How to Use Heat Transfer Paper For Shirts
You may have seen those vibrant designs on t-shirts, caps, bags, and other items. A material called transfer paper is used to transfer printed designs onto these items.
The transfer paper is quite popular for t-shirt printing, but its use isn't limited to just fabrics. You can use it for printing on phone cases, mugs, windows, etc. In short, it’s a pathway for design creation on numerous objects.
This article highlights the function of transfer paper, its various types, and the detailed procedure for transferring designs to shirts.
In This Article
- What Is Transfer Paper?
- How Does Transfer Paper Work?
- Types of Heat Transfer Paper
- Step-By-Step Process for Using Transfer Paper on Shirts
- FAQs of Using Transfer Paper
- Conclusion
What Is Transfer Paper?
Transfer paper, precisely heat transfer paper, is a special type of paper on which a design is printed with special heat transfer inks. This design is then transferred onto the desired material using heat and pressure. It’s also known as iron on transfer paper as the regular iron may be used as a heat press for design transfer.
Printing directly onto some materials isn’t feasible. So, we use it as a design carrier. Moreover, with transfer paper, it’s easier to save and store multiple designs at once. These designs can then be used to transfer/achieve the design on any material – be it wood, fabric, or metal.
How Does Transfer Paper Work?
The heat transfer is different from the ordinary paper we use for printing. It's coated with a resin/wax layer. The coating holds the inked design printed on it.
When heat and pressure are applied to the transfer paper, the resin layer melts slightly. Consequently, the ink detaches from the paper and bonds with the surface of the target material, such as fabric, wood, or ceramics. The heat and pressure ensure that the resin and pigments adhere strongly to the target material.
Types of Heat Transfer Paper
T-shirt printing itself is quite huge and there are multiple t-shirt printing methods. Among them, heat transfer printing methods (that need a transfer paper) have a major share. Each method utilizes different inks and transfer paper for printing.
In some cases, the transfer paper (vinyl) becomes part of the fabric. In some cases, the ink gets deposited (inside or as a layer) to create the design – and the transfer paper is peeled off.
Heat Transfer Vinyl/Iron-On Vinyl
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is the most common and simplest of all materials, in terms of application. You can cut vinyl in the shape of the design and heat-press it. The vinyl sticks to it as a separate layer on the top. It is helpful when simple textual designs are a requirement.
Related reading:
Vinyl T-shirt Printing: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Use Heat Transfer Vinyl
Sublimation Paper
Sublimation paper is coated with 35% silica and 5% binder to hold sublimation dyes. When sublimation paper is heat-pressed, the dye vaporizes and gets embedded in the fabric. It works well on light-colored synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon. Beyond that, you can use it on metals, wood, and ceramics as well.
DTF PET Films
The PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film is used as transfer paper in DTF printing. It isn’t inherently coated. The design is first printed onto it with a printer. Then, an adhesive powder is applied to it, making the transfer process successful.
Screen-Printed Transfer Paper
In this case, the design is printed through screen printing via plastisol inks that are thicker and considered more durable.
Related reading:
How to Screen Print Shirts at Home in Only 3 Steps?
Transfer Paper for Light and Dark Fabrics
The transfer paper is separate for light and dark-colored fabrics; and so is its application method.
Light fabric transfer paper is for printing on light-colored fabrics (white or pale colors). While using this paper, you need to reverse (or mirror) the image because the paper will be placed with ink side down on the fabric. On heat pressing, the design sticks to the fabric, and the paper becomes transparent (which is peeled off).
Dark fabric transfer paper works well on both white and dark-colored fabrics. Unlike light transfer paper, you print your design normally (not mirrored). After printing, paper is placed face-up on the fabric, with a parchment paper sheet on top.
The dark fabric transfer paper stays opaque after ironing, that means the design remains vibrant and visible on dark fabrics. However, any borders around your design will also show up, which is something to keep in mind when choosing your designs.
Step-By-Step Process for Using Transfer Paper on Shirts
If you aim to print shirts with the transfer, here’s a detailed method that can streamline your journey:
1. Choose the Right Transfer Paper
Select the appropriate transfer paper based on the fabric and technique you are using. For example, if you’re using Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), you need a printable vinyl sheet. For sublimation, get a sublimation paper. Keep in mind the earlier point about dark and light fabric. Choose the transfer paper wisely.
2. Print Your Design
Get a design and print it onto the transfer paper using heat transfer inks. Make sure your printer is compatible with these inks to get the best results. For light fabric transfer paper, print your design in reverse (mirrored). For dark fabric transfer paper, print the design normally.
3. Cutting (Optional)
If you’re using printable HTV, you will need to cut out the design from the transfer paper. For that, a specialized cutting machine, like xTool M1 Ultra is required. If you’re using the regular heat transfer vinyl (which doesn’t need to be printed), this kind of cutter is a must to cut out the design.
4. Heat Press
Place your shirt on the heat press machine. Pre press the shirt to remove creases and moisture. Put the design facing down on the shirt and place a parchment paper or Teflon sheet over the design to protect it during the heating process.
Preheat the heat press. For different printing techniques, adhere to different temperature ranges. If you’re using an xTool heat press, follow this setting guide.
5. Peel Off and Finish
After pressing, peel off the backing paper while warm or cold, depending on what the instructions say.
FAQs of Using Transfer Paperr
Can you print on transfer paper?
Yes, transfer paper is primarily made for copying a design. And the first step is to print your design digitally onto the transfer paper.
How to print on heat transfer paper?
Feed it in the printer just like you input the regular paper. However, you will need a printer that supports special heat transfer inks. Print your design on the coated side of the paper.
Can you use transfer paper in a regular printer?
You can use transfer paper in a regular printer. However, you have to ensure that the heat transfer ink type is compatible with the printer.
Do you need special ink for heat transfer paper?
Heat transfer paper does require specialized inks. These are pigment and solvent-based inks that adhere or infuse into the material when heated.
Can you use transfer paper on wood?
Yes, you can use transfer paper for printing on wood. Generally, wood supports all printmaking techniques – so any type of transfer paper can be used for printing on wood.
Conclusion
So, transfer paper is the key tool for printing your favorite designs onto fabrics, wood, and other substrates. To complement the transfer process, you also need a cutting tool and a heat press.
Now, if you want to unlock the full potential of transfer paper, we recommend getting our all-new versatile craft machine, the xTool M1 Ultra, and the xTool Heat Press. With this combo, you can effortlessly create professional-quality designs on various materials. Try it today and elevate your crafting projects!
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