What Is Heat Transfer Paper?

Heat transfer paper is used to put designs onto a fabric object, such as shirts. It is used to personalize designs and create custom apparel, bags or other fabric objects. It is a type of printer paper that designs are printed on to transfer to the fabric.

Use

Heat transfer paper is used to put custom designs on fabric objects. Because it is a paper to be printed on, any design can be used, as long as it can be created on the computer.

Application

Designs printed on heat transfer paper are applied to fabric by ironing. The paper is placed design side down onto the fabric and is ironed for an amount of time specified by the paper's manufacturer. The paper backing is peeled off to reveal the design.

Heat Type

There are two types of transfer paper in regards to heat. One requires that the paper backing is removed while still hot, and the other requires that the paper cool before the backing is removed.

Fabric Type

There are three types of transfer paper in regards to fabric type. One is used for light-colored fabric; one is used for dark-colored fabric; and one is used for stretchable fabric.

Cost

Transfer paper costs about $10 to $15 for packs of five to 12 sheets.