What You Need To Know About Doing Iron-On Transfers
Tips and Tricks for T-Shirt Transfers

More of this Feature • What you need to do iron-on transfers • Software for iron-on transfers • Artwork for iron-on transfers • Transfer Paper for iron-on transfers    Join the Discussion "I have found a very easy way to create white on a colored shirt." Bruce    Elsewhere on the Web • Tips from Hanes • TransferMagic.com How To Section

• Print a Preview Always, always, always print a preview copy of your image before printing it on the (expensive) transfer paper. Do this to insure that colors print correctly, that your image doesn't fall into your printer's no-print zone along the margins, and to see what size your design will be (sometimes the on-screen view can be deceiving).
• Flip Image Don't forget to flip or mirror your image. This is especially critical if you have text in your design. The text should be backwards on screen or on the print out. (Another good reason to print a preview copy first!) Some programs do this automatically.
• Use the Right Side of the Paper Transfer paper has stripes on the non-printing side. Be sure to put the paper in your printer so that it prints on the clean white side.
• White Does Not Print In designing your artwork remember that WHITE does not print. The fabric will show through any parts of the design that are white. For example, if you print a white ghost on plaid fabric — you'll get a plaid ghost! Plan your design accordingly. As with any desktop publishing project, consider the background color when selecting colors for your designs. [A forum member has a fix for small touches of white.]
• Test on Scrap Fabric Test your design on “scratch fabric” before applying it to your final t-shirt or other fabric. Some types of fabric may require more ironing (heat) than others or may not show off your design as well as you expected.
• Use Lots of Heat Use your iron's hottest setting but no steam. It takes a lot of heat to transfer the image evenly and completely to the fabric. Peel off the paper while it is still hot.
• Use a Hard Surface The reason transfer instructions specify a hard surface (such as formica) is because it holds the heat. Ironing boards tend to disperse the heat and the transfer paper needs to be very hot to work properly.

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