Printing T-Shirt Transfers: Which Side To Use?

Transfer paper is a great way to create custom t-shirts, garments, and fabric labels. It is a simple, no-fuss, and no-mess way to apply a design or complex image to a t-shirt or other fabric. The process involves printing a design or photo onto a sheet of transfer paper using an inkjet or laser printer, and then placing the paper onto the fabric and applying heat and pressure using an iron or a heat press machine. There are two types of heat transfer papers: light transfer paper and dark transfer paper. Light transfer paper is used for white or light-coloured fabrics and has a thin transparent film that is not visible if used on light-coloured fabrics. Dark transfer paper is used for black or dark-coloured fabrics and is more opaque to prevent the colour of the fabric from showing through the image. When using transfer paper, it is important to print on the correct side of the paper, use the correct type of transfer paper for the fabric colour, and apply enough heat and pressure with the iron to ensure the image adheres to the fabric.

How to identify the correct side to print on

When using transfer paper to print a design onto a T-shirt, it is important to ensure that you are printing on the correct side of the paper. Here are some tips to help you identify the right side:

• Brightness and Colour: In most cases, you will print on the brighter, whiter side of the transfer paper. This is usually the coated side, which may appear slightly sticky to the touch or tacky when touched with a moistened finger. The uncoated side will have a yellowish tint and a visible grain when held up to the light.
• Feel and Texture: The coated side of the transfer paper should feel smooth and may have a slightly sticky texture. The uncoated side will feel rougher and may have a more noticeable grain.
• Reflections: When held up to the light, the coated side of the paper should appear all white with no reflections. The uncoated side will show the grain of the paper.
• Testing: If you are unsure, you can try a simple test by rubbing a coin on both sides of the paper. The coated side will leave a grey mark, while the uncoated side will not.
• Printer Settings: When setting up your printer, ensure that you have selected the correct paper type (inkjet or laser) and the appropriate colour settings (light or dark fabric). The printing instructions may also specify which side to print on.
• Paper Brand and Type: Different brands of transfer paper may have specific instructions on which side to print on. Check the manufacturer's instructions or look for markings on the paper itself. Some papers may have a logo or a slightly different colour or opacity on one side.
• Trial and Error: If all else fails, you can try printing on both sides of the paper to see which produces the best results. This may be wasteful, but it can help you identify the correct side for future prints.

Remember, the correct side to print on may also depend on the colour of the T-shirt you are using. For light-coloured shirts, you will generally print on the brighter, whiter side of the transfer paper. For dark-coloured shirts, you may need to use a different type of transfer paper, and the printing side may be different. Always read the instructions for your specific transfer paper and follow any recommendations for light or dark fabrics.

Preparing the t-shirt

Firstly, choose the right type of t-shirt for the transfer paper you intend to use. The best t-shirt fabric for iron-on transfers is 100% cotton, but if that is unavailable, your t-shirt should be at least 50% cotton. This is important to ensure the image adheres well and endures washing. You can also use a t-shirt that is 50% cotton and 50% polyester.

Next, pre-wash the t-shirt. This may seem counterintuitive, but pre-washing helps to prevent fabric shrinkage after the design is applied. It is also important to iron the t-shirt to remove any creases or wrinkles before applying the transfer. Place the t-shirt on a hard, heat-resistant surface, such as a table or countertop. Do not use an ironing board, as it will not be able to withstand the heat and pressure required. Cover the surface with a cotton cloth or pillowcase to protect it from the heat.

Now you are ready to apply the transfer. For light-coloured t-shirts, place the image face down on the fabric. For dark-coloured t-shirts, place the image face up. Use a heat press machine or a regular iron, making sure it is set to the highest temperature and dry heat (no steam). Apply firm pressure and move the iron constantly to ensure even heat distribution. Follow the instructions on the transfer paper for how long to apply heat.

Once the image has been applied, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully peel off the transfer paper backing. For light transfer paper, it is best to hot peel within 5 seconds. For dark transfer paper, use either a cold or hot peeling method.

Finally, cover the image with a silicone sheet and iron again for about 30 seconds. This will help protect the design and keep it bright.

Using the right transfer paper

For light-coloured fabrics, you will need light transfer paper. This type of paper is typically thin and transparent, and it should be placed face down on the fabric before ironing. When using light transfer paper, it is important to remember to mirror the image before printing. Light transfer paper will not produce high-quality results on dark-coloured fabrics and may appear opaque.

For dark-coloured fabrics, you will need dark transfer paper, which has a white background to make the image visible. Dark transfer paper can also be used on light-coloured fabrics, but this is not economical as it is more expensive than light transfer paper. When using dark transfer paper, you do not need to mirror the image, and it should be placed face up on the fabric.

In addition to choosing the right type of transfer paper for the fabric colour, you also need to choose the right paper for your printer type. If you have an inkjet printer, you will need inkjet transfer paper, while a laser printer requires laser transfer paper.

By selecting the appropriate transfer paper for your project, you can ensure that your design transfers effectively and lasts longer.

Printer settings

The first step is to ensure you have the right type of transfer paper for your printer. If you have an inkjet printer, you will need inkjet transfer paper, and if you have a laser printer, you will need laser transfer paper.

Next, you need to set up your printer correctly. Make sure the paper is loaded into the printer tray with the correct side facing up. For inkjet printers, the white side of the paper should be face up.

If you are printing on light-coloured fabric, you will need to set your printer to "mirror mode" or "mirror image". This will ensure that your image appears the right way round on the fabric.

After printing your image, it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes to let the ink dry completely before ironing it onto the fabric.

Applying the transfer

Now that you have your design printed on the correct side of the transfer paper, it's time to apply it to your chosen T-shirt.

First, lay your T-shirt on a flat, hard surface. Make sure the T-shirt is smooth and free of wrinkles. You can use a cotton pillowcase to cover the surface and protect the T-shirt.

Next, cut out your design as precisely as possible. Remove any excess transfer paper, as this may leave a shadow on the T-shirt.

Then, place the transfer paper on the T-shirt, with the image facing down for light-coloured shirts and facing up for dark-coloured shirts. Ensure that the image is straight and in the correct position.

Now, it's time to apply heat. Use a conventional iron or a heat press, following the instructions on your transfer paper. If using an iron, set it to the highest temperature without steam, and make sure it's completely heated up before applying. Press the iron firmly onto the T-shirt, applying pressure with your whole hand. Move the iron as little as possible to maintain even, constant heat over the entire image. Refer to the instructions on your transfer paper for how long to apply heat.

Finally, remove the iron and let the image and T-shirt cool down. Then, gently peel off the backing paper, starting from one of the corners.

Your T-shirt with the transferred design is now ready to be worn and admired!

Frequently asked questions