Plastisol Transfers Overview
Plastisol custom heat transfers can be applied to range of advanced fabrics, including neoprene and some nylons, to allow you to apply onto items such as drawstring bags, tents and CD holders.
We supply different variants of plastisol ink-based, screen printed transfers which are as follows:
- Polytran: A powdered Plastisol transfers which enhances the opacity of designs and makes them suitable for darker garments and fabrics.
- Nylotrans: Plastisol transfers which are specifically developed to apply onto PU-coated substrates, such as waterproof nylon, and produces a crisp, block-colour finish.
- Elastika: A robust plastisol transfer process that has stretch built into the inks used to create it, so it doesn’t crack when stretched.
Production Leadtimes: Plastisol Transfers
Plastisol custom heat transfers are manufactured in the UK and are usually despatched within TWO working days of confirmation of the artwork and colour references.
Artwork Requirements
For block-colour, plastisol-based transfers, we require the design as a line-based vector graphic (usually an .EPS or .AI file format) with any text saved as outlines. We also need Solid Coated Pantone colour references for the print colours required. If you don’t have access to Pantone colour charts, we can help you to choose the correct colours for your design, but the closeness to the intended colour may be impaired.
In addition, any fine detail in screen transfer designs would need to be at least 0.8mm in line thickness to avoid having to add a clear keyline around the different elements of the design to ensure that there’s sufficient ink to properly fuse to the garment. If this isn’t avoidable, the minimum level of detail would need to be at least 0.3mm in line thickness to allow the detail to pass through the screen used for standard inks or at least 0.5mm in line thickness for Shimmer inks, and the clear keyline which is added is costed as an additional colour.
If you aren’t able to provide the artwork in the correct format, we don’t offer direct recommendations but many of our customers use Net Digitising (https://netdigitizing.co.uk/artwork-services/), Digitising Mart (https://digitisingmart.co.uk/vectorart.php) or David Sharp (https://davidsharp.co.uk/our-services/) to have block-colour designs, and designs with a limited amount of shading, redrawn as line-based vector graphics.
Recommended Fabrics:
- 100% Cotton
- Poly/Cotton blends
- 100% Polyester*
* Testing recommended on coated or heavily dyed polyester - Nylon blends
- Tri-blends
Recommended Accessories:
Are you wanting to buy a reliable heat press with the right features for your needs and not sure of what to buy? If so, read through our UK heat press guide for information based on over 30 years of experience in supplying heat presses.
After-Care Instructions:
- For best results, wash garment inside out.
- Machine wash warm up to 40°C.
- Wash using mild detergent.
- Tumble dry on a low setting on household machines.
- Do not dry clean.
- Do not use bleach.
- Can be ironed onto reverse (without steam).
Application Instructions:
For advice on how to correctly apply heat transfers, view our heat transfer press application tips.
What Are Custom Transfers?
Custom transfers are printed designs which are ready to apply onto fabrics, primarily garments such as t-shirts, hoodies and polo shirts, using a heat press machine to bond the custom heat transfer to the fabric.
Our custom-made, heat fusion transfers can be applied to almost any type of fabric and we offer a wide variety of finishes, including digital, ink based and photo quality heat seal transfers.
Why Use Custom Transfers?
Custom transfers are a popular alternative to silk-screen printing and other fabric printing methods, as it’s a much more cost effective method of printing in low quantities. This also provide the option to print on demand as they are manufactured to be ready to be heat applied directly onto the garment fabric.
You can also achieve special effects on custom transfers, such as a gloss or textured finish by the parchment paper used in its production or using special cover sheets, such as a non-stick cover sheet and gloss sheets, which are available for certain processes.
