Transfer print – everything you need to know about the popular clothing print

In the world of printing, there are many different techniques, methods, and prints. Each of them comes with unique characteristics, as well as advantages and disadvantages. We have chosen to focus our entire production on one of the most popular prints, the transfer print, and in this guide, we will share our expertise in this field. We will take a deep dive into what a transfer print is, how it works, the different types available, and more!

What is a transfer print?

Transfer prints are created by first printing a desired logo or design onto a carrier, such as polyester film, and then curing it in an oven. The print can then be stored or applied to a material using heat and pressure. Transfer prints are primarily used for printing on textiles like shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and bags, but also for labels, promotional items, and souvenirs.
Transfer prints, an indirect printing method, are based on the screen printing technique. The difference between the two methods is that in screen printing, the design is directly printed onto the garment, whereas in transfer printing, as mentioned above, it is first transferred onto a carrier film or paper.

How is a transfer print manufactured, more precisely?

We delve into our own production process in a separate guide. However, in general, it can be stated that the process of creating a transfer print begins when a design is created on a computer and then uploaded as vector graphics into a tool, such as Adobe Illustrator. The desired design is then transferred onto a carrier film in several steps, depending on the number of colors the logo has. Finally, the back of the carrier is coated with a powder that becomes sticky when heated – the type of adhesive used plays a crucial role in terms of longevity, high quality, and durability. Subsequently, the transfer print is cured in an oven and is ready to be applied or stored. During application, the print is pressed onto the garment in a transfer press over a specific duration of time and at a specific temperature. The heat and pressure from the press cause the adhesive layer to fuse with the fabric.

Consistent pressure and even heat are especially important to ensure the durability of the transfer print. If the print is applied incorrectly, it may come off over time. It can also be challenging to print on garments with certain types of coatings. We provide more detailed information about various types of textiles and how to print on them in the Print Guide.

Different Types of Transfer Prints

It can sometimes be challenging to make an exact distinction between certain printing methods. Some of them might even overlap, like thermal transfer printing. Here, we list methods that are in some way connected to the category of transfer prints:

Screen Printing

Screen printing, the predecessor to transfer printing, is a method where ink or color is transferred onto a surface through a fine-mesh screen. The screen is equipped with a stencil that contains the desired design. The color is applied to the screen and pushed through the openings in the mesh using a squeegee. The print is then cured by heating the garment in an oven.
In transfer printing, the design is first printed on a carrier and then cured. When transfers are ready, they can either be stored or applied directly to the garment using a transfer press. The color is then transferred from the carrier to the fabric.

Offset Printing

Offset printing is an indirect printing method. The print is not transferred directly from the printing plate to the paper or fabric, but indirectly through a roller. There are areas that repel water and accept printing ink, as well as areas that attract water and repel ink. This creates a printed image on the plate, which is then transferred onto the material. Offset printing is known for its high print quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Digital Transfer Printing

With this printing method, the image is directly printed from a computer onto transfer paper. Digital transfer printing is suitable for smaller quantities and hobbyists. Although this option offers almost limitless possibilities, the designs unfortunately lose a significant amount of their quality after washing, with colors fading and the foil often wrinkling.

Thermal Transfer Printing

This technique involves placing a special foil with temperature-sensitive ink between the material and a thermal print head. The heating elements in the print head transfer the design through pressure onto the desired material.

Direct-to-Film (DTF) Transfer Printing

Here, an image is printed in reverse onto a specially coated foil using special ink. After the ink is applied, adhesive is sprinkled onto the wet ink and cured with heat. The print is then transferred using a transfer press onto various surfaces, such as cotton, leather, or solid materials.

Types of Transfer Prints

Transfer prints are used to transfer logos, images, or designs onto various surfaces. At our company, you’ll find transfer prints with different properties, making them suitable for various purposes. Strong Heat Transfer, for example, is excellent for textiles that require a permanent and durable transfer print. This transfer can be ordered in the entire Pantone-C color range, with solid colors or shades. If you’re looking for more impactful prints, Rexlex Heat Transfer is worth considering. Our reflective transfer foil can be produced in all shades and allows for creating eye-catching garments. This variant is often used in clothing for nighttime construction workers. A third type of transfer print is Flex Heat Transfer, a stretchable transfer for thin, flexible fabrics. This includes sportswear and technical clothing that adapt to the wearer’s movements. The impressive durability and longevity of transfer prints, especially against environmental factors like sunlight, high humidity, rain, or snow, make them an appealing choice.

What colors can a transfer print be made in?

One of the major strengths of transfer prints is their color versatility. Since the design is first printed on a carrier, you can create designs with the full range of Pantone-C colors. You can print with solid colors, gradients, shading effects, and reflective colors. This includes not only basic colors but also complex color gradients and even photorealistic images. Additionally, transfer prints allow for white printing, which is not possible with several other printing techniques. When manufacturing transfers, we print white as the final layer, enabling our prints to be applied to garments with light, dark, and vibrant colors.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Transfer Print

Just like every printing method, a transfer print has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some reasons why you should choose a transfer print over other printing methods:

Simplicity: Once the design is printed, applying the transfer to the fabric is a straightforward process. With the right equipment and routine, nothing can go wrong.
Versatility: A transfer print can be applied to a variety of materials. At Hot Screen, we specialize in fabric transfer prints. It’s possible to apply multiple transfer prints on the same garment, such as logos, numbers, sponsors, and more. This versatile product suits both casual wear and workwear for companies, sports associations, and sports clubs.
Quality: When applied correctly, a transfer print lasts throughout the garment’s lifespan and can be washed between 60°C and 85°C, depending on the type of transfer.
Cost: Our production process is so streamlined that our transfer prints are one of the most cost-effective printing methods, especially for larger quantities.

The disadvantages of a transfer print are:

Time consumption: Since each color requires a separate ink layer, the manufacturing process takes more time than some other printing methods.

Although the manufacturing process for a transfer print takes time, it offers more advantages. Overall, a transfer print is a high-quality, efficient, and economical method for clothing branding.

When Is a Transfer Print Used?

A transfer print is often used when individual, full-color designs need to be printed on textiles or other materials. With a transfer, you have the ability to create multi-colored print patterns with gradients. Transfer prints can be applied to most garments in small and large sizes, featuring logos, photorealistic effects, reflectivity, or flat colors. It’s a versatile print that generally fits all scenarios, whether it’s for rugged workwear, sports or corporate attire, on shirts, pants, bags, and other accessories. You can even store our transfers on the shelf for up to 5 years, making them handy for quick needs.

How Long Does a Transfer Print Last?

The durability of a transfer print can vary depending on the type of material being branded and how it’s cared for. For example, printing on materials like softshell can be more challenging because it tends to “bleed through” the print. The result is a spotty print that looks “moldy.” As a solution to this issue, we have developed the Blocker add-on.

To finally answer the question of how long a transfer print lasts: when applied correctly, Hot Screen’s transfer prints last as long as the garments they are applied to.

What Does a Transfer Print Cost?

The costs of a transfer print can vary depending on the size and complexity of the design, the number of items to be printed, and the type of transfer print. Feel free to contact us for a price estimate. In our online shop, we also provide a comprehensive order tool and a price calculator to help our customers determine prices early on, before placing an order.

Tips for Applying a Transfer Print

Depending on the textile you are printing on, there are various aspects to consider to achieve a perfect textile print. In general, you can follow these steps:

Test the transfer in advance on a similar piece of fabric to ensure that the colors and design look as intended.
Select the appropriate heat and pressure for your transfer. You can find tips in our Printing Guide, where we explain the printing process step by step on different fabrics.
Place the print correctly on your material. Proper placement is crucial for the final look.
Use professional equipment. A high-quality transfer press can make a significant difference in the quality and durability of your prints and is therefore crucial for success.
Check your work before finishing. Make sure the transfer has adhered completely to the material and that there are no bubbles or creases.

With these tips, you’ll achieve a really good transfer print. Good luck!