

LuAnn,

David is correct. There was a very good article in the September 2007 Printwear magazine. I would be happy to scan it and forward if you would like.