Hot To Iron On Transfers

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IRON-ON TRANSFERS

There are kits available that give you everything you need, including software and a t-shirt, or you can assemble your own materials. Whichever route you go, here's what you'll need for the typical iron-on style of transfer printed from your desktop printer and applied with a household iron:

• Software (to design your t-shirt or other iron-on transfer; see below)
• Artwork
• Transfer paper
• Printer
• Iron (or heat transfer press)
• Hard surface (if using an iron)
• Pillowcase or other fabric (if using an iron)
• T-shirt or other item to receive transfer.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR IRON-ON TRANSFERS

When the instructions say you need a HOT iron, they mean it. Here are tips and explanations based on my own experience with creating and applying iron-on transfers.

• Print a Preview
  Always, always, always print a preview copy of your image before printing it on the (expensive) transfer paper. Do this to insure that colors print correctly, that your image doesn't fall into your printer's no-print zone along the margins, and to see what size your design will be (sometimes the on-screen view can be deceiving).
• Flip Image
  Don't forget to flip or mirror your image. This is especially critical if you have text in your design. The text should be backwards on screen or on the print out. (Another good reason to print a preview copy first!) Some programs do this automatically.
• Use the Right Kind of Transfer Paper
  If you have a laser printer, be sure to purchase transfer paper specifically for laser printers. Most t-shirt transfer paper is for inkjet printers. Transfer papers for white t-shirts is different from paper for black t-shirts. For example, the Avery Personal Creations Light T-Shirt Transfers (Buy Direct) are for white and light-colored fabrics. Avery Dark T-Shirt Transfers are specifically designed for dark-colored 100% cotton fabric. Get the right kind of transfer paper for your printer and your fabric.
• Use the Right Side of the Paper
  Transfer paper has stripes or some other design on the non-printing side. Be sure to put the paper in your printer so that it prints on the clean white side. Not sure how to properly load your printer for transfer paper? Mark a plain sheet of paper then run it through to see which side comes out printed.
• White Does Not Print
  In designing your artwork remember that WHITE does not print. The fabric will show through any parts of the design that are white. For example, if you print a white ghost on plaid fabric — you'll get a plaid ghost! Plan your design accordingly. As with any desktop publishing project, consider the background color when selecting colors for your designs.
• Test on Scrap Fabric
  Test your design on scratch fabric of the same type and color before applying it to your final t-shirt or other fabric. Some types of fabric may require more ironing (heat) than others or may not show off your design as well as you expected.
• Use Lots of Heat
  Use hottest setting on your iron but no steam. It takes a lot of heat to transfer the image evenly and completely to the fabric. Peel off the paper while it is still hot unless you have purchased cool-peel paper. These newer transfer papers allow you to wait up to two minutes before peeling off the backing (check the manufacturer's guidelines) so the paper is cooler to the touch.
• Use a Hard Surface
  The reason transfer instructions specify a hard surface (such as formica) is because it holds the heat. Ironing boards tend to disperse the heat and the transfer paper needs to be very hot to work properly.