Heat Transfer Column
The benefits of heat transfer to your existing garment decoration business
Amaya UK’s Charlotte Darling advises on the four main categories of transfer types. H
eat transfers come in all shapes and sizes and can be produced in a multitude of different ways depending on the quantity required, the detail of the design and the product they are being applied to. Over the years they have carried a stigma from customers that they are an inferior form of decoration due to the plastic feel and reduced washability.
I think most people reading this now will agree that this is a bit of a myth and transfers really do have their place in garment decoration. Some of the biggest names out there like Nike use transfer application for their logos. There are huge advantages of using transfers for your everyday business needs but first let’s try and identify the types of transfers out there.
Four main categories: Toner based transfers – working with an A4 or A3 printer and a selection of different media types you can produce transfers for dark and light garments and products. These transfers are deemed weed-free and once produced can be immediately applied to the substrate which can include hard surfaces like wood, slate, metal and ceramic as well as textile. Vinyl transfers - this type of transfer comes from a roll of vinyl, either single colour which is great for simple text and designs, or a white/clear printable vinyl that will produce full colour digital transfers when used in a print & cut machine. With the latter you print a full colour design onto a white or clear transfer media which then needs weeding before application. DTF transfers - the latest trend, but in reality, has been around for many years. A white toner laser printer will produce a DTF transfer but it’s a more manual and expensive way of doing it. DTF (direct to film) transfers certainly have their place alongside other methods of decoration, but the machines and consumables are still a little too early in their infancy to provide you with a tried and tested consistent production method.
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any order however small. Sampling – as above, you have the means to sample product to your customer quickly to win the order and then, if you wish, outsource the end transfer if this gives you a better price point or quality. Versatility – heat transfers work on a wide range of fabrics and can fill in the gaps where a process like DTG cannot cater for, like nylon or polyester. No design limitations – all the processes I have mentioned are digital and can achieve any number of colours. Easy personalisation – if you are embroidering or using DTG you can easily personalise a batch of team shirts with a transfer name rather than adjusting every print file.
Custom Heat Transfers- out-source to the transfer manufacturers where they look at your quantity requirement artwork and substrate and decide on the best transfer method for you. Some of them are still produced on big litho printers, some will simply be screen printed onto paper and others will be printed on industrial DTF machines.
Every garment decoration business will benefit from having some form of transfer production in-house as whichever system you choose will facilitate: Quick Turnaround – being in charge of your own production means you don’t have to wait for your transfer delivery and rely on third parties.
No minimums – if you have your own means to produce transfers you can accept
Expanding product range – transfers are a great way to decorate in places that are time consuming with other methods. We have many customers running DTG for the main design but then use a transfer for the sleeve or inside back neck label. To overcome the short comings of transfers like durability, hand-feel and consistency make sure you evaluate and test your media thoroughly. If you already have a transfer system in-house and don’t feel you are using it to its full potential, ask your consumable supplier for advice and samples of what product to use on particular fabrics. It is important to consider the substrate you are decorating.
If you don’t produce your own transfers and feel it could benefit your business, then ask lots of questions of your potential supplier and request samples to feel and wash test. Be aware of systems that require maintenance as if it’s not your main core business, you want something you can turn off when not in use.
So as with everything we look at in our industry there is not a one size fits all solution. Don’t fall into the trap of no-one wants transfers as it is an extremely easy, efficient and cost-effective way to complete your orders. If you would like any advice about transfers, please contact Amaya.
November 2023 | 41 |
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