Introduction to Apparel Heat Transfer

By: Jennifer Posted on: Mar 3, 2023

Heat transfer is a widely used method for adding designs and graphics to a variety of garments, including t-shirts, hats, and more. The process involves printing a design onto a special transfer paper and then using heat and pressure to transfer the design onto the garment.
But before we start, let us take a look at the different types of heat transfers.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

Vinyl with an adhesive side is cut and applied to a fabric with a heat press. This method is great for smaller quantities, personalization, variable data, sports names, numbering, and on-site decorating.

Screen Printed Transfers

In this method, the screen printing ink is applied in reverse on a special paper to create the authentic look and feel of a traditionally screen-printed item. This is later transferred to the apparel using a heat press.

Digitally Printed Heat Transfer Vinyl

This variation involves a printable vinyl with an adhesive that is printed with an eco-solvent printer. It comes in many different finishes, including gloss and matte.

Best Fabrics for Heat Transfer

When it comes to heat transfer, not all t-shirts are created equal. Some fabrics are much easier to work with and produce better results than others. If you want to create high-quality, long-lasting heat transfer designs, it's important to choose the right t-shirt fabric.

Cotton is generally considered the best fabric for heat transfer. It is a natural fiber that is soft, durable and absorbs ink well, which makes it easy to work with and produces high-quality results. Cotton t-shirts are also breathable and comfortable to wear, which makes them a popular choice for custom garments.

Polyester is another good choice for heat transfer. It is a synthetic fiber that is strong, lightweight and has a smooth surface, which makes it easy to work with and produces good results. Polyester t-shirts are also moisture-wicking and quick-drying, which can be helpful for active wear or in hot weather.

Blends of cotton and polyester can also be suitable for heat transfer, depending on the ratio of the two fibers. It's important to test a sample of the fabric before committing to a large order, as some blends may not work as well for heat transfer.

Other factors to consider when choosing a t-shirt for heat transfer include the weight and thickness of the fabric, as well as the color and texture of the surface. Darker colors and textured fabrics may be more difficult to work with and produce less crisp results.

In general, it's best to choose a t-shirt that is made of a smooth, lightweight, and absorbent fabric, such as 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and polyester. By selecting the right t-shirt, you can ensure that your heat transfer designs look their best and last as long as possible.

3 Pro Tips to perfect your Heat Transfer

Pre-press the fabric:

Before heat-pressing, the design onto the garment, press the fabric by itself for a few seconds. This will help remove any moisture or creases from the garment, and ensure that shrinkage doesn’t cause any issues.

Apply Even Temperature

If you need a high-quality finish to the printed garments, it is essential to heat press at the proper temperature. Consider investing in an infrared thermometer heat gun to check the temperature and ensure that there are no cold spots on your heat-press plate.

Start at the lowest range of temp and work up!

Every time you press a new product, start decorating at the lowest end of the recommended heat temp. This will ensure that you don't damage any products or waste money during the process.

Why Choose Heat Transfer for Apparel

There are several benefits to using heat transfer for custom apparel. One of the main advantages is the wide range of design options it offers. With heat transfer, it is possible to print full-color graphics, photographs, and other complex designs onto garments, which may not be possible with other printing methods such as screen printing.

Heat transfer is also a relatively quick and easy process. Once the transfer paper has been printed, the design can be transferred onto the garment in just a few minutes using a heat press or iron. This makes it a great option for small businesses and individuals who need to produce custom apparel on a tight timeline.

Another advantage of heat transfer is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to other printing methods. It does not require the use of expensive screens or other specialized equipment, which can make it a more cost-effective option for smaller orders or one-off designs.

Limitations of Heat Transfer

However, there are also a few disadvantages to heat transfer. One of the main limitations is that the designs are not as durable as those produced using other printing methods. Let us take a look at a few of them.

Heat transfer designs can fade or peel over time, especially if they are frequently washed or exposed to sunlight. This can be a concern for businesses or individuals who need their custom apparel to have a longer lifespan.

Heat transfer is comparatively more time-consuming compared to methods such as screen printing. This is caused by the two-step process where you have to print the design on heat transfer paper and then press it onto the fabric. The time requirement makes it less favorable for large-volume orders.

Conclusion

Heat transfer remains a popular and effective method for adding custom designs to apparel. It is quick, cost-effective, and allows for a wide range of design options. If you want to get started in heat transfer, explore our inventory for the best products.