| What is Heat Transfer?
Heat transfer is a process that allows you to print an image (could be a favorite photo or design) from the computer onto specially coated paper which is then transferred using heat and pressure to a t-shirt or other receptive item. Heat transfer provides the ability to customize apparel, puzzles, mouse pads, mugs and other items in these four simple steps:
- Choose the item or substrate (commonly referred to as an Imprintable) and the appropriate type of transfer paper for this item and the printer / copier you are using.
- Enhance the photo or design that you will be imprinting on the item using your standard editing program.
- Print the photo or design on the Transfer Paperusing the standard ink / toner in the printer or copier. Most transfer papers require you to print the mirror image of the photo or design. However, it is important to read the Instructions that are included with every order of paper. Visit our Heat Transfer Libraryfor copies of Paper Ranch Instructions.
- Place the item and the transfer (print side down) on a Heat Pressand close the heat press from the recommended amount of time, pressure and temperature. Remove the item and peel the transfer paper from the item. Some transfer papers can be peeled immediately (hot-peeled) while others must be peeled after the transfer has cooled down (cold peeled).
What do I need to make a Heat Transfer?
The required items to produce a heat transfer are minimal; in fact you probably already have some of them. This process requires a computer, a graphics program (for best results), a printer or copier (i.e. color ink jet, color laser printer or color laser copier), heat transfer paperand a heat press machine. For recommendations as to what type of equipment would meet your company’s needs best, please give us a call at 1-877-777-2624.
How can I make money with Heat Transfers?
Entering into the heat transfer market can be very simple and profitable. For example, the total cost to produce a basic white cotton t-shirt using heat transfer could be less than $2.00. The average selling price for that same t-shirt could range between $10.00 and $20.00. The resulting profit per shirt then could be anywhere from 500 to 1000%!!! Plus, at only about 5 minutes per shirt to produce, it is very efficient as well.
What else besides t-shirts? You can produce a wide variety of products using heat transfers. Some of the items you can generate include puzzles, caps, tote bags, mugs, mouse pads, drink cozies, coasters and more!
Once you know how to produce transfers, you may wonder who is going to buy these from you. Markets for your products could include little leagues, club sports, school fundraisers, churches, and other community based programs or groups. Our customers find new markets to sell their products in everyday.
What are the Types of Heat Transfer Paper?
Heat transfer papers are specific to the type of machine that will be used to print the paper. Ink jet transfer paper is not recommended for use in a laser printer because it could actually harm the printer. A laser heat transfer paper will not produce a good transfer when used in an ink jet printer either. To produce the highest quality transfer and prevent costly repairs, always choose the right paper for you specific printing or copying device. The staff at The Paper Ranch is always happy to help you find the perfect products to match your equipment.
Ink jet heat transfer paper has a plastic (polymer) coating, but it also has a special coating which allows the ink jet inks to be absorbed and to dry prior to transferring the image. It is the combination of these coatings and the ink jet inks that produce the vivid ink jet transfers that are seen today.
Laser heat transfer papers are very machine specific. The correct paper is chosen based on the model number of color laser printer or copier. Models may have vastly different engines which produce varying internal temperatures. The internal temperature of the machine determines which paper will perform best. Some machines use fuser oil and some machines use a toner which has the oil in the toner. Transfer paper is also selected based on this information as well.
Indigo heat transfer papers are those which have been approved by the HP Indigo testing facilities to perform properly in specific models of these digital presses. Again, equipment model numbers must be matched up to ensure that the correct paper is selected.
Two-Step Opaque transfer papers are used when transferring to a very bright or dark colored garment. When maximum opacity and durability are required, often a two-step process is preferred. These papers are universal and will work in conjunction with any light fabric ink jet transfer paper and will also work with any light fabric laser transfer paper. The light fabric transfer paper is printed as it normally would be and then it is pressed together with the two-step opaque product prior to being pressed to the garment.
Heat Transfer Ink Systems
When using digital heat transfer papers, special inks or special toners are not mandatory because the transfer paper does most of the work. So the consumer can choose to use the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) ink that is available at your local office supply store or can purchase secondary market inks from industry suppliers. Caution should be used because not all generic inks are created equally. Some of these inks are fine for using with standard printing paper, but are not very long lasting when used in the heat transfer process. The Paper Ranch offers a reliable brand of secondary market inks as well as its own brand of transfer inks that have qualities that will enhance your heat transfers.
Regardless of the type of ink, it is always more economical to use ink in bulk systems rather than small cartridges. The savings can be anywhere from 300% to more than 3000%. However, keep in mind that ink has a life span and needs to be used in a timely fashion. For more information about Bulk Ink Systems, visit our products catalog or call us at 1-887-777-2624.
Heat Presses
Heat Presses come in various shapes and sizes that correlate to the various heat transfer products. All heat presses have some kind of controls to regulate the temperature and the pressure. The most common type of press is a Flat Platen Heat Press. This is the type that is used for t-shirts, mouse pads, tote bags, jackets, tiles and basically anything that is flat. The flat platen presses are available as a Clam Shell style or a Swing Away style. The clam shell opens and closes like a clam, where the bottom platen is stationery and the top platen moves up and down. The swing away press opens by lifting up the top platen, but then will move sideways so that it is completely out of the way for ease of placement and removal of shirts etc.
Products which are not flat require special heat presses. The most common examples are the Mug press and the Cap press. Since both the mug and the cap have curved surfaces, the mug and cap presses are designed to configure to the proper curvature of those products, making it easy to embellish those items.
Depending on the application, the type of press you will need may vary. The important factors to consider when purchasing a heat press is to think about all the size and thickness of the items you want to produce in the near future and several years in advance. For example, purchasing a 15” x 15” Clam Shell press will allow you to do heat transfers on most shirts, puzzles, tote bags and similar flat items. However, you would not be able to do most of the athletic jerseys, large cutting boards and metals require a 16” x 20” or 20” x 25” heat press. Additionally, some of the thicker items (i.e. sublimation tiles, mouse pads, plaques and other similar items) will require a Swing Away press that will provide uniform press on the item.
Heat Transfer Start Up Package
Congratulations on your decision to enter the lucrative market of selling customized heat transfer items. The Paper Ranch has developed strong relationships with the transfer paper mills, heat press manufacturers, ink companies and the other necessary suppliers to provide you a One-Stop Source for all your Heat Transfer needs. Click here to visit our standard Start Up Packages or call us at 1-877-777-2624 for a customized start up package.
Heat Transfer Instructions
Below are links to the instructions are for our products. All instructions are in printable pdf files and can be easily saved to your computer. Please contact our Technical Support Department at 877-777-2624 or via email at techsupport@thepaperranch.com. Additionally, please visit our Tips and Tricks Blog to learn some new techniques and common challenges companies like your’s face everyday.
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