Transfer printing Process Guide

There are big differences in the process of different transfer processes. However, the use of soft and flexible transfer paper is the most commonly used method of transfer printing. The processing process is divided into three steps:

1. The ink is printed on the transfer paper by dry etching and wet chemical etching.

2. When the ink is printed on the transfer paper, the external pressure can be appropriately increased to ensure that the ink is firmly attached to the paper. This step can be freely chosen, if you want the ink to form a precise pattern.

3. Attach the transfer paper to the substrate, print the pattern of the ink layer on the substrate through heating and pressure, and finally tear off the transfer paper to complete the printing.

Dye sublimation is different from thermal transfer. Dye sublimation uses a special ink that evaporates when heated and the dye becomes a gas that penetrates into the fabric and becomes a part of the fabric instead of just adhering to the surface. This is the unique feature of sublimation.

 

 

There are many types of transfer printing, the following are some of the most popular transfer printing technologies.

1.Glue printing

The glue printing has bright colors and detailed patterns, which is very suitable for printing corporate logos, labels and other design texts. Glue printing is often confused with screen printing. In fact, their printing process is the same, the only difference is that now we attach glue to transfer paper instead of clothes. Glue printing is also very similar to water-based transfer, but its ink does not contain PVC, so it will be more environmentally friendly.

The glue printing is famous for its bright and lasting colors. However, using glue printing process can not print too many at one time, generally not more than 4. Unlike other inks, the glue has a very soft and excellent hand feeling and strong covering ability. Mucilage printing can be applied to most fabrics and is a very popular transfer process.

 

2.Lithographic printing

Lithography printing is the latest technology in the field of transfer printing, and it is a great combination of digital printing and screen printing. This technology can retain the details of the pattern better than other transfer processes. In addition, compared with printing on fabric, the color of patterns printed on paper using photolithography will be more vivid and saturated.

 

3.Sublimation transfer

Dye-sublimation transfer technology is suitable for printing pure polyester T-shirts and is a cost-effective full-color printing solution. Dye-sublimation ink will become gas when heated, and it will directly combine with the fabric and become a part of the fabric instead of attaching to the surface of the clothes. Sublimation technology can be selected when printing on white and other very light-colored clothes.

The printing process of sublimation and thermal transfer is similar, and transfer paper is used. However, sublimation paper is used for sublimation, and the sublimation of the ink on the paper penetrates into the clothes under the action of hot pressing.

The image printed by dye sublimation is durable, but the technology has material limitations. Due to the nature of sublimation ink, sublimation transfer is only suitable for polyester fabrics. However, it can also be used for a variety of hard objects coated with polyester coating, such as mugs, bags, etc. Dye-sublimation transfer technology is very popular nowadays. 

 

 

Unlike printing technologies such as DTG, screen printing, and embroidery, the steps of transfer printing vary with the type of transfer, but are roughly divided into the following six steps.

Step 1: Choose a pattern

Different transfer technology, pattern processing method will be different. Technologies such as glue printing and photolithography printing can print a variety of colors and complex patterns. Regardless of the transfer technology, it is recommended that the original document be stored with a high quality of 300 dpi to ensure the best printing effect.

Pantone colors are used in most of the transfer processes, and the colors must be carefully distinguished when using design software. In addition, the designed pattern must be saved in AI, EPS and PDF formats. Pay attention to the actual size of the pattern and do not use gradient and shadow effects.

 

Step 2: Print the pattern

After selecting the patterns, they must be printed on the transfer material. It is recommended to use high-quality transfer paper, the printed pattern will have better effect, longer service life, and not easy to fade and peel off. The use of cheap transfer paper usually leaves a glowing line around the cut pattern, which makes people feel uncomfortable.

 

Step 3: Transfer the pattern 

Put the clothes to be printed on the heat transfer machine flat, and then put the patterns on the clothes, making sure that the position of the patterns is right. Finally, heat the pattern with a heat transfer machine to transfer it to the clothes.

Before transfering, there are a few things to note about the heat press machine. First of all, the best temperature for hot stamping depends on the type of transfer medium and printing fabric. Usually, 155°C to 180°C will do. Secondly, the pressure cannot be too high or too low. Transfering should be carried out in accordance with the instructions to avoid excessive hot stamping and leaving hot marks on the fabric.

 

Step 4: Cooling

After the transfering, take the sublimation paper off. Finally, if everything goes well in the previous steps, you will be presented with a frbric designed which made by yourself.