What is heat transfer?

Heat transfer is a printing method that uses a combination of heat and pressure to apply a design or image onto a material such as fabric, mugs, or phone cases. This technique is widely used in custom apparel, print-on-demand, and personalized product businesses. Designs are typically printed on transfer paper or heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and then transferred onto the final product using a heat press machine.

Heat transfer printing is known for its ability to produce sharp, detailed, and full-color images. It's ideal for short runs, custom orders, and intricate graphics that might be difficult to achieve through traditional methods like screen printing.

How does heat transfer work?

The process involves printing a design onto a special transfer medium, positioning it on the blank product, and applying heat and pressure for a set time. The heat activates the adhesive or dye in the design, which bonds with the surface of the item. Heat transfer works on a variety of substrates including cotton, polyester, ceramics, and metal - depending on the method and materials used.

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