In a nutshell, iron-on transfers are images that can be impressed on fabric. On one side is paper, and on the other is the image that will be ironed on and transferred in reverse. After placing the transfer paper on the fabric and running over the back of the paper with an iron, the image is transferred by heat to the fabric.
Make sure you don’t use any old picture you might find on Google. You must have the rights to an image if you are going to reproduce it and sell it (like a t-shirt). If you do use Google, you can click Search Tools, then Usage Rights, then Labeled For Reuse. Also, there are many websites where you can find different kinds of images that are legally safe for you to use, transfer, and sell. [2] X Research source Remember that transfer images that contain dark colors are usually going to show up on fabrics better than images with light colors. Also keep in mind that typical at-home printers don’t print the color white; they leave that area blank because the printer assumes that the paper you are using to print your image is white, and the white paper will show through the image. If your image has white coloring in it, the iron on transfer will show up clear in that area, meaning the fabric color will show in that clear space rather than the color white. [3] X Research source If you image has very light colored sections, those sections might appear discolored and distorted when ironed onto the fabric because of their light coloring mixing with the color of the shirt. Dark, solid colors provide the best looking results when using iron on transfers. The heavy colors contrast really well against fabrics and provide a darker, opaque color for the printer to print. [4] X Research source
Flipping the image is really important if you have words on your transfer image. Without flipping it, you words will be transferred on backward to the fabric. To mirror the image in your computer software, you may need to use a “Reverse”, “Flip Image Horizontally”, or “Mirror” commands. See the program’s Help section for more information.
Transfer sheets meant to be used on light fabrics are meant for fabrics that are white, yellow, light gray, or any other fabric that is light in nature. The transfer paper used for light colored fabrics is transparent. This means any areas of your image that contain the color white will instead appear clear once ironed on to the shirt. The fabric color will show through rather than the white coloring of the image. [6] X Research source If your transfer design has any light colors (other than white), the image may seem distorted and discolored once it is transferred onto the fabric. Try to use medium to dark colors when using this kind of transfer paper, so the resulting image is bold and clear. [7] X Research source Consider trimming close to the edges of your design, because the transparent areas of the paper surrounding the design can still be seen on the fabric. Transfer sheets meant to be used on dark fabrics are meant for black, dark gray, dark blue, or any other dark colored fabrics. These paper sheets are thicker, and have a white backing so the color white and other light colors can show up distinctly on the darker fabric. The caveat with using this kind of transfer paper is that any background areas of your image will appear white rather than translucent. This means you’ll have to carefully cut around and inside any letters or other design elements if you want the color of the shirt to show through a certain spot rather than the color white. [8] X Research source For example, if you were printing letters, you would need to cut out the space inside an ‘O’ or an ‘R’. Or, you could have the solid white colored background as part of your design. However, more often than not, the white background isn’t the intended look for using iron on transfers on dark fabrics.
Transfer sheets meant to be used on light fabrics are meant for fabrics that are white, yellow, light gray, or any other fabric that is light in nature. The transfer paper used for light colored fabrics is transparent. This means any areas of your image that contain the color white will instead appear clear once ironed on to the shirt. The fabric color will show through rather than the white coloring of the image. [6] X Research source If your transfer design has any light colors (other than white), the image may seem distorted and discolored once it is transferred onto the fabric. Try to use medium to dark colors when using this kind of transfer paper, so the resulting image is bold and clear. [7] X Research source Consider trimming close to the edges of your design, because the transparent areas of the paper surrounding the design can still be seen on the fabric. Transfer sheets meant to be used on dark fabrics are meant for black, dark gray, dark blue, or any other dark colored fabrics. These paper sheets are thicker, and have a white backing so the color white and other light colors can show up distinctly on the darker fabric. The caveat with using this kind of transfer paper is that any background areas of your image will appear white rather than translucent. This means you’ll have to carefully cut around and inside any letters or other design elements if you want the color of the shirt to show through a certain spot rather than the color white. [8] X Research source For example, if you were printing letters, you would need to cut out the space inside an ‘O’ or an ‘R’. Or, you could have the solid white colored background as part of your design. However, more often than not, the white background isn’t the intended look for using iron on transfers on dark fabrics.
Transfer sheets meant to be used on light fabrics are meant for fabrics that are white, yellow, light gray, or any other fabric that is light in nature. The transfer paper used for light colored fabrics is transparent. This means any areas of your image that contain the color white will instead appear clear once ironed on to the shirt. The fabric color will show through rather than the white coloring of the image. [6] X Research source If your transfer design has any light colors (other than white), the image may seem distorted and discolored once it is transferred onto the fabric. Try to use medium to dark colors when using this kind of transfer paper, so the resulting image is bold and clear. [7] X Research source Consider trimming close to the edges of your design, because the transparent areas of the paper surrounding the design can still be seen on the fabric. Transfer sheets meant to be used on dark fabrics are meant for black, dark gray, dark blue, or any other dark colored fabrics. These paper sheets are thicker, and have a white backing so the color white and other light colors can show up distinctly on the darker fabric. The caveat with using this kind of transfer paper is that any background areas of your image will appear white rather than translucent. This means you’ll have to carefully cut around and inside any letters or other design elements if you want the color of the shirt to show through a certain spot rather than the color white. [8] X Research source For example, if you were printing letters, you would need to cut out the space inside an ‘O’ or an ‘R’. Or, you could have the solid white colored background as part of your design. However, more often than not, the white background isn’t the intended look for using iron on transfers on dark fabrics.
Make sure that you print the transfer on the correct side of the page. This should be clearly marked. Usually the printing side is free from any markings, and the back side has some design printed on it. If you’re not sure on exactly how to insert the transfer paper into your printer, do a test run with a normal sheet of paper. Draw an X on one side of the normal paper and have it go through your printer to see what side of the paper gets printed on. [10] X Research source If you are going to be printing your image on a laser printer, you will have to buy specific transfer paper for laser printers. Normally, inkjet printers work best when printing out transfer images. [11] X Research source
If you’re planning to iron on your transfer to a light colored fabric, you need to wait to peel the backing off of the transfer image until after it has been ironed on. If you’re planning on ironing your transfer onto a dark fabric, the backing of the transfer is going to be peeled off before you iron on the design. When in doubt, look at the instructions that come with the package of transfer paper. [12] X Research source
Set your iron to the hottest setting so it can transfer onto the fabric properly, but do not use steam. Steam can greatly hinder the transfer’s ability to adhere to the fabric. [14] X Research source
Check to make sure the edges of the transfer are fully attached before you move onto removing the backing paper. If the edges are not fully stuck to the fabric, continue to iron the edges of the transfer. Be sure to apply steady and even pressure as you iron so the complete image is fully attached.
