Transfer printing is great for bold, vibrant, full colour designs, and single colour individual names and numbers.
There are a huge array of colours available from fluorescents to metallic print effects and reflective vinyl. This printing technique is used extensively for sports wear, non cotton garments and Coats/ Jackets.
Transfer has a minimum order quantity of 10 units per design.
There are two main types of transfer printing; both produce varying results and are better for different types of jobs;
Litho transfer printing
In this process the artwork is digitally printed onto litho transfer paper and then pressed onto your chosen garment. It can be used to print onto a variety of different materials including t-shirts, cotton bags and jackets. The minimum order for Litho transfer printing is 100 items.
CAD cut full colour printing
In the CAD Cut process the design is cut out from a transfer vinyl sheet using a machine, then placed over the garment and heat pressed at a high temperature.
Designing for Transfer printing
DST Transfer Printing.
DST is a specialised type of transfer printing used for super detailed artwork. This is printed onto the transfer sheets then heat pressed onto garments.
DST has a minimum order quantity of 50 units.
Cost consideration
The print size affects the price slightly i.e. it's slightly cheaper to print a left chest position than it is to print a large design on the centre front of a garment.
Printing onto different coloured garments (whites, lights or colours) does not affect the price.
Design considerations for transfer printing
Transfer Print
Colours: spot colours
Pantone colour matching: yes
Artwork type: vector graphics
File formats: .ai, .eps, .pdf
Cad Cut Vinyl
Convert all paths to strokes.
Ensure artwork is at least 100% of the intended print area.
Provide PANTONE PMS colours (if you know them).
Avoid gradients and shadows.
Litho Transfer Printing
Ensure the design is created and saved in CMYK format.
Ensure the print is 100% of the intended print size. Design and save the graphic file at 300dpi.
