Ink jet transfers are translucent and work best on white or light-colored shirts. You can print your own using an ink jet printer and special transfer paper. This won’t work with a laser printer. Laser copier/printer transfers are also translucent. You can create them on a laser copier or printer using special transfer paper. Supplier and store-bought transfers are pre-printed. They are opaque and suitable for colored shirts, including dark colors (unless otherwise noted). Embroidered appliqués and patches also work with heat presses. They must have a heat activated adhesive on the back, however. Die cut vinyl lettering also work. You can layer them on top of each other to create different designs. This is especially common on sports apparel.
If you only have a laser printer, you will need to use transfer paper labeled for laser printers.
Focus on the main shape. You don’t necessarily have to trim inside the shapes, like the holes in “O” and “D”. You can leave a small border around the shape.
In most cases, you will need to set the temperature to 350 to 375°F (177 to 191°C). [3] X Research source
In most cases, you will need to use medium to high pressure.
Ink-Jet transfer paper: 14 to 18 seconds Laser copier/printer transfer paper: 18 to 25 seconds Sublimation transfer: 25 to 30 seconds Embroidered appliqués: 20 to 30 seconds Die cut vinyl lettering: 45 to 60 seconds
If you are pressing an embroidered appliqué, set it down embroidered-side-up, adhesive-side-down. If you are pressing heat transfer vinyl, set it matte-side down, shiny-side-up.
