A specialized material allows custom designs and images to be transferred onto fabrics and other surfaces using heat. This medium consists of a printable layer adhered to a carrier sheet, enabling the application of full-color graphics, logos, and personalized artwork onto textiles. For instance, a custom t-shirt can be created by printing a design onto this material, then using a heat press to bond the printed image permanently to the fabric.
The advent of this technology has revolutionized personalized apparel and promotional product industries. It provides a cost-effective method for producing small-batch, customized items with high-quality, durable results. Before its widespread adoption, creating custom designs on fabrics often required more complex and expensive processes such as screen printing, which necessitated minimum order quantities and was less suited for intricate, multi-colored designs. The ability to readily create unique, on-demand products has expanded opportunities for small businesses and individual creators alike.
The following sections will examine the different types available, the equipment required for successful application, the best practices for printing and pressing, and considerations for selecting the appropriate material for specific projects.