You will encounter heat transfer when looking for sustainable and easy ways to customize a t-shirt with printing. Many people choose this printing method because it is fast and easy. This printing method uses heat transfer papers to create a print or graphic on the clothing. The information below details information on heat transfer papers.

What Are Heat Transfer Papers?

Heat transfer papers are like fabric stickers. They are easy to use since you can print a design or graphic on paper using an inkjet or laser printer. Then, you apply the paper onto the fabric to transfer the design.

The paper has heat transfer technology, meaning heat fuses the print with the fabric. So when you put the applied design under a heat press (or sometimes an iron), the design will fuse with the fabric permanently.

Transfer papers can hold almost any design. However, inkjet and laser heat transfer papers are different. This means that if you have an inkjet printer, you can only use inkjet heat transfer paper. The same applies to laser printers.

Best Fabrics For Heat Transfer Papers

Cotton is the best material for heat transfer papers. This is because you can press cotton at higher temperatures. In addition, it will not stretch, discolor, or damage from the heat. The designs also fuse well with cotton fabrics, so if you choose this form of printing, always look for cotton garments. 

Heat transfer papers are not ideal for stretchy and polyester fabrics. Check the tag to ensure it is 100% cotton or 100% natural fibers such as silk and linen.

Types of Heat Transfer Paper

There are two main types of heat transfer papers:

Transparent Heat Transfer Paper

Transparent or clear heat transfer paper is for light and white fabrics. Natural, tan, light ash gray, and off-white fabrics require this type of heat transfer paper because it has a transparent polymer coating. If you mistakenly apply this transfer paper on dark-colored garments, the color of the fabric will show through, affecting the results.

White Heat Transfer Paper

White transfer paper is made for colored garments like black, red, blue, navy, green, etc. This type of transfer paper has an opaque white polymer coating. Therefore, no color will show through the design.

It is important to trim white transfer paper before application. Ensure you cut it close to the design since any untrimmed parts without a design will show up as white on the finished print.

Both types of heat transfer papers work with a heat press or iron. However, a hand-held home iron may not give you the best results. You will need patience, and some designs will not work with an iron. Therefore, if you want high-quality results, ensure that you use a heat press.

Vectors Vs. Images

If you plan to print vectors, all heat transfer papers will do a good job transferring the designs. Depending on your needs, you can use white or transparent laser or inkjet transfer papers.

However, if you are printing photos, know that you will be limited. Inkjet heat transfer papers for light fabrics are best for photo printing. They will offer a good outcome, keeping details and bonding with the fabric well.

Laser transfer papers are harder to use for images because standard laser printers achieve very bold colors. So, you will not get the range of colors in your design unless you have an advanced laser printer with white toner.

Tips for Successful Transfer Paper Application

Ready to print? That’s fantastic! Keep the following pointers in mind to ensure you achieve the best results.

For dark-colored fabrics:

• Apply the image as is; no need to mirror it.
• Ensure you trim the transfer paper if you do not want a white background on any place without a design.
• Remove the backing paper before laying it on the garment.
• Lay the image facing up.
• Cover the paper with parchment before pressing.
• Only remove the parchment immediately after pressing, not the transfer paper.

For light-colored fabrics:

• Mirror your image before printing.
• After pressing the design, remove the transfer paper backing while it is still hot.

Final Thoughts

Heat transfer is a great way to customize a t-shirt. With a printer and the right heat transfer paper, you can create intricate t-shirt designs in the comforts of your home. Contact us today to learn more about heat transfer papers and our heat press printing services.