Heat Transfer Printing: Types & Process Explained
Heat transfer printing, though considered modern compared to traditional printmaking techniques (like screen printing), has roots in the 18th century. The earliest forms appeared in the late 18th century when heated metal plates transferred ink onto paper or fabric.
Then, in the 1950s and 1960s, the development of heat-transfer decals and iron-on transfers made DIY clothing customization common. By the 80s, heat transfers gained popularity, with vibrant designs on T-shirts and athletic wear. In the early 90s, the advent of digital printing technology further made color printing of high-quality images onto various materials.
Today, heat transfer printing is done in four different ways. This blog explains the heat printing process, compares its types, and enlists the process equipment.
In This Article
- What Is Heat Transfer Printing?
- Types of Heat Transfer Printing
- What Equipment Is Needed for Heat Transfer Printing?
- Steps of Custom Heat Transfer Printing
- FAQs of Heat Transfer Printing
- Conclusion
What Is Heat Transfer Printing?
Heat transfer printing is a method used to apply designs or images onto different materials, like T-shirts, mugs, or bags. It uses heat and pressure to transfer a printed image from special paper or film onto the item.
Here’s how it works:
First, a design is printed onto transfer paper or film using special ink. Then, the printed paper is placed on the item you want to decorate. With a heat press machine, (which is like a big, hot iron) heat and pressure are applied. The heat causes the ink to transfer from the paper onto the item, leaving the design on it.
The transfer of paper/film and ink depends on the type of printing process and the material compatibility is also a function of the inks used in that process.
Types of Heat Transfer Printing
Four printing techniques primarily fall under the class of heat transfer printing: vinyl heat transfer, screen printed heat transfer, sublimation, and Direct-To-Film Heat Transfer.
| Feature | Vinyl Heat Transfer | Screen-Printed Heat Transfer | Sublimation Heat Transfer | Direct-to-Film (DTF) Heat Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print process | Cutting and pressing vinyl | Screen printing on transfer paper and heat pressing | Printing onto sublimation paper and heat pressing | Printing directly onto film and heat pressing |
| Transfer paper/film type | Vinyl sheets | Transfer paper | Sublimation paper | PET film |
| Printer compatibility | Vinyl cutter | Screen printer | Sublimation printer | DTF printer / Inkjet Printer |
| Ink type | NA | Plastisol ink | Dye-sublimation ink | Pigment ink |
| Suitable material | T-shirts, bags, caps | T-shirts, bags, textiles | Mugs, shirts, phone cases | T-shirts, bags, caps, wood, metal |
| Fabric type | Most fabrics | All fabrics | Polyester or polyester-coated items | All fabrics |
| Detail level | Simple designs, text | Vibrant designs, textual designs | Full-color, photorealistic images | Photorealistic images, fine details |
| Touch feeling | Slightly raised | Slightly raised and textured | Smooth (feels like part of the material) | Slightly rubbery |
| Washability | High | High | High | High |
Vinyl Heat Transfer (HTV)
In one form of vinyl transfer, design printing isn’t required. The vinyl is simply cut into a design outline and then heat is transferred onto the material. It is usually a single-colored design, used for copying simple textual graphics on T-shirts. This method is ideal for names, numbers, and basic logos due to its ease of use.
A printable heat transfer vinyl is also available, where you print multi-color designs, cut them, and then use a heat press to copy designs onto materials. Printable HTV expands the possibilities of vinyl heat transfer by allowing detailed and vibrant images to be transferred onto fabrics.
Sublimation Heat Transfer
Dye Sublimation heat transfer is one popular way to print full-colored, realistic picture images on synthetic fabrics.
First, a special type of ink called sublimation ink (or dye) is used. These inks turn into gas when heated. The design is printed onto a special paper using a sublimation printer. Epson Sure Color Series is best for sublimation printing.
Once the design is printed, the paper is placed on the item you want to decorate. A heat press machine applies heat and pressure. The heat makes the sublimation ink turn into gas, which seeps into the material. When it cools down, the gas turns back into a solid, and the design is now part of the item, not just sitting on top of it.
This method is great because it creates vibrant, long-lasting designs that won’t peel or fade easily. However, it works best only on polyester fabrics or items with a special coating to accept the sublimation ink.
Screen-Printed Heat Transfer
Usually, screen printing is used for directly transferring designs onto the materials with a silkscreen but pre-made screen-printed heat decals are also available on the market.
Unlike the other heat transfer methods, this method uses manual screen printing to add designs to a transfer film. Plastisol ink is a common choice in this type of screen printing.
The transfer film with screen printed design is heat pressed onto the required specimen. This process creates a top layer on the material surface, which is noticeable to the touch.
Since screen printing is the main ingredient, this method is ideal for vibrant designs and works across various materials and fabrics. Textured designs can also be achieved by using specific inks.
DTF Heat Transfer
Direct-to-film (DTF) Transfer is a modern heat transfer technique in which designs are directly printed onto a specialized film using a printer. The film is heat-pressed onto the substrates for design transfer.
In this process, the design is printed onto the PET film using a DTF or inkjet printer. Water-based pigments are commonly used in this process.
Once the design is printed, a thermally activated adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink on the film. This powder adheres to the ink and forms a bond.
The transfer film, coated with the adhesive powder, undergoes a curing stage, where it is heated to a specific temperature to melt the powder. This step is critical as it prepares the transfer for optimal adhesion to the target substrate.
The prepared film is then placed onto the desired material, and a heat press is used to apply controlled heat and pressure. After pressing the film is peeled away, leaving the printed design firmly attached to the substrate.
DTF printing is advantageous because it can handle light and dark fabrics without pre-treatment, unlike some other printing methods. It’s ideal for custom apparel, including T-shirts, hoodies, and sportswear, as well as accessories such as bags, hats, and even shoes.
What Equipment Is Needed for Heat Transfer Printing?
Besides heat transfer paper and inks, you may need this equipment to carry out the heat transfer printing.
Heat Transfer Printer
Different types of printers are required for various heat transfer methods. For Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, you would need a DTF printer, an inkjet printer capable of handling pigment inks.
For sublimation printing, a sublimation printer is essential. These printers use sublimation dyes and can produce high-quality, vibrant prints. The Epson SureColor series is highly recommended for sublimation printing.
Vinyl Cutter (HTV)
For heat transfer vinyl (HTV) printing, a specialized blade cutter is used to cut the vinyl into the desired design. The xTool M1 are among the top vinyl cutters in the market.
Heat Press
A heat press is a machine where you place the transfer paper and the fabric, and then press it to transfer the design. The heat press applies both heat and pressure to ensure that the design is properly adhered to the fabric.
For simple DIY projects (especially vinyl projects), the everyday iron can also act as a heat press.
Steps of Custom Heat Transfer Printing
Here’s a simple method to carry out the process in a streamlined manner:
Step 1: Prepare a Design
StarCraft Vinyl and HTV ©YouTube
The design is the key to successful heat transfer printing. Although free designs are available online, you can create custom designs using graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Canva. The design needs to be high-resolution and properly sized for the project.
Step 2: Print It onto Transfer Paper
Print your colored design onto the appropriate transfer paper film using the printer specific to your chosen method. For instance, use a sublimation printer with sublimation paper for sublimation printing.
For beginners, vinyl heat transfer is a good starting point due to its simplicity.
Step 3: Cut the Design (Optional)
If you’re using heat transfer vinyl (HTV), you may need to cut out the design from the vinyl sheet. Use a specialized blade cutter, such as the xTool M1, to achieve precise cuts.
Step 4: Heat Press It
Place the printed transfer paper or cut vinyl design onto the item you want to decorate.
Preheat your heat press machine to the recommended temperature for the transfer material. Place a parchment paper over the design to protect it.
Apply firm, even pressure during the pressing process. Once the time is up, carefully open the heat press and remove the item.
Step 5: Peel and Finish
Peel off the transfer paper or film while the design is still warm or cold according to the specific instructions for your transfer type. Check the transfer to ensure it has adhered properly and there are no missing areas or imperfections. You can press it again (if needed) with a Teflon sheet to ensure a smooth finish.
FAQS of Heat Transfer Printing
Can Any Printer Print Heat Transfers?
Not all traditional printers can print on heat transfer paper but most of them can. You need to check if your printer is compatible with the specific type of ink required, such as pigment-based or dye sublimation ink.
What Type of Printer is Best for Heat Transfer?
For vinyl heat transfer, a vinyl cutter like the xTool M1 is best. However, for other heat transfers, you need color printers that can handle the specific inks. Some popular options are the Epson ET-3850, Epson Sure Color 900, Canon Prixma Pro, and HP Office Jet Pro.
Conclusion
Heat transfer printing is a popular and effective method for customizing apparel and other items. Most heat transfer methods require dedicated printers, specialized inks, and transfer paper.
However, vinyl heat transfer is accessible to everyone. You only need a vinyl cutter like the xTool M1 and a heat press to create custom designs.
Try out a customization project today and share with us through xTool Projects!
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