Heat Transfers, also called heat applied transfers, are a popular form of digital print. They allow for a full colour print spectrum and can be applied to a wide range of fabrics and products made from cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex and even neoprene.

HOW IT WORKS

The print design is printed digitally onto white textile vinyl using eco solvent inks. Once printed, the printer cuts around the contour of the design. The production staff then “weed” the unwanted parts of vinyl out of the design by peeling any white excess vinyl off. Depending on the level of detail in the design, this process can take more or less time. A special application tape is placed over the weeded design, and once everything is positioned correctly on the garment, the vinyl is heat pressed on. When the application tape is cool enough to touch, it is removed from the print and – voilá – the garment is finished. 

all in the design

Although heat transfers are very versatile, they are mainly suitable for bold shaped and cohesive designs. For example, thin lines, fine scripted text, free standing elements or delicate designs are less suitable for this print technique and should rather be printed with a screen print or direct-to-garment print depending on fabric choice and number of colours in the design.

Heat transfers are also suitable for one-off prints or varying prints which is why they are our default print method for printing individual names or numbers on sport jerseys and other garments.