Transfer Paper: Its Definition, Selecting Philosophy & Types

April 9, 2020

Heat transfer is an extremely dynamic field, with new innovations being developed and introduced on a continuous basis. There are a wide range of methods available for transferring images, text, graphics, logos, and other types of designs to fabrics and substrates. While screen printing, or silk screen, is one of the most common and widely used methods, professional designers and hobbyists can achieve very similar results by employing specialty transfer papers.

The heat printing process using transfer paper is similar to the direct-to-fabric process or screen printing but does not carry the same high costs. Designers need only a heat press or a home iron to transport the illustration to a shirt or the material of their choice. Transfer papers are also quite easy to apply for and use. However, different forms of crafts require very different materials and methods. Hence, it is best to know what you need from your project in order to identify what kinds of transfer paper to purchase and how to use them appropriately.

What is Transfer Paper?

Generally speaking, you can use transfer paper to print on anything that you would like to with the help of an inkjet printer. It's common that transfer paper is used to transfer print on a T-shirt, for example. Meanwhile, transfer paper is characterized by sticky paper for commercial usage, such as mugs. What's more, it should be noted that the term transfer paper is the same as transfer tape.

How to Choose Transfer Paper?

The first thing you need to do is to identify the type of printer. There is a need for you to get familiar with your printer. It's common that two types of printers are available on the market, namely, laser and inkjet. You should ensure your printer is compatible with the purchase. Otherwise, it would be a chance to choose the inappropriate paper type. If you have no idea about the type of printer, just search what you have on Google or scan the userbook attached by your product.

On the other hand, you should consider the color of your fabric. To save time and money on choosing transfer paper, it's required to know the color of the garment used. In most cases, fabric with light colors is suitable for the use of light transfer paper. Fabric with dark colors can be decorated with transfer paper using an opaque polymer. Should you opt not to utilize these specific papers, the transmission of your image onto the fabric may deviate from its original design.

Types of Transfer Paper

Inkjet Transfer Paper

The use of inkjet transfer paper is ideal for home use and small business applications. The process involves transporting images, numbers, and texts onto specially coated inkjet transfer paper using normal inkjet paper and normal dye-based or pigmented inkjet inks. The inkjet transfer papers are suitable for both dark and light-colored garments, but the method of application will slightly vary.

Sublimation Transfer Paper

The sublimation transfer paper is used in combination with the sublimation print system and inks. Under this type of heat transfer paper, the ink sublimates or turns directly into a gas without first liquefying. The sublimation method issues varying amounts of primary colors with a clear coating on the sublimation transfer paper. Sublimation transfer paper achieves the best results on synthetic fiber, polyester, and polyester blends but is not suitable for printing on cotton or cotton-based fabrics.

Similarly, sublimation transfer paper is also widely used to print hard goods such as mugs and other promotional items. In addition, the sublimation transfer paper helps you create a more professional and cleaner look, thus leaving no difference between the actual image and the garment on which it is printed.

Plastisol Screen-Printed Transfer Paper

Plastisol screen-printed transfer paper, or hot-split transfer paper, is a method of transferring images that produces a finished product almost identical to screen printing. During the process of printing, the illustration is transported to the plastisol transfer paper using a screen printer. A heat press or iron is then used to print the image on the garment. This method is less expensive than the sublimation printing technique. However, the printing method using plastisol transfer paper requires investment in specialized equipment such as heat presses and screen printers.

Final Words

Transfer papers are widely used in the textile sector, small and medium enterprises, as well as home applications. Which type of transfer paper you acquire and use depends largely on your own style, preferences, budget, and the various demands of the project you undertake.