Application Corner: HP Indigo-Compatible Heat Transfer Papers for Clothing and Fabric Applications
Digital printers often come to Masterpiece Graphix to help secure additional revenue streams for their business. MGX is committed to offering the highest-quality substrates so our customers can continue to create innovative products to “wow” their digital customers. In that tradition, Masterpiece Graphix is now offering a unique heat transfer sheet material for fabrics that is compatible with HP Indigo commercial sheet presses. Digital printers can now utilize their HP Indigo commercial press to create colorful high-quality graphics for garment and other fabric applications.
Digitally-printed garments have become more popular recently, and the market continues to grow. Combined with the ability to produce short runs and custom items, digital technology is a win-win for garment production. Applications can range from the atypical tee to totes, accessories, pillowcases, ribbon, and promotional items.
These newly offered heat transfer materials work best on cotton or cotton/polyester blend fabrics with a tight weave. Sheets are available in white or clear, depending on the application. The white sheets are recommended for use on white or light covered fabrics; clear is best utilized on dark-colored fabric applications. The transfer is very durable, with excellent color density lasting at least 15-20 wash cycles.
First the graphic is digitally printed as a mirror image on the non-glossy, unlined side of the material. Any unprinted paper is trimmed off of the printed graphic before application, so that only the graphic is transferred to the garment. A heat press set at 375°F with a high pressure setting (60 psi) is recommended for the best transfer results.
Before pressing the graphic into the garment, first press the garment individually for 3-5 seconds to release any moisture and remove wrinkles. When you are ready to adhere the transfer to the garment, place the printed and trimmed graphic face down on the garment with the lined side facing up. Press the garment for 20-25 seconds. When pressing is completed, wait three seconds then remove the backing paper while the graphic is still hot in a smooth and even motion. Let the garment cool, and it’s ready to wear!
Currently these thermal transfer materials are offered as HP Indigo-compatible products, but HP Indigo certification status is pending for both items. These products are also being tested to be compatible with dry toner presses like the Xerox iGen and Kodak Nexpress.
Besides white and clear transfer materials, other effects are available like a transfer material with an eye-catching glitter effect. For more information on all of MGX’s available heat transfer materials for digital presses, please contact your MGX sales rep directly or email the sales team.
