What is Heat Transfer Printing?

Heat printing, also known as heat transfer printing, is the process of transferring heat-applied materials to various items (or substrates) using a heat press.

Generally speaking, the term "heat printing" refers to the personalization and customization of garments, other textiles, and hard goods using a heat press. There is a wide variety of material that can be applied through heat printing, from heat transfer vinyls (commonly used on athletic uniforms), heat transfer materials featuring special effects (such as glow-in-the-dark or reflective properties), and screen printed transfers, to name just a few. Heat printing products are also referred to as heat applied graphics and heat transfers.

There are several options for garment decoration, such as screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, and embroidery. Heat printing can be used in place of other methods or to supplement them. Learn more about heat transfer printing in the following sections.