TRANSFER PAPERS FOR IMPRINTING SPORTSWEAR

Imprinting T-shirts with digital transfers offer significant advantages over other decorating processes. First, there is no limit to the number of colors that can be used. Even full-color photos can be easily imprinted with vibrant results. Secondly, there is no screen set-ups involved so custom imprinting even one T-shirt can be profitable as well as cost effective for your customers.

There are Four primary ways to create a digital transfer for application onto sportswear, aprons and mouse pads:

  1. CopyJet transfers are an economical, yet effective way to transfer any graphics onto 100% cotton or 50/50 blended fabric. The investment is low since you can use the regular OEM inks that come with your ink jet printer. While print durability is not as good as the other digital transfer methods, it can be significantly increased when sublimation inks are used in conjunction with the CopyJet transfer paper and transferred onto 50/50 blend fabrics.

  2. Color Laser Copier (CLC) transfers made with a Color Laser Copier and our CLC Paper, create prints that are more durable than the CopyJet transfers. They require a color copier or a color laser printer, but can not be used with an ink jet printer. CLC paper can also be used to prep a shirt for use with sublimation. Ideal for printing 100% cotton, 5050/ blend T-shirts, mouse pads, fabric puzzles, and aprons.

  3. Sublimation transfers create incredibly vibrant prints on 100% polyester fabric and there is absolutely no feel to the print. This is the best and most durable print for any 100% polyester fabric. Hanes has created a fabulous shirt specifically for sublimation called Soft L'ink.  The Soft L'ink T-shirt has an amazing weave that allows the polyester to reside on the outside of the shirt while the cotton stays inside. This results in a shirt that imprints vibrantly with sublimation, yet feels like cotton. Sublimation should not be used on 100% cotton fabrics, but can be used with 50/50 blended fabrics if the sublimation ink is printed onto CopyJet paper instead of the normal sublimation paper.

  4. ChromaBlast transfers are the best transfers for vibrant long lasting prints on 100% cotton fabric. The ChromaBlast system involves a special ink and paper combination that chemically bonds with cotton for excellent print durability. Unlike CopyJet or CLC prints, the polymer coating will wash out after the initial washing, leaving only a soft, durable and vibrant image. This process requires a dedicated Epson printer (C88, R1800 or 4800) that is outfitted with special ChromaBlast inks and paper.  The print durability is excellent on 100% cotton or 50/50 blend fabric.

The Best of two worlds - The Epson 4800 Dual

Sublimation is the best method for imprinting 100% polyester, while ChromaBlast is the best for 100% cotton. With the new Epson 4800 Dual you can use both Sublimation and ChromaBlast inks. The Epson 4800 Dual Features:

- Heavy -Duty construction
- 17" x 100' paper capabilitie
- High Speed inkjet printer
- Two types of inks; sublimation for 100% polyester and and Chromablast for cotton

CopyJet Transfer Paper:

An economicl, yet effective way to transfer any computer graphic image, design or photograph created with you ink jet printer, (Epson, HP, Canon) onto 100% cotton, 50/50 blend fabrics, mouse pads, puzzles, aprons and other porous materials. CopyJet comes in either 8.5"x11" or 11" x 17" sizes.

Step 1 - Create a mirror image transfer using CopyJet Transfer Paper instead of your regular inkjet paper. You can use the regular OEM inks that came with your ink jet printer, or for better print durability, use sublimation inks (best with 50/50 blends). Print onto the front side of the CopyJet (the backside is colored). Cut away any excess border or unprinted area on the transfer, as the coating is noticeable on the fabric after it has been transferred.

Step 2 - Preheat your heat press to 375 degrees.

Step 3 - Place a T-shirt in the press sandwitched between two sheets of teflon. The teflon will keep stray ink from staining your shirt. Close the press for 5 seconds to get rid of any wrinkles and remove moisture from the T-shirt.

Step 4 - Place the CopyJet transfer on the shirt and close the press for 20 seconds using heavy pressure.

Step 5 - Peel the transfer either hot for a matte finish or cold for a glossy finish.

Note: If using a hand iron, set the iron to the cotton setting and do not use steam. Prior to placing the transfer on the garment, press the garment a few seconds to remove moisture. Place transfer face down and press firmly for 20 seconds in each position over the entire transfer. Heat the entire surface again using circular motion.  Peel transfer hot for a matte finish or cold for a glossy finish.

Price: 8.5" x 11" sheets
Item 524A: 10-24 sheets...$1.15
Item 524B: 25-49 sheets...$ 1.10
Item 524 C: 50-99 sheets...$1.05
Item 524D:100-249 sheets...$ .95
Item 524E: 250 + sheets...$ .89

Price: 11" x 17" sheets
Item 525A: 10-24 sheets...$2.30
Item 525B: 25-49 sheets...$ 2.20
Item 525C: 50-99 sheets...$2.10
Item 525D: 100-249 sheets...$ 1.90

CLC - Color Laser Copier Transfer Paper:

CLC transfer paper is designed to be run through a Color Laser Copier or Color Laser Printers. The polymer coating on the CLC paper bonds with the fabric and thus creates a print that is both durable and economical. Great for either 100% cotton or 50/50 blend T-shirts, mouse pads, fabric puzzles and aprons. CLC can also be used as a prep paper for sublimation transfers onto cotton blend fabrics.

Step 1 - Create a mirror image transfer using CLC paper. Print onto the coated front of the CLC paper(the backside is has a red line printed on it). Cut away any excess border or unprinted area on the transfer, as the coating is noticeable on the fabric after it has been transferred.

Step 2 - Preheat your heat press to 375 degrees.

Step 3 - Place a T-shirt in the press sandwitched between two sheets of teflon. The teflon will keep stray ink from staining your shirt. Close the press for 5 seconds to get rid of any wrinkles and remove moisture from the T-shirt.

Step 4 - Place the CLC transfer on the shirt and close the press for 15 seconds using heavy pressure.

Step 5 - Peel the transfer either hot for a matte finish or cold for a glossy finish.

Note: If using a hand iron, set the iron to the cotton setting and do not use steam. Prior to placing the transfer on the garment, press the garment a few seconds to remove moisture. Place transfer face down and press firmly for 15 seconds in each position over the entire transfer. Heat the entire surface again using circular motion.  Peel transfer hot for a matte finish or cold for a glossy finish.

CLC as a Prep for sublimation transfers:
Step 1 - Create a mirror imgage sublimation transfer using regular ink jet paper (same paper you use for printing mugs, metal, etc.).

Step 2- Preheat your heat press to 390 - 400 degrees with medium pressure.

Step 3 - Cut CLC paper large enough to cover your sublimation transfer. Allow a 1" margin all around.

Step 4 - Position the CLC face down (coated side) on fabric and close the press for 10 seconds. Peel hot.

Step 5 - Position the sublimation transfer on the prepped fabric where the CLC was removed. Close the press for 30 - 40 seconds. Peel immediately.

Price: 11" x 17" sheets
Item 309A: 1 - 4 Packs of 100 sheets ... $ 66.95/100 sheet pack
Item 309B: 5 + Packs of 100 sheets....... $ 62.95

Sublimation Transfers:

Sublimation is an ideal way to imprint polyester fabrics. There is absolutely no feel to the print and the vibrant colors will not washout - ever! With the new high performance polyester fabrics, sportswear made with polyester and imprinted with sublimation has a comfort level unparalled by any other decorating method. For T-shirts, the Soft L'ink T made by Hanes is a wonderful shirt for sublimating. Soft L'ink T-shirts use a uniquely woven fabric that is 100% polyester on the outside for vibrant printing with sublimation inks and 100% cotton inside for comfort.

When imprinting 50/50 blended fabrics with sublimation, it is recommended that the sublimation is printed onto CopyJet paper instead of the normal sublimation paper. 100% cotton shirts are not recommended with sublimation.

Instructions for imprinting 100% polyester or Soft L'ink T-shirts:

Step 1 - Create a mirror image transfer using sublimation inks in an Epson printer (Epson C88, 1280, R1800 or 4800). Print onto our Sublimation InkJet paper (Item 323 or 361). You do not need to trim the transfer since there is no feel to the print when you are printing onto polyester fabric.

Step 2 - Preheat your heat press to 390 - 400 degrees (F).

Step 3 - Place a T-shirt in the press sandwitched between two sheets of teflon. The teflon will keep stray ink from staining your shirt. Close the press for 5 seconds to get rid of any wrinkles and remove moisture from the T-shirt.

Step 4 - Place the sublimation transfer on the shirt and secure with a couple of pieces of heat tape. An alternative to using heat tape which sometimes puckers the shirt, is to use a heavy piece of teflon or plain paper layed over the top of the transfer.

Step 5 - Close the press for 35 seconds using medium pressure.

Step 6 - Open the press carefully so the transfer does not move. When opening the press, gently open the press in two steps instead of one forceful step. This will prevent the transfer from shifting and hence creating a ghost image on the fabric. Remove the transfer from the shirt.

Using CopyJet paper with sublimation transfers on 50/50 shirts:
For 50/50 blended shirts, it is best to run CopyJet paper through your sublimation printer instead of the normal sublimation paper. After creating your sublimation transfer with the CopyJet paper, follow Steps 2 - 6 above. Peel the transfer hot for a matte finish or cold for a glossier finish.

ChromaBlast Transfers:

ChromaBlast transfers are the best transfers for vibrant long lasting prints on 100% cotton fabric. The ChromaBlast system involves a special ink and paper combination that chemically bonds with cotton for excellent print durability. Unlike CopyJet or CLC prints, the polymer coating will wash out after the initial washing, leaving only a soft, durable and vibrant image. This process requires a dedicated Epson printer (C88, R1800 or 4800) that is outfitted with special ChromaBlast inks and paper.  The print durability is excellent on 100% cotton or 50/50 blend fabric.

Step 1 - Create a mirror image transfer using ChromaBlast inks in an Epson printer (Epson C88, R1800 or 4800). Print onto the ChromaBlast paper (Item CB323 or CB361). If you desire, you can trim the non-printed area before transferring. Unlike CopyJet or CLC transfers, the polymer coating will wash out after the initial washing, leaving only the bonded ink to the fabric.

Step 2 - Preheat your heat press to 350 degrees (F).

Step 3 - Use an adhesive lint roller to remove any loose fibers from the suface of the shirt.

Step 4 - Place the shirt in the press sandwitched between two sheets of teflon. The teflon will keep stray ink from staining your shirt. Close the press for 5 seconds to get rid of any wrinkles and remove moisture from the T-shirt.

Step 5 - Place the ChromaBlast transfer on the shirt and press for 45 - 60 seconds using heavy pressure (upto 60psi in a pneumatic press). Due to variations in cotton garments and heat presses, time and temperature can be adjusted for preferred performance up to 400 degrees (F) for 25 seconds.

Step 6 - Open the press and peel the transfer while hot using an even motion.

Step 7 - Stretch the image area while the shirt is hot from both left to right and top to bottom to reduce the hand (feel).

Price: ChromaBlast Paper
Item CB323: 8.5" x 11" (100 sht/pack) .... $75.00/pack
Item CB361: 11" x 17" (100sht/pack) ...... $ 150.00/pack

Price: ChromaBlast Inks:
Item CB88 Cartridges (C,M,Y or K) for Epson C88 .... .$75.00 each
Item CB48: Cartridges (C, M,Y or K) for Epson 4800....$ 110.00 each
Item CB18: Cartridges (C,M,Y or K) for Epson R1800..$ 65.00 each
Item CB18R: Bulk Refill Cartridges for Epson R1800..$ 150.00 each
Item CBQ: Bulk Ink QuickConnect for Epson R1800....$ 279.00