What Is A Transfer?

A heat transfer consists of an image screen printed in reverse (i.e. mirrored) and applied to a piece of high release paper. The image is usually printed onto the paper with plastisol inks which have the characteristics of being flexible enough for stretching and durable enough for wearability. The image is applied to the apparel using a heat press machine which uses high temperature (typically 385 degrees Fahrenheit) and pressure to transfer the ink from the paper to the garment. The process of transferring an image from the paper to the garment typically takes typically 8-12 seconds and does not require a drying or curing process once applied.

Transfers are available in a variety of sizes, processes, and colors and can be applied to any 100% cotton, 50/50 cotton/poly, nylon, or fleece. Most transfers produced today are known as hot split transfers where the ink splits between the transfer paper and garment when heated. Other popular transfer types include puff (ink that puffs), glitter (ink that sparkles), and foil (ink that shines). You may also want to give your design a velvety look by using a flock transfer. (click here for available colors).

Since the image is screen printed directly to the transfer paper instead of a garment the image is usually superior to that of a direct screen print. Since screen printing and heat transfers are so similar it may be difficult to decide which best suits your needs. If you are planning on having many pieces of apparel done at one time and will not be needing any additional garments produced. Screen printing may be the way to go. If you are uncertain the amount of garments you need or may need additional garments in the near future heat transfers may be the way to go.

You can have the heat transfers printed on the transfer paper and purchase as many transfers as you wish we would heat press what you need to use now and have the rest stored until you need additional apparel. At that time we would use the stored transfers and avoid the timely and costly expense of printing additional images saving you the cost of set-up and screens. We would then heat press the transfers onto the apparel in a fraction of the time of having traditional screen printing done.

Your design can be as simple or complex as you want with up to a 7 color design. You may choose from our wide variety of stock graphics or use your own custom design.

If you would like a quote on your custom transfer project click here.