Notes for T-shirt transfers

There are two kinds of t-shirt transfer material available; one for use on white or light colored fabric, one for dark fabric. These are designed for white tshirts.

You can use T-shirt transfer paper on polyester and or cotton blends, or 100% pre-shrunk cotton fabrics such as t-shirts, aprons, pillowcases, canvas bags, sweatshirts, caps, etc. It can also be use on mouse pads, coaster and other specialty items; be sure and read and follow all instructions for the kind of transfer material you purchase.

The art provided in pdf format has already been “flipped” or mirrored for printing to transfer material. You’ll need to trim your transfer with scissors before ironing. Designs have multiple images on a page, so be sure to cut away unused images or extra white space for an alternate transfer.

Click here for a copy of the "flipped" transfer and print.

Printing

• Separate transfer paper by fanning as you would regular bond paper.
• Position paper in printer to print on the coated side (do not print on the side with the line or lines on it.)
• The images have been set up “flipped” or “mirrored” so that they will print correctly on t-shirt transfer material.
• If you are unsure of the layout, try printing on regular paper before printing on your transfer paper.
• Output via computer interface to printer.
• Note: Let ink jet transfers dry thoroughly before handling. DO NOT stack printed inkjet transfers. If printing multiple copies, remove prints immediately and separate so that they may dry.

Pressing With A Household Iron

• Cut away blank, unprinted area of transfer. Use the light green line as a cutting guide.
  TIP: When cutting away the blank area of transfer leave a “pull tag” which you will not iron. After ironing the image use the “pull tag” to lift the transfer backing off the surface.
• Pre-heat “dry” iron for 5 minutes on cotton setting. (Many instructions say the highest setting, but the cotton setting seems to work well.) Do Not Use Steam or Spray!
• An ironing board may not be sturdy enough. Create an ironing surface by finding a smooth, sturdy and heat resistant area to place a folded pillow case or thick material (muslin).
• Make certain that whatever type of material you have chosen is wrinkle, crease and moisture free.
• Place the garment (or whatever item you are transferring to) onto the pillowcase (or sturdy ironing board), centering the image to be transferred
• Place the inkjet transfer (image side down) onto the garment making sure all four edges are also centered over the pillowcase or ironing board.
• Place the iron over both edges of the transfer beginning in the upper left corner.
• Iron the transfer slowly along the long edge of the transfer for 15 seconds using pressure while pressing down on the iron. Make sure the iron overlaps all edges of the transfer beginning in the lower left corner.
• Reposition the iron over both edges of the transfer beginning in the lower left corner.
• Iron the transfer slowly along the long edge of the transfer for 15 seconds using pressure while pressing down on the iron. Make sure the iron overlaps all edges of the transfer.
• Repeat the last three steps until the entire image has been transferred.
• Quickly reheat the entire surface for 2 minutes making full circles with the iron over the transfer, making absolutely sure that the flat bottom of the iron covers the whole surface of the transfer. Pay close attention to all edges and corners.
• Press for 10-12 second and peel hot for a satin finish. Peel cold for a glossy finish. Wait for the transfer to cool completely for a very glossy finish. To peel off when cool (if you didn’t create a pull tag) stretch fabric slightly at a corner to assist in getting the corner loose to start the peel.

Washing

• Use cold water only. Set washer to low water level.
• For first wash, pour one cup of vinegar into the washer with cold water. Place fabric inside out into the washer. Wash the garment in the cold water and vinegar. This will help to set the colors of your transfer. Re-wash garment in cold water and detergent, then dry normally in dryer.
• When washing the garment thereafter, use cold water only. Place garment inside out when washing and dry in dryer normally. Place image side down for ironing.