Transfer Printing
Transfer printing brings your designs to life in full colour, with sharp detail and endless versatility. Bold graphics, personalised names, and one-off creations are easy to produce with vibrant results. Ideal for events, merch, and branded apparel, transfer printing is quick, flexible, and perfect for small runs. It’s a simple way to create standout designs - vibrant, fast, and made just for you. Whether you're using screen print transfers, tshirt transfer methods or exploring heat transfer printing, our service delivers unmatched flexibility and results.
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What is transfer printing?
Transfer is the process of printing your designs onto a special, transferrable vinyl material. Our t shirt transfer printer technology can be used for both light and dark coloured T shirts or any other garments. The material used for dark T shirts and garments is slightly thicker compared to the white ones. The material used when printing onto white garments is transparent and therefore uses the white of the garment to make the colours stand out whereas the base vinyl for coloured garments is white and so the colours are printed used a CMYK process on top of the white substrate. We use a wide range of methods, including heat transfer print, iron transfer printing, and screen printed transfers, to suit different garment types and artwork needs.
There are different base materials available for Nylon and “stretchy” garments to ensure the print will be the most adequate for the garment we are printing on to. We will always make sure that the print will last as long as possible by ensuring that we use the correct paper for transfer printing or vinyl, for each individual order and garment type.
Want to create iron on transfers for t shirts or print and iron on transfers with precision? We’ll help you choose the best solution, whether that’s print paper transfer or clothes transfers using eco-friendly, durable materials.
We even offer iron on name transfers and personalised iron on transfers for that extra bespoke touch.
Why Choose Transfer Printing?
Transfer printing is the ideal solution for fast, flexible, and eye-catching custom garments - without committing to high volumes. Whether you need transfers for t shirts at your next event, or want to trial new designs before a full launch, it’s the go-to choice.
Perfect for small businesses testing new designs, event organisers needing personalised T-shirts, sports teams adding names and numbers, or artists launching limited collections. Transfer shirt printing offers full-colour, high-resolution results with no minimum order. Our customers also love the ability to use clothing transfers for unique, short-run collections and personalised orders.
Advantages of Transfer Printing
1. Great for Small Orders and One-Offs
Perfect for low quantity T shirt runs which feature the same design, such as personalised designs for gifts.
2. Suitable for Full Colour and Photo Prints
Transfer printing Produces high-quality printing replication. Allows full-colour designs, gradients, and photographic designs with high accuracy and clarity.
3. Quick and Easy Setup
Incredibly fast and perfect for same day and next day delivery services. No set up charges meaning it’s very reasonably priced
4. Works on a Variety of Fabrics and Surfaces
Transfer prints can be applied to cotton, polyester, blends, and even non-fabric materials like mugs, caps, and bags, depending on the type of transfer used.
5. Allows for Individual Customisation
Easily personalise every piece; ideal for custom clothing suppliers looking to offer variety, like different names or numbers on each item.
Disadvantages of Transfer Printing
1. Less Durable Than Other Methods
Transfer prints sit on top of the fabric and are more prone to cracking, peeling, or fading over time, especially after multiple washes.
2. Not Ideal for Large Runs
While great for small orders, transfer printing becomes less cost-effective and efficient for large-scale production compared to screen printing.
3. Limited Breathability
The transfer layer may reduce the fabric’s breathability, especially when covering large areas, making it less comfortable for some types of apparel.
4. Edges Can Lift Over Time
If not applied properly or if the garment is stretched excessively, the edges of the design can begin to lift or curl.
5. Glossy Finish May Not Suit All Designs
Depending on the material used (especially with vinyl), the finish can be shiny or plastic-like.
Discovering more Printing Techniques: Quality Without Compromise
At Garment Printing we aim to always exceed our customer’s expectations by offering the best quality standards possible. We, therefore, have only state-of-the-art machinery and the most modern T shirt printing techniques. Our printing techniques include:
- Cad Cut vinyl printing
- Transfer printing
- Embroidery
- Screen printing
- Direct to garment printing
- Dye sublimation / All over T shirt printing
- And now: hydrographics water transfer printing, also known as hydro transfer printing or water transfer printing hydrographics
We also support niche applications such as hydrographic water transfer printing and hydro water transfer printing for custom patterns and finishes - especially valuable for accessories and promotional merchandise.
Further, at Garment Printing we understand that while you might want to get the best possible products and services, however, it’s usually not always affordable. That’s why we have printing techniques and products which are designed to suit every budget.
Not Sure Yet? Try a Sample - Transfer Printing
At Garment Printing, we understand that making the right decision isn’t always easy—especially when you haven’t seen the final result. With transfer printing, you get vibrant, high-quality prints ideal for full-colour artwork, gradients, and photographic detail. But since Pantone matching isn’t always guaranteed, seeing a sample first can make all the difference.
That’s why we offer printed T-shirt samples for just £35 + VAT, and blank garments —so you can touch, see, and truly understand the quality of both the fabric and the print before placing a larger order.
We know that cost and print quality are what matter most. So rather than taking a chance, test it first. Our samples give you the peace of mind you need to move forward with confidence.
PLEASE NOTE - cost will be refunded against any order greater than £350, placed within 1 month of the samples delivery
Our Transfer Printing Gallery
Your Order, Made Easy in 4 Steps
1. Tell us about your project needs
Share your requirements, quantities and deadlines with our team so we can recommend the best solution.
2. Expert advice & visual mock-ups
We recommend the best products and printing methods, then provide mock-ups for approval before production.
3. Production & Quality control
Your order is produced using professional printing and checked at every stage to ensure quality.
4. On-time delivery, every time
We deliver your order on time to offices, events and venues across the UK and worldwide.
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Check Out Prices & Artwork Guidelines for our Printing Techniques
Explore printing prices and artwork guidelines — everything you need to get started with confidence, backed by expert support when you need it.
Printing Prices Artwork GuidelinesMore Garment Printing Techniques Explained
Looking for the best printing method for your design and garment choice? At Garment Printing, we offer a wide range of professional printing techniques to suit every style, budget and project requirement. Whether you need vibrant full-colour detail, fast turnaround or eco-friendly options, our team has the expertise to deliver. Explore the techniques below and find the right solution for your next project — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Advanced Screen Printing Effects & Finishes - Screen Printing Techniques
Our advanced screen printing effects and finishes create a wide range of visual and tactile results — from ultra-soft prints and subtle tonal designs to bold textures and eye-catching finishes.
Our team recommends the best approach based on your artwork, garment choice and brand goals, considering colour count, durability, feel and budget to achieve the best result for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transfer Printing
Find quick answers to our most common questions about Transfer Printing
Transfer printing is a decoration technique where your design is first printed onto a special transfer paper or film and then heat-pressed onto the garment. This allows for sharp, vibrant designs and works well across many fabric types.
Transfer printing is very versatile. It works on cotton, polyester, blends, tote bags, hoodies, workwear, sportswear and even some accessories like caps or aprons.
Yes — when applied correctly, transfer prints are highly durable. They can withstand regular washing and everyday wear. Following the recommended washing instructions helps maintain colour and print quality.
Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of transfer printing is that it’s ideal for small runs, personalised items, samples, events or last-minute orders.
Very detailed. Transfer printing can reproduce fine lines, gradients, photographic images and complex logos with excellent precision.
Modern transfer materials are soft and flexible. Depending on the design size and coverage, the print can feel smooth and lightweight.
Yes. Special transfer films allow vibrant, opaque colours to be printed clearly on dark fabrics without losing detail.
Production times are usually fast. Transfer printing is often chosen for express orders because there is minimal setup compared to other printing methods.
Yes — it’s commonly used for team names, numbers, branding and uniforms because it delivers clean results and strong visibility.
For best results, wash inside out at low temperatures (typically 30°C), avoid tumble drying and do not iron directly on the print. This helps extend the life of the design.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Project
At Garment Printing, we support you from product selection to production and delivery. Share your requirements and timelines, and our team will guide your project from start to finish.
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