Transfer Print

Lenco offers decorations on garments in form of transfer printing.

When it comes to adding bold, detailed designs to clothing, transfer printing offers flexibility and impressive visual results. It’s a go-to method for full-colour artwork, short runs, and intricate designs that are difficult to achieve with embroidery or screen printing.

What is Transfer Printing?

Transfer printing involves printing a design onto a special transfer paper or film, then applying it to a garment using heat and pressure. It’s commonly used for T-shirts, hoodies, team uniforms, and promotional apparel.

Types of Transfer Print Techniques

1. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

   - Involves cutting shapes or letters from coloured vinyl and heat pressing them onto garments.

   - Best for single-colour designs, names, and numbers on teamwear.

2. Digital Transfer (Full-Colour)

   - The design is printed onto transfer paper using inkjet or laser printers and then heat-pressed.

   - Great for full-colour logos, photographs, and small runs.

3. Sublimation Transfer

   - Uses heat to transfer dye into polyester garments, becoming part of the fabric.

   - Ideal for light-coloured, synthetic garments (not suitable for cotton).

   - Refer to your sublimation page for more details about the design we offer

4. DTF (Direct to Film) Transfer

   - Prints full-colour designs onto a film, then heat-pressed onto the garment.

   - Works on a wider range of fabrics and colours.

Colour Selection

- HTV: Limited to available vinyl colours unless using layered designs.

- Digital Transfers: Allows full CMYK printing, perfect for gradients and photos.

- Sublimation: Offers vibrant, fade-resistant colours but only on light polyester.

- DTF: Excellent for complex, multicolour designs on both light and dark fabrics.

Setup Process

1. Artwork Prep – Designs are created digitally, with attention to size, resolution, and colour.

2. Print or Cut – Depending on the method, the design is either printed onto a film or vinyl is cut.

3. Weeding (if HTV) – Excess vinyl is removed before pressing.

4. Heat Pressing – A heat press applies the design at the correct temperature, time, and pressure.

5. Peeling – Transfer sheet is removed, leaving the design bonded to the garment.

Advantages of Transfer Printing

- Great for Small Runs – Cost-effective for small quantities or one-offs.

- Detailed, Full-Colour Prints – Ideal for complex artwork, gradients, and photos.

- Quick Turnaround – Fast to set up and press.

- Versatility – Works on various garments and placements.

Disadvantages of Transfer Printing

- Durability – Not as long-lasting as embroidery or screen printing; may crack or peel over time. Usually lasts 40-50 wash cycles but depends on the drying methods and exposure to sunlight  / UV etc.

- Feel – Transfers can have a plasticky or rubbery texture.

- Fabric Limits – Some methods (like sublimation) only work on certain fabrics.

- Cost for Large Runs – Less economical than screen printing in high volumes.

Final Thoughts

Transfer printing is a versatile and accessible option for custom apparel, especially when dealing with vivid, detailed artwork or low-quantity orders. Understanding the different transfer methods and matching them with the right garment type ensures both quality and satisfaction.

Contact the friendly team at Lenco to talk about your requirements. We will be happy to assist in selecting the right garment and the type of decoration you needed to customise it to meet your needs.