Whether you’re decorating items for yourself and family, or designing t-shirts and other crafts to be sold on the market, you’re going to want to use the best heat transfer paper available. The last thing you want is your hard work cracking and peeling after just a few washes. No need to worry, professional-grade heat transfer paper for all arts and crafts can be purchased for a very reasonable price.
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Best Heat Transfer Paper
Here are our best heat transfer paper reviews.
1. Avery Printable T-Shirt Transfers
Designed for light-colored fabrics, this heat transfer paper, from Avery, is perfect for custom t-shirt making. Simply go to the Avery website for multiple templates and clip art, or work with your own designs and digital photos
- This product is only compatible with inkjet printers
- Color Shield Formula keeps colors bright and crisp
- Transfer your design using a heat press or standard iron
2. Printworks Dark T-Shirt Transfers
This heat transferable paper, from Printworks, is designed for use on both dark and light fabrics. This paper is perfect for beginners with creations taking less than 10 minutes from start to finish.
- Designed for inkjet printers
- Fade-resistant coating protects images throughout washing
- Highly trusted brand since 1964
3. JET-PRO SS JETPRO SOFSTRETCH HEAT TRANSFER PAPER
This heat transfer paper is great for all kinds of arts and crafts, from t-shirts, puzzles, coasters and much more. This product is unique as it allows room for stretching—no more cracks in your designs.
- Compatible with inkjet printers
- Best for white and light colors
- High-quality, long-lasting
4. Forever Laser Dark No-Cut Transfer-Paper
Made specifically for dark colors, this transferable paper is compatible with laser printers. This product is great for a variety of materials including leather and denim.
- Comes with 25 sheets of 8.5” X 11” paper
- Produces clear, vivid images
- Low pressing temperature
5. Iron ON Heat Transfer Paper from Neenah
These heat transfer papers contain a unique opaque layer that allows for photograph-quality images to be transferred. This brand comes highly recommended from experienced users.
- Great for light and dark items alike
- Commercial-grade transfer papers
- 11” X 17” sheets are perfect for larger projects
Heat Transfer paper Buyer’s Guide
Designing your own custom t-shirts and knick-knacks can be a fun hobby for anyone with some extra time on their hands. Compatible with many home printers, all you need is an iron and your ready to go. There are a few things to think about before committing to a specific brand of heat transfer paper and our buyer’s guide is here to help you navigate the masses.
Below are a few things to keep in mind when making your purchase.
Choice of printer
The type of printer that you are currently using or intend to purchase will highly influence the type of transfer paper you’ll be using.
Although both laser and sublimation printers can be used, Inkjet printers are the most common and preferred. This is simply because they are the most universally compatible printers with heat transfer paper and because they are relatively low cost to purchase.
Opacity/material color
Make sure to read the item description and choose the right paper for you selected fabric color. If you plan to work with light colors, choose a brand that is clearly labeled for light colored fabrics. If you’re planning on working with dark fabrics or leather, you’ll want to choose the transfer papers labeled as “opaque”.
Sheet Size
This should not be overlooked, especially if you plan on doing larger projects. Simply make sure that the length of your selected transfer paper can support the size of the image you want to work with. Also consider the size of the item you wish to transfer the image onto.
Method of transfer
Transferring an image from heat transfer paper to an article of clothing requires a consistent amount of heat and pressure. Keep in mind that an iron is fine for the occasional transfer at home, but if time matters and you plan on pressing multiple items, then consider investing in a heat-pressing machine.
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