Heat-transfer is a two step process of printing on fabrics. The design is transferred from the paper to the fabric using heat and pressure. First, the art work is printed with special ink on wax paper. Second, the design is transferred to the fabric by using heat along with a heat press; similar to an iron. Heat triggers this special ink to create an adhesive on the opposite side of the wax paper, the ink sticks to the fabric; the wax paper is peeled away and the design remains. Transfer printing has become more popular over the years because full color images can be printed on fabrics. This process lets you print full color images on garments. It is an easy process and can take 3–5 minutes to make one item.
Pros
- Small quantity runs allow customers to get their items faster.
- Photo prints can be transferred in full color.
- Allows for a variety of colors and placements on a garment.
- Software allows graphics to be altered with unlimited options.
Cons
- Large quantity runs are expensive and time consuming
- Prints fade after several washes and do not last long.
- Prints are stiff, making the fabric firm
- Prints are appear best on light colored t-shirts.
- Ironing prints will ruin image