Inkjet Transfer Paper Instructions

GENERAL INFO
This two layer paper allows you to create something on your computer, print it on this paper in your Ink Jet printer, and then transfer the artwork to fabrics or other surfaces. You can use this paper in almost all ink jet printers. Printers with heating elements to dry the ink don't work. It's up to you to determine if it works in your printer. This improved generation of paper can be peeled while hot or after cooling and produces a better transfer of the artwork than earlier generations of transfer paper.
MAKING THE TRANSFER PAPER PRINT
Place the paper in the paper tray after fanning on all four sides. You want to print on the dull (uncolored) side, not the shiny side, which is tinted with color. Make sure the paper is not curled or bent at the leading edge. Remember that you will wind up on the fabric with a mirror image of what is on your computer screen. Text that reads correctly on screen, will not on the fabric. You need to mirror it with your software first.
WHAT TO TRANSFER ON TO
You can transfer onto fabrics of 100% cotton or cotton/poly blends, or 100% Polyester. It's best to use white or very light colored fabrics with the Inkjet Transfer Paper. If you are using dark fabrics use the Opaque Inkjet Transfer Paper, it has different instructions. Always prewash & dry to preshrink fabric (even if label says "preshrunk") because if it shrinks later, the transfer will crack! You can also use this paper to transfer onto puzzles, mouse pads, wood and most porous surfaces.
USING A COMMERCIAL HEAT PRESS TO TRANSFER THE IMAGE
Most household irons are steam irons. DO NOT USE STEAM.
The best results are obtained using a commercial heat press. This is a "clam shell" device which applies heat and high pressure for a set amount of time. If you can use one (we have them available here should you wish to pick one up), use it at 325 Fahrenheit for 15-20 seconds. Remove paper while hot for a satin finish or peel cold for a glossy finish.
USING AN IRON TO TRANSFER THE IMAGE
After printing, cut away the blank, unprinted area of the transfer. Preheat the iron at the hottest setting (cotton). Place the fabric on a hard surface. Iron (without steam) to remove wrinkles and any moisture in the fabric, and to preheat the fabric. Place the transfer image side down on the fabric. Press iron firmly over the transfer for 15-20 seconds in each position (start in middle and work in circlular fashion towards outer edge to eliminate bubbles) until entire transfer has been covered. Heat the entire surface again using a circular motion. Peel the paper backing off while hot for a satin finsh or cold for a glossy finish.
WASHING INSTRUCTIONS
The transfers will feel a bit stiff when new. This feel will become softer after washing. Always turn the garment inside out. Wash in warm or cold water on a gentle cycle. Plain detergent is ok but do not use bleach or detergents containing whiteners, brighteners, bleaches, etc. Remove from washer immediately and tumble dry on low or air setting. The water soluble ink on the transfer can bleed if garment is left wet, or hung to dry. If the garment needs ironing, don't iron directly on the transfer, cover it with baking parchment or a silicone slip.
STORAGE (Important)
Store the paper flat in a cool, dry, dark place in it's plastic bag, sealed. Paper is usually good for about 6 months except in very humid conditions.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Cracks - can be caused by not preheating the fabric to get moisture out, or after washing if fabric not preshrunk, or from fabric being stretched too much. Hard looking surface that almost peels off - iron was too hot. Doesn't stick to the fabric - iron too cool. Bubbles - not evenly applied from center working outwards. Fading - ink jet inks are water soluble and can fade over time with continuous washings. Bleeding - see washing instructions
"This is what we know from the manufacturer and from ours and others experiences. It's not intended to be class or book nor is it a substitute for your own experience. You are responsible for testing everything first to see if it works for you in your situation."
PEEL WHILE COLD or HOT. EACH GIVES A DIFFERENT EFFECT

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