How To Make Screen Print Transfers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Screen printing transfers can be a valuable skill to have, whether you’re running a print shop or working on custom orders for clothing brands. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating screen print transfers step by step. By the end, you’ll be able to produce high-quality transfers for various design projects.

What Is A Screen Print Transfer?

A screen print transfer, often referred to as a heat transfer or plastisol transfer, is a printed design that is created using the screen printing process but is intended to be applied to fabric or other surfaces using heat. It serves as an intermediate step between the screen printing process and the final application on garments, textiles, or other materials.

Here’s how a screen print transfer works:

• Design Creation: The process starts with designing the artwork that you want to transfer onto a surface. This design is typically created digitally or on paper.
• Screen Printing: The design is then screen printed onto a special type of transfer paper using screen printing techniques. This means that ink is pushed through a mesh screen, creating the desired design on the transfer paper.
• Adhesive Powder: After the ink is applied to the transfer paper, adhesive powder is often sprinkled over the wet ink. This powder adheres to the ink, making it possible to transfer the design later.
• Curing: The transfer paper with the printed design is then cured or heated to a specific temperature. This process ensures that the ink properly adheres to the paper and activates any adhesive properties.
• Peel Test: Once the paper has been properly cured, a peel test may be performed to ensure that the ink adheres to the paper but can be easily released when heat is applied to the transfer later.
• Application: The screen print transfer is now ready to be applied to the desired surface, such as a T-shirt or fabric. When heat is applied, the ink on the transfer paper is activated and adheres to the material.

What Are Screen Transfers Made Of?

Screen print transfers are composed of several key elements carefully selected to ensure the success of the transfer process. At the heart of screen transfers is the transfer paper. 

This paper is specially designed with a coating that can securely hold the screen printing ink while withstanding the heat and pressure applied during transfer. The choice of transfer paper can vary depending on the specific application method, whether it’s cold peel, hot peel, or warm peel, each designed to meet particular transfer needs.

The screen printing ink used in screen print transfers plays a pivotal role. Unlike standard screen printing inks, these inks are formulated with adhesion and durability in mind. They are thicker and more adhesive, ensuring that the design adheres effectively to the fabric during the heat transfer process. 

Available in an array of colors, screen printing inks for transfers can also include specialty options like metallic or glitter inks to add unique visual effects to the final printed design. Together, these elements create screen transfers that offer the flexibility to produce detailed, vibrant, and long-lasting prints on a variety of fabrics and materials.

How To Make Screen Print Transfers

Step 1: Design Preparation

Before you start, make sure you have your design ready. It’s crucial to mirror the image because you’ll be printing it onto the transfer paper, and later, you’ll flip it onto the T-shirt. This step ensures that your design appears correctly when transferred.

Step 2: Select The Right Mesh Count

Choosing the right mesh count for your screen is essential. For screen print transfers, it’s recommended to use a high mesh count, typically between 200 and 260. This choice allows the ink to sit on top of the transfer paper, ensuring a crisp and clean print.

Step 3: Setting Up The Screen

Setting up your screen is straightforward but important for consistent results. Add registration lines to your platen to help with screen alignment. Ensure that your off-contact is approximately 1/16 of an inch from the screen to the platen. This spacing prevents ink smearing and transfer issues.

Consider adding tape to the screen for easy alignment and consistent placement of the transfer on each T-shirt.

Step 4: Printing The Transfer

Now it’s time to print the transfer. Preheat the transfer paper for 3 to 5 seconds, especially if you’re working on multicolor designs. This preheating helps prevent shrinkage. Use a high-quality ink that’s been thoroughly stirred to ensure smooth printing.

Print your design onto the transfer paper. For neck tags, flip the T-shirt inside out, place a Teflon pillow inside, align the transfer, and press it for 10 seconds with high pressure.

Step 5: Adding Adhesive Powder

Immediately after printing, add adhesive powder to the wet ink. This step is crucial for the transfer process. Roll the powder over the design, both front and back, to ensure proper coverage. Shake off any excess powder.

Step 6: Curing The Transfers

Curing the transfers is a critical step. Follow the ink manufacturer’s instructions for temperature and time. Make sure not to exceed the recommended curing temperature to avoid issues like fading, cracking, or peeling of the transfer.

Step 7: Testing Transfers

To ensure your transfers are ready for use, perform a peel test. If the transfer peels cleanly, it’s ready. If it sticks to the transfer paper, you may have over-cured it.

Step 8: Production

Once your transfers are prepared and tested, you’re ready for production. Print your T-shirts following the same steps as for the neck tags. Ensure proper alignment, print quality, and curing.

How Long Do Screen Print Transfers Last?

The longevity of screen print transfers primarily depends on several factors, including the quality of materials used, the application process, and how well the printed item is cared for. Here are some key factors that can affect how long screen print transfers last:

Quality of Materials

The quality of the transfer paper, ink, and adhesive powder used in creating the screen print transfer plays a significant role in its durability. High-quality materials tend to result in longer-lasting transfers.

Application Process

Proper application of the transfer to the garment or material is crucial. Following the recommended temperature, pressure, and time guidelines during the heat transfer process ensures that the ink adheres effectively. If the transfer is not applied correctly, it may not adhere properly, leading to premature wear.

Fabric Type

The type of fabric onto which the screen print transfer is applied can affect its longevity. Transfers tend to adhere better and last longer on cotton and cotton-blend fabrics compared to materials like nylon or polyester.

Washing and Care

How the printed item is laundered and cared for also plays a significant role in the lifespan of screen print transfers. To prolong their life, it’s essential to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Typically, gentle machine washing, turning the garment inside out, and avoiding bleach or harsh detergents can help preserve the transfer.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to environmental elements like sunlight and moisture can impact the durability of screen print transfers. Extended exposure to direct sunlight may cause the colors to fade over time. Storing garments in a cool, dry place can help prevent premature deterioration.

Quality of Print

The quality of the screen print transfer itself, including the thickness and adhesion of the ink, can influence how long it lasts. Transfers with thicker ink layers and proper curing tend to be more durable.

Frequency of Use

Frequent wear and washing of the printed item will naturally lead to some degree of wear and fading over time. High-frequency usage may result in transfers showing signs of deterioration sooner than those used less often.

In general, well-made screen print transfers can last for a considerable amount of time, often through numerous wash and wear cycles. However, it’s essential to recognize that they may eventually show signs of wear, cracking, or fading, especially if exposed to harsh conditions or improper care.

FAQs About How To Make Screen Print Transfers

What Is The Difference Between Screen Print Transfers And Direct Screen Printing?

Screen print transfers are created separately on transfer paper and later applied using heat, while direct screen printing involves printing the design directly onto the fabric.

The main difference is that screen print transfers allow for more intricate and detailed designs to be applied efficiently, while direct screen printing is best suited for larger production runs with simpler designs.

Can I Use Any Ink For Screen Print Transfers?

While many screen printing inks can be used for creating screen print transfers, it’s essential to choose inks specifically designed for this purpose. These inks typically have adhesive properties that ensure proper adhesion to the transfer paper and can withstand the heat transfer process. Using the right ink is crucial for successful screen print transfers.

What Fabrics Are Suitable For Screen Print Transfers?

Screen print transfers work best on cotton and cotton-blend fabrics. These materials provide a good surface for the ink to adhere to and tend to yield longer-lasting results. While transfers can be applied to other fabrics like polyester or nylon, it’s essential to consider that their adherence and longevity may vary.

How Can I Ensure Proper Adhesion Of Screen Print Transfers To Garments?

To ensure proper adhesion, follow these steps: First, preheat the transfer paper and fabric to eliminate any moisture. Next, apply even pressure and the recommended temperature during the heat transfer process. Additionally, ensure that the ink is fully cured as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Proper application and curing are key to the longevity of screen print transfers.

Conclusion

Creating screen print transfers is a straightforward process when you follow these steps. Whether you’re working on one-color designs or more complex multicolor projects, mastering this technique can save time and money while ensuring high-quality results. So, get ready to make screen print transfers a valuable addition to your printing skills.