Heat Transfer Paper Guide
Do you want to achieve a multi-colored design without having to layer vinyl, and without investing in an expensive wide-format printer?
Heat Transfer Paper offers an inexpensive way to print your own custom full color transfers.
What is Transfer Paper?
Transfer Paper is actually a paper, not a vinyl! All you need is a small desktop printer, like a laser or inkjet printer found in many home offices. Common brands that work well include: OKI, Samsung, Canon, Brother, and Epson.
Transfer Paper vs. Printable HTV
Let’s get this clear right away, Transfer Paper and Printable HTV are completely different! Printable Heat Transfer Vinyl comes in rolls of actual vinyl. To use Printable HTV, you need a wide-format printer that uses Eco Solvent, Solvent, or Latex inks. These printers are very expensive. For a more in-depth explanation, check out our blog Printable Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) vs. Heat Transfer Paper.
Benefits of Transfer Paper
Now that you know what equipment is required for using Transfer Paper, let’s talk about the benefits!
- As you already know, an inexpensive laser or inkjet printer is all that is needed. Plus, you don’t need any special inks! Use the same printer and ink that you use at home for printing documents.
- Transfer Paper allows for full-color designs with a single layer. You don't need multiple layers of vinyl, which means only one press! Plus, you can get looks that are not possible using regular heat transfer vinyl.
- Transfer Paper will adhere to your everyday garments, such as cotton, polyester, and blends!
- You can expect fairly good washability with Transfer Paper. We’re talking about 25-30 washes if you follow the proper care instructions. Please note that when you approach the 25-30 wash point, you can expect fading and cracking.
- Transfer Paper is very cost effective for doing many garments. Prices range from about $1-$2 per sheet depending on what size you are using.
Types of Transfer Paper
There are specific types of Transfer Paper depending on what printer you have. There is specific transfer paper for laser printers, and also certain transfer paper for inkjet printers. Additionally, there are specific Transfer Papers meant for light garments, and specific Transfer Papers meant for dark garments.
At Heat Transfer Warehouse, we offer 4 different kinds! We break down how to use them below:
For Inkjet Printers
1) Neenah Inkjet Light Jet-Pro SoftStretch Paper
This Transfer Paper is designed for use with inkjet printers, on light colored garments. It features a soft matte finish. It works on cotton, polyester, and blends but no nylon!
Printing
- Create or select your design on your computer
- Mirror the image for light garments
- Load the paper so that the image will appear on the coated side of the paper (non-printed side)
- Print the design and allow it to dry
- Trim away the un-printed areas of the transfer if desired
- Can be used in print and cut operation with vinyl cutters that feature an optic eye
Pressing
- Preheat the garment for a few seconds to remove wrinkles and moisture
- Place the transfer on top of the garment with the image side down
- Cover the entire image area with a Teflon sheet if desired
- Press with heat press 15-20 seconds at 375° F using firm pressure
- Peal paper while still hot
- We recommend stretching the garment
2) Neenah Jet-Opaque II (Dark) Paper
This Transfer Paper is designed for use with inkjet printers, on dark colored garments. It works on cotton, polyester, and blends but no nylon!
Printing
- Create or select your design on your computer
- Load the paper so that the image will appear on the coated side of the paper (non-printed side)
- Print right reading and allow it to dry
- Trim away the un-printed areas of the transfer if desired
- Can be used in print and cut operation with vinyl cutters that feature an optic eye
Pressing
- Split from grid liner/backing
- Place transfer face up on the garment
- Cover entire transfer with a cover sheet (Teflon Sheet)
- Press for 30 seconds at 375°F using medium pressure
- Peel cover sheet once cold, in a smooth motion
For Laser Printers
1) Neenah Techniprint EZP (Light) Paper
This Transfer Paper is designed for use with laser printers, on white or light colored garments. It features a light-hand feel. It works on cotton, polyester, and blends but no nylon!
Printing
- Print in mirror image
- Use single-sheet feeding and "heavy paper" settings to ensure fusing of the toners.
- Use the multi-purpose tray or bypass door
- Have the image come out the back of the printer to prevent damage
- Place your image on the bypass door so it is printed on the coated side
Pressing
- Temperature of 375 Degrees
- Pre-press garment for 5 seconds
- Place image side down
- Press with heat press 20-30 seconds at 375° F using medium/firm pressure
- Remove the paper immediately as it is a hot peel
- Stretch the transfer to give is a softer hand
2) Neenah Dark Laser 1 Opaque Paper
This Transfer Paper is designed for use with laser printers, on dark colored garments. It works on cotton, polyester, and blends but no nylon!
Printing
- DO NOT mirror your image or artwork - print it right reading
- Use single-sheet feeding and "heavy paper" settings to ensure fusing of the toners
- Print the image on the coated side of the transfer paper (NOT the side with text)
- Feed paper into the printer with the short dimension first (gain long)
- For best results, trim away unprinted areas of the transfer
- Can be used in print and cut operation with vinyl cutters that feature an optic eye
- Recommendation: Choose garments that have a tight weave and using an image with rounded corners to avoid corner lift-off after washing
Pressing
- DO NOT pre-press your garment
- Slowly remove the backing paper (printed paper) from the image
- Place the heat transfer with the image facing upwards in the desired position on the fabric
- Cover the image with a cover sheet (Teflon Sheet)
- Press with heat press 30 seconds at 350° F using medium pressure
- Peel cover sheet once cold, in a smooth motion
