What is Heat Transfer Printing?
What is Heat Transfer Printing? Heat printing, also known as heat transfer printing, is the process of transferring heat-applied materials to various items (or substrates) using a heat press. Generally speaking, the term "heat printing" refers to the personalization and customization of garments, other textiles, and hard goods using a heat press. There is a wide variety of material that can be applied through heat printing, from heat transfer vinyls (commonly used on athletic uniforms), heat transfer materials featuring special effects (such as glow-in-the-dark or reflective properties), and screen printed transfers, to name just a few. Heat printing products are also referred to as heat applied graphics and heat transfers. There are several options for garment decoration, such as screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, and embroidery. Heat printing can be used in place of other methods or to supplement them. Learn more about heat transfer printing in the following sections. Comparing Decorating Methods Several methods exist for decorating and customizing apparel and other items. Each process has its own advantages and disadvantages. Product quality, start-up costs, and learning curve vary by method. Below is a description of each of the most common decorating methods. Embroidery In embroidery, designs are stitched onto the substrate with a needle and thread. Images and logos can be embroidered on a wide variety of materials and colors, producing professional-looking, long-lasting products. There are, however, drawbacks to this method. Because of the difficulty of using thread to produce shading, logos may need to be altered. It is also difficult to embroider small text and to achieve exact color-matching. Embroidery carries a steep learning curve. It can be more time-consuming and less cost-effective than other decorating options. Start-up costs vary widely, but include embroidery machines ranging in price from several hundred dollars (for hobby/enthusiast machines) to several thousand dollars for professional-grade models. Software for computer-aided embroidery can also cost anywhere from $200-$2000. In embroidery, designs are stitched onto the substrate with a needle and thread. Images and logos can be embroidered on a wide variety of materials and colors, producing professional-looking, long-lasting products. There are, however, drawbacks to this method. Because of the difficulty of using thread to produce shading, logos may need to be altered. It is also difficult to embroider small text and to achieve exact color-matching. Embroidery carries a steep learning curve. It can be more time-consuming and less cost-effective than other decorating options. Start-up costs vary widely, but include embroidery machines ranging in price from several hundred dollars (for hobby/enthusiast machines) to several thousand dollars for professional-grade models. Software for computer-aided embroidery can also cost anywhere from $200-$2000. Screen Printing In screen printing a piece of fabric is stretched over a wood or metal frame, creating a screen. A stencil is then created on the screen, which is placed over the substrate. Ink is forced through the open areas of the screen, creating an image on the substrate. This process is repeated for each color of the design being applied. Capable of producing detailed designs and logos, screen printing is usually more cost-effective than embroidery. Not only can images be produced on any color garment, but textures and effects (3-D, reflection, etc.) can also be applied. Screen printing also offers a quicker turn-around time on large orders. Set-up and clean-up for screen printing can be extensive and messy, limiting the number of colors for practical use. Also, some materials are not compatible with the process. Given the time and material used for each step of the process, screen printing is much better suited to large-volume jobs and is not efficient or economical for shortrun or sample production. Equipment costs for starting a small screen printing operation are in the $2000-$7000 range, and there is a steep learning curve. In screen printing a piece of fabric is stretched over a wood or metal frame, creating a screen. A stencil is then created on the screen, which is placed over the substrate. Ink is forced through the open areas of the screen, creating an image on the substrate. This process is repeated for each color of the design being applied. Capable of producing detailed designs and logos, screen printing is usually more cost-effective than embroidery. Not only can images be produced on any color garment, but textures and effects (3-D, reflection, etc.) can also be applied. Screen printing also offers a quicker turn-around time on large orders. Set-up and clean-up for screen printing can be extensive and messy, limiting the number of colors for practical use. Also, some materials are not compatible with the process. Given the time and material used for each step of the process, screen printing is much better suited to large-volume jobs and is not efficient or economical for short-run or sample production. Equipment costs for starting a small screen printing operation are in the $2000-$7000 range, and there is a steep learning curve. Heat Printing Heat printing is a decorating process which uses heatapplied materials and a heat press to transfer designs and images onto various items. There is a wide variety of heat printing processes, such as transfer papers, plastisol/screen printed transfers, dye sublimation, and print/cut applications. Heat printing is a decorating process which uses heat-applied materials and a heat press to transfer designs and images onto various items. There is a wide variety of heat printing processes, such as transfer papers, plastisol/screen printed transfers, dye sublimation, and print/cut applications. Transfer Paper Using a desktop color laser copier/printer or inkjet printer, full color designs are printed onto specialized transfer papers and heat applied to apparel or fabrics. This method is quick and inexpensive, allowing almost instant customization and requiring limited inventory of goods. Photo-quality images can be quickly printed and applied to garments. While this method offers the advantage of high-quality images, it has some drawbacks. Standard transfer paper will not show white images on any garment. Because most desktop printers do not have white ink, any areas which show white on the transfer paper will show as the garment color after application. This can be avoided by using special paper for dark garments, though this paper is more expensive and has a heavier feel than standard transfer paper. Also, unless properly trimmed, most transfer papers will leave an outline of excess coating around the image when transferred onto garments. Precise (and often time-consuming) trimming must be done before application. Furthermore, transfer paper is not as long-lasting as other decorating options. Start-up costs are low, as only photo-editing software, a desktop printer, and a heat press are needed. There is virtually no learning curve. Transfer Paper Using a desktop color laser copier/printer or inkjet printer, full color designs are printed onto specialized transfer papers and heat applied to apparel or fabrics. This method is quick and inexpensive, allowing almost instant customization and requiring limited inventory of goods. Photo-quality images can be quickly printed and applied to garments. While this method offers the advantage of high-quality images, it has some drawbacks. Standard transfer paper will not show white images on any garment. Because most desktop printers do not have white ink, any areas which show white on the transfer paper will show as the garment color after application. This can be avoided by using special paper for dark garments, though this paper is more expensive and has a heavier feel than standard transfer paper. Also, unless properly trimmed, most transfer papers will leave an outline of excess coating around the image when transferred onto garments. Precise (and often time-consuming) trimming must be done before application. Furthermore, transfer paper is not as longlasting as other decorating options. Start-up costs are low, as only photo-editing software, a desktop printer, and a heat press are needed. There is virtually no learning curve. Heat Transfer Material Often used for production of letters and numbers on Tshirts and jerseys, this method involves heat application of designs cut from vinyl, which is available in a variety of colors, textures, and effects (i.e. reflective, glow-in-thedark, etc.). These designs can be pre-ordered from a manufacturer or custom-cut in-house using vinyl cutting equipment. Heat transfer material images are sturdy and long-lasting, and can be applied easily (using a heat press) to a number of different garments and accessories in any quantity. Photo-quality designs cannot be applied using this method and each design must be individually cut and weeded (excess vinyl removed from around the image). Complex patterns thus can prove problematic. Start-up costs include a heat press and supplies. For smaller operations an inventory of pre-cut letters and numbers may prove sufficient, but as the business expands the need for in-house production may present itself. Vinyl cutters can range in price from $500-$2000, and need to be stocked with rolls of vinyl in various colors. Heat Transfer Material Often used for production of letters and numbers on T-shirts and jerseys, this method involves heat application of designs cut from vinyl, which is available in a variety of colors, textures, and effects (i.e. reflective, glow-in-the-dark, etc.). These designs can be preordered from a manufacturer or custom-cut in-house using vinyl cutting equipment. Heat transfer material images are sturdy and long-lasting, and can be applied easily (using a heat press) to a number of different garments and accessories in any quantity. Photo-quality designs cannot be applied using this method and each design must be individually cut and weeded (excess vinyl removed from around the image). Complex patterns thus can prove problematic. Start-up costs include a heat press and supplies. For smaller operations an inventory of pre-cut letters and numbers may prove sufficient, but as the business expands the need for in-house production may present itself. Vinyl cutters can range in price from $500-$2000, and need to be stocked with rolls of vinyl in various colors. Digital Printing Digital printing describes any process which produces long-lasting full color transfers. Extremely versatile, digital printing allows images and graphics with fine details to be applied to both light and dark-colored garments. Digital printing options include: Digital Printing Digital printing describes any process which produces long-lasting full color transfers. Extremely versatile, digital printing allows images and graphics with fine details to be applied to both light and dark-colored garments. Digital printing options include printable heat transfer material, dye sublimation, and Direct to garment printing. Printable Heat Transfer Material Combining the durability of heat transfer vinyl with the ability to produce high-quality images, this method involves using a printer/cutter to produce an image which is then weeded and heat applied. Designs can be customordered from a manufacturer or produced using in-house equipment. Great for low-quantity jobs and personalization; durable full color images can be applied to garments and accessories of any color. For in-house equipment, start-up costs can be quite high and the equipment can come with a steep learning curve. Printable Heat Transfer Material Combining the durability of heat transfer vinyl with the ability to produce high-quality images, this method involves using a printer/cutter to produce an image which is then weeded and heat applied. Designs can be custom-ordered from a manufacturer or produced using in-house equipment. Great for low-quantity jobs and personalization; durable full color images can be applied to garments and accessories of any color. For in-house equipment, start-up costs can be quite high and the equipment can come with a steep learning curve. Sublimation (Dye Sublimation) Using ink printed on transfer paper and applied with heat and pressure, this technique prints directly onto polyesters and specially-coated hard goods, such as mugs and bags. In sublimation the design is actually dyed onto the substrate, producing an extremely vivid and durable transfer. Dye sublimation provides sharp, colorful images with a soft feel, allowing fabric to stay light and breathable. Images produced with sublimation are highly customizable, making this method great for personalization and short-run jobs. The process can also be used on a variety of specially-coated hard goods, such as ceramics, metal, and glass. Because sublimation is limited to use on white or light-colored materials and because the garment must be made of or coated with polyester, it is not an ideal method for use on garments. Sublimated garments are produced using a dye, not an ink, so not all printers will work well with the process, and sublimation printers require a good deal of maintenance. In addition, inks can be expensive and require the use of color-correction software, and direct matches to Pantone Color Matching System (PMS) colors can be difficult. Start-up costs for dye sublimation are fairly low. A computer, graphics software, printer, special dye sublimation printer cartridges, and a heat press are needed, and many of these items will already be found in a decorating shop. Depending on the operator’s previous experience, the dye sublimation learning curve can be quite steep. Sublimation (Dye Sublimation) Using ink printed on transfer paper and applied with heat and pressure, this technique prints directly onto polyesters and speciallycoated hard goods, such as mugs and bags. In sublimation the design is actually dyed onto the substrate, producing an extremely vivid and durable transfer. Dye sublimation provides sharp, colorful images with a soft feel, allowing fabric to stay light and breathable. Images produced with sublimation are highly customizable, making this method great for personalization and short-run jobs. The process can also be used on a variety of specially-coated hard goods, such as ceramics, metal, and glass. Because sublimation is limited to use on white or light-colored materials and because the garment must be made of or coated with polyester, it is not an ideal method for use on garments. Sublimated garments are produced using a dye, not an ink, so not all printers will work well with the process, and sublimation printers require a good deal of maintenance. In addition, inks can be expensive and require the use of color-correction software, and direct matches to Pantone Color Matching System (PMS) colors can be difficult. Start-up costs for dye sublimation are fairly low. A computer, graphics software, printer, special dye sublimation printer cartridges, and a heat press are needed, and many of these items will already be found in a decorating shop. Depending on the operator’s previous experience, the dye sublimation learning curve can be quite steep. Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing In direct-to-garment printing, an image or logo is printed directly onto a garment and is then cured using a heat press or dryer. Allowing quick order fulfillment, DTG is a good way to augment a screen-printing or embroidery business and is great for small jobs. DTG produces brilliant colors and, unlike screen printing, it offers the ability to print color blends and transitions. While it produces brilliant full-color images, DTG ink is not opaque, so colors will differ when printed on differentcolored garments. Best for white and light-colored garments, DTG can now be used on dark garments, though a white background must be printed first. Not all DTG printers offer white ink, and user-reviews of the printability of white inks are mixed at best. And while setup time is far less than with screen printing, most garments will need to be pre-treated and heat pressed before being printed. Direct-to garment printing requires virtually no learning curve, but equipment can be costly. Printers can cost anywhere from $6000 to $20,000 and require daily maintenance. Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing In direct-to-garment printing, an image or logo is printed directly onto a garment and is then cured using a heat press or dryer. Allowing quick order fulfillment, DTG is a good way to augment a screen-printing or embroidery business and is great for small jobs. DTG produces brilliant colors and, unlike screen printing, it offers the ability to print color blends and transitions. While it produces brilliant full-color images, DTG ink is not opaque, so colors will differ when printed on different-colored garments. Best for white and light-colored garments, DTG can now be used on dark garments, though a white background must be printed first. Not all DTG printers offer white ink, and user-reviews of the printability of white inks are mixed at best. And while setup time is far less than with screen printing, most garments will need to be pre-treated and heat pressed before being printed. Direct to garment printing requires virtually no learning curve, but equipment can be costly. Printers can cost anywhere from $6000 to $20,000 and require daily maintenance. Heat Printing Applications With many options to choose from, heat transfers allow for endless creativity and versatility. Commonly used heat transfers: Pre-cut letters and numbers are great for uniform or jersey personalization and can be ordered by the pack, kit, or team set. Player name and number sets can be ordered on one easy-to-apply sheet. Heat seal embroidered letters are a terrific way to add an appliqué look to hats and bags. Inkjet/Color Laser Copier (CLC) transfers are a great way to customize T-shirts for special events, such as family reunions, charity events, or private parties. Graphics created from heat transfer materials allow you to create a custom look – great for on-demand personalization. Screen printed (plastisol) transfers offer easyto-use, one-step application with the look and feel of direct screen printing. Full color digital transfers allow quick, greatlooking application of detailed, multi-color designs and logos, and can even include shading and color transitions. Plus, they're great for items that can't be screen printed or embroidered, like nylon jackets and bags, swimsuits, stretchable performance wear, umbrellas, and more. Heat Printing Benefits Heat printing is the worlds' fastest, easiest way to customize a garment. Because it is simple to learn and requires a low capital investment, more and more decorators are bringing heat printing capabilities inhouse. It's the fastest, easiest, most cost-effective way to print samples and production proofs, and to offer quick turnaround on custom garment orders you may currently be turning down. The ability to offer instant, on-demand personalization of a wide variety of items at a profit is the single greatest advantage of heat printing. Screen printing and direct embroidery are not always costeffective or even possible for many items, such as hard goods, performance wear, or oddly-shaped items. In these cases, heat printing offers a quick, affordable alternative to more traditional decorating techniques. The ability to offer instant, on-demand personalization of a wide variety of items at a profit is the single greatest advantage of heat printing. Screen printing and direct embroidery are not always costeffective or even possible for many items, such as hard goods, performance wear, or oddly-shaped items. In these cases, heat printing offers a quick, affordable alternative to more traditional decorating techniques. There are numerous benefits to heat printing: Heat printing is easy, and there is a short learning curve. It can be done in small spaces – a heat press will not take up valuable room in your shop. Start-up costs are low. Heat presses range in price from $595 to $2500. Fast and affordable, heat printing allows for high profit margins. It can be combined with other decorating methods to create one-of-a-kind products. Heat printing is great for short runs, sample production, and personalization. Little set-up and quick turnaround allows you to offer customers great-looking products in a short amount of time. Designs such as over-the-shoulder or wrap-around prints can be heat pressed onto various locations on a garment. Designs can be printed on various types of apparel, bags, and hard goods. A comprehensive list is available here. What is a Heat Press? Also known as heat press machines, heat transfer presses, and heat transfer press machines, heat presses are available in many makes, models, styles, and sizes. Heat presses apply the heat and pressure needed to transfer heat applied materials to a substrate. They usually consist of a heated flat plate (the upper platen) and a padded lower platen, between which the substrate is placed for design application. What are the Different Uses For a Heat Press? The variety of uses for a heat press include the application of various types of heat applied materials (listed below), curing of Direct to Garment (DTG) printing, smoothing of embroidery after sewing, and dye sublimation. What Can I Decorate Using A Heat Press? The list of items (or substrates) that can be imprinted using a heat press or mug heat press is constantly growing. Typically, apparel such as T-shirts, golf shirts, and sweatshirts and pants come to mind when one thinks of heat pressing. But with the ever-evolving heat press industry items like caps, nylon jackets and bags, canvas bags, spandex and neoprene garments, and even coffee mugs can be customized using heat applied material. Below is an extensive list of heat press ideas. Clothing T-Shirts (with and without pockets, full front/back, left chest and sleeves) Hoodies (non-split front, split front and zippered) Sweatshirts & Pants Tank Tops Vests Fleece Garments Performance Wear (compression garments) Swimsuits Swimsuit Cover-Ups Neoprene Jackets Polyester Jackets Nylon Jackets Jean Jackets Jeans Correctional Facility Uniforms Promotional Products Padfolio/Portfolio (leather, nylon, fabric, zippered) Memo Books Backpacks Umbrellas Wallets Can Koozies Bottle Koozies Wine Koozies Wine Bags Lunch Bags Insulated Bags Brief Cases Laptop Bags Laptop Sleeves USB Pouches Messenger Bags Drawstring Sport Packs Bank Bags Aprons Onesies Socks Shorts Underwear Pajamas Band Uniforms Shoes Flip-Flops Caps (baseball, visors, sunhat, skull cap, beanie) Fishing Vests Belts (Leather, Fabric) Boots Mittens/Gloves Diaper Covers Neckties Scrubs Military Uniforms Suspenders Corporate ID Wear (Polos, dress shirts, oxfords) Snow Pants Snowmobile Gear Lab Coats Bathrobes Baby Bibs Leotards Safety Wear (shirts, vests, jackets) Yoga Pants Leggings Miscellaneous Ribbons (for hair & Christmas trees) Storage Bins & Boxes Luggage Tags Business Card Holders Golf Bags Golf Gloves Golf Tee Holder Tea Towels Flags Burgees Sunglasses Fanny Pack Cell Phone Holders Key Fobs Mouse Pads Magnets Book Marks Lanyards Polypropylene Bags Stadium Chairs Beach Chairs Directors Chairs Travel Folding Chairs Bean Bag Chairs Bowling Ball Bags Bowling Towels Neck Wallet Neck Badge Holders Mouse Pads Coasters Cloth Grocery Bags Pet Apparel and Accessories Pet Coats Pet Rain Coats Pet Shirts Boxing Gloves Baby Blankets Cloth Photo Frames Bandanas Head Bands Wristbands Lamp Shades Throw Pillows Leather Bracelets Slip Covers Tents Sleeping Bags Curtains Toilet Seat Covers Towels Wheelchairs and Accessories (bags, seat covers) Diaper Bags Purses Christmas Tree Skirts Cloth Napkins Cloth Banners Guitar Straps Stuffed Animals Dish Towels Table Cloth Stadium Blankets Pageant Sashes Cloth Awnings Hammocks Musical Instrument Bags Tennis Racket Covers Bat Bags Golf Flags Doll Clothes Doll Bedding Bedding Sheets Pillow Cases Tote Bags Gardening Caddies Garment Bags Pet Dresses Pet Pajamas Pet Beds Pet Shelters Pet Bandanas Pet Foot Covers (shoes) Dog Back Packs Collars Harnesses Leashes Soft -Sided Bowls Bags Doggie Potty Pants Birdcage Covers Horse Blankets Horse Tail Bags Horse Mane Covers Round Duffle Bags Stool Covers Floor Mats Costumes Fans Clothing Tags
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