Heat transfer, also known as thermal printing, thermal-transfer printing and thermal-wax transfer, is a method of printing that allows you to print a design onto a piece of clothing or an object. Heat transfer printing uses the process of heat to transfer an image created in wax to an object or garment. This printing method is compatible with pre-painted images on a wax sheet or can be used to create an image by layering wax dye onto an object.

Materials Used in Heat Transfer Printing

A printer is used for the heat transfer process, but it requires special inks to work. These wax-based inks ribbon together, and an image is created from the printer pressing the ribbon against an object, whilst a heat press is used on the opposite side until the ink melts off the ribbon and creates an image on the object.

Benefits of Heat Transfer Printing

All printing methods have different advantages that they bring to the table. Heat transfer printing is widely used as it creates durable, heat resistant, adhesive and water-resistant designs. Additionally, the colours created in the image are high resolution with bright and bold colours.

The Process of Heat Transfer Printing

Firstly, you need to create your design and ensure that it’s in the appropriate format to achieve the best possible results. To prepare for this, ensure your artwork is 300dpi, convert all text to outlines and use vector-based files such as adobe illustrator files; Creative Design & Printing can help assist you with preparing your images.

Now, you’ve got your image ready, it’s time to start the heat transfer process.

1. The design will be printed onto a special transfer paper which can imprint sharp designs and images.
2. The garment is loaded into the heat press which stretches the garment, allowing the inks to adhere to the fabric easier.
3. The transfer paper with the design will be placed on the part of the garment or object where you want the image to be printed and will be secured firmly in place.
4. The heat press will now hold the transfer paper and the garment together until the waxy ink melts and transfers to the garment.
5. After about 15 seconds, the garment is released from the heat press and is set aside to cool down.
6. Once everything has cooled down, the transfer paper is removed from the garment or the object being used, and you will be left with a crisp, full coloured design that is long-lasting.

When to use Heat Transfer Printing

Heat transfer can be the best method of printing in certain scenarios as it produces high-quality, photo-realistic and colourful images when executed correctly by a professional. Due to the realistic photographic images, heat transfer is a preferred method when transferring photo images onto a garment or an object such as shirts for hen and stag parties and novelty gifts. Heat transfer also works well if the image will be exposed to the elements frequently, as the design won’t be damaged or fade. It can also be an ideal printing method to use with objects including mugs as the wax image will not be washed off in the water. Heat transfer is also commonly used to print names or numbers onto sports kits.