First of all, and because things are always heated in the social media groups: It's called plotting and not plotting. Just a side note - so that you don't have to get involved in completely pointless discussions. :)
The ongoing question of the right film for textile plots
Until a few years ago, you could only get
plotter films or flex and vinyl films from a few manufacturers online. But now the selection is huge and I also ask myself from time to time where I should order it and try things out.
For me, the most important thing is the choice of color - and that is still difficult because almost every color of the flex films practically screams at me.
You know, right? But it's not just the color that matters, the thickness and material of the film are also important to get a nice result in the end.
Flex, vinyl & flock & transfer film - What?
If you are just starting out in your plotter career, sooner or later the question of materials will come up and that can be quite confusing! That's why I would like to briefly explain the difference between the films and their areas of application.
flex films
Flex films are mainly applied to textiles. But be careful! The films are usually designed for different textiles. You should definitely read the item description. You can also apply flex film to paper - which I often do with fine lettering.
flock films
Flock film can also be used to plot textiles and has a velvety soft surface. However, it is less suitable for multi-coloured plotter files and must be applied as the last layer.
vinyl film
With a vinyl film, you can, for example, create beautiful wall stickers, stick them on doors and windows, decorate picture frames, flower pots and so much more.
In order to transfer vinyl foil well, you also need a transfer foil - there are also different types - so pay attention to the item description!
By the way, for several years now it has been advised not to cover dishes with vinyl foil. If you want to decorate "usual dishes", you should use sublimation.
Additional slides
Many shops have their own products, different colors to choose from and the thickness of the material also differs from shop to shop. It would be too much to list them all here.
The only thing that is important for you is to know what you want to plot and whether you need to use vinyl film or flex film. This is also stated in the in-house productions.
Plotting multi-colored plotter files
Almost all of my plotter files are multi-colored and are pressed on layer by layer, whereby ideally each layer should come into contact with the actual textile. This is achieved by subtracting the individual layers. My finished plots are also designed this way. For plotter files that you create yourself, you have to do this first. You can find out how, where and what in my plotter bundles, for example - I also go into these program functions in the e-books.
I have tried out a lot of different products and have often been annoyed by the results being too "thick", too "stiff" or looking too plastic.
However, I have finally found an optimum and I would like to share it with you: You can achieve beautiful, thin, flexible and crease-free results with material that is about 80-95 microns.
The composition also makes a difference. PVC-free flexible films made of polyurethane are great.
I bought a press and am amazed at how much better the plots hold now!
Which films I can specifically recommend
I have now found my favorite film manufacturers and regularly order my films from them.
Here are some shops that convinced me:
Plottermarie.de - At Plottermarie, I am impressed by the "Flex S" series of films. These films are easy to weed and are a dream even for delicate motifs.
The films are PVC-free and with a thickness of 80 microns they are one of the thinnest films I have had the pleasure of working with and can even be washed at up to 60°C!
The
Duometallic foils from Plottermarie are beautiful and my absolute favorite metallic foils.
I am always amazed at how finely and delicately you can cut these foils! Another option for achieving beautiful metallic effects is the finishing foils from Plottermarie. I go into detail about these in the ebook for the Astrology Bundle. Maybe I'll write a post about it sometime!
Stoffschwester.at - At Stoffschwester from Vienna you can get not only fabrics but also a good selection of great flex films. I ordered the Superflex films here. The films from Stoffschwester are from the manufacturer SISER and are also very thin at 90 microns.
These films are also easy to remove the screen and can be washed at up to 60° (but they should be pressed with a press and not just with an iron).
Other shops where you can get good flex and vinyl film:
plotterprinzessin.at
Kreativmanufaktur.bayern
Films and Sustainability
I have actually found almost no information on this topic. However, almost all flexible films are PVC-free and are made from polyurethane. I would be pleased to know that old PET bottles or something similar are used to make the film.
But I think there will be a lot of rethinking in the near future. I think that by making our own clothes we are already taking a step towards sustainability. I always use organic fabrics and thank God they are becoming more and more affordable. For me, sustainability is not always just about complete avoidance, but also about targeted, controlled use.
