I'm trying to make some labels on my ink jet printer, using 1) T-shirt transfer paper and 2) the sheets that come with fabric on one side. Both work pretty well, but the problem is the instructions for making them colorfasts and fadeproof.One says to soak the printed labels in cold water and after that you can machine wash them in cold water and dry them on low. BUT: You are told at the end that when washing them you shouldn't use detergent! My customers will probably want to wash my kids' aprons with detergent, not just cold water! If I go ahead and try it anyway, what will happen? Have any of you tried this?
Another kind says to soak the printed labels in vinegar and water (after printing) to set the ink. This made the labels quite stiff.
The type I printed directly on to fabric sheets look nice, and the instructions for making them colorfast was fairly simple (machine wash and dry at cool settiings). HOWEVER: Directions say to remove the items promptly from the washer or the labels may fade. My customers wouldn't be happy to have faded printer ink on their kids' aprons just because they had to let the aprons sit in the washer for awhile.
I keep trying to come up with a cost-effective, nice label that can be washed normally and that won't fade. Anyone have some advice?
I did order some labels done for me by someone on etsy, but the print was so tiny as to be almost unreadable. So, I guess I'll have to learn how to make my own.
Also, how do I make labels frayproof? Will Fray Check work, or is that a difficult, time-consuming way to do it?
Thanks,
M.
