Time, temperature and pressure are key to making good transfers. Using too much of any of them will prevent that from happening. For example, too much pressure will “force” the image and stick the paper to the garment. Too much heat will “bond” the paper to the substrate and possibly burn your garment. Too much time can have both of these affects together. Always refer to the instructions for proper transfer paper settings.

Opaque transfers require you to peel off the backing paper before the transfer process. Taking this peeled image, lay it down on your garment almost like placing a peeled sticker on your bumper. Then heat press this onto the garment using a pressing sheet for protection. If the image is not transferring, check to make sure you are pressing this peeled image. If you are using too much pressure, the image may transfer but look faded, allowing the color of the garment to show through. Some papers do require heavy pressure. Refer to the printing instructions for specific transfer information on time, temperature and pressure.

A garment bleeds when washed because there is too much ink on the transfer. Generally, using a medium or medium-high quality is enough to print a good image that will transfer well. Using a higher setting will not typically result in a better looking transfer. While the paper may be able to carry this extra ink, the garment can not and will bleed or wash out this extra ink on the first wash. It is suggested that you wait about 10-15 minutes after you print your image before transferring it to allow the ink to correctly dry. Once transferred, you should wait overnight before you attempt your first wash to allow the ink to completely penetrate the garment. Refer to the transfer instructions of your paper for more information.

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There are several reasons why an image is cracking. Many transfer papers do not have great elasticity. Using a shirt that stretches will cause cracks if the right transfer paper is not used. It is very important that you match the appropriate transfer paper to the type of garment you want to transfer to such as cotton, polyester and stretchy synthetic. Always refer to the instructions for the proper time, temperature and pressure to use when transferring. Anyone of these set incorrectly can cause the image to transfer poorly, possibly causing it to crack. One common way to minimize cracking is to stretch the garment immediately after transferring and peeling while still hot or repress for about 7 seconds after cold and stretch. This will provide a longer lasting transfer (minimal cracking) and a softer hand.

If you have white in the image and are transferring onto a dark garment, you will need to use an opaque heat transfer paper for the white to transfer. For a selection of opaque transfer papers, refer to our matrix AW Desktop Product Applications under Digital Desktop Media.

• For best results choose fabric that have tighter weaves
• For a softer/smoother feel (“hand”) on light fabric transfers and for longer lasting color, stretch shirts upon completion of transferring images
  – On some inkjet images the image can be further smoothed/softened by
  applying parchment paper on the final product and repressing for a few
  seconds
• Keep permanent markers handy to touch up spots where there is a ‘miss’ in the ink application on the garment
• If the transfer appears to be coming off after the first wash, correct the rest of the batch by repressing. Use an ironing sheet to protect the image

If you believe the image looks faded on the printed transfer paper, transfer the image to your garment. It is there that you should be reviewing the colors. Your true colors do not completely develop until it is transferred. Also remember that it is nearly impossible to match the color on your monitor to the color on the printed transfer paper to the color on the transferred garment. There is always some loss due to reproducing the color three times in three different ways. It is always best to create/work your images in RGB color mode. Using CMYK creates some major difficulties in achieving certain colors (such as neon colors) for good transfers. There also may be issues with how you are transferring the paper. Refer to the instructions on the proper time, temperature and pressure required. Anyone of these, if incorrectly set, can cause your image to look faded.

A transferred image is delicate. Our instructions detail how to wash your transferred image. Generally, you should wait 24 hours before you wash in cold water using mild detergent and no bleach. Dry on lowest heat setting and never iron directly on the transfer. (see “Why did my image bleed after washing” for additional suggestions)