Polytran (Powdered Plastisol) Overview
Using this process allows you to produce heat transfers for quick and easy application to meet your ongoing needs, as well as low and high-volume one-off orders. The colours can be matched to Pantone colour references to match specific requirements and the heat transfers are suitable for both light and dark fabrics. From t-shirts and polo shirts, to hooded sweatshirts and bags, there’s very few uncoated fabrics that cannot be printed with our Polytran heat transfer process.
Production Leadtimes: Polytran Heat Transfers
Polytran 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, screen-based heat transfer processes, such as Polytran, 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 - Acetate
- Neoprene
- Suede
- Leather
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.
Application Instructions:
- Developed to be applied with a heat press – Not intended for use with a domestic iron.
- Temperature: 160°C
- Time: 10 seconds
- Pressure: Medium-Firm (30-40psi)
- Peel: Cold Peel
For advice on how to correctly apply heat transfers, view our heat transfer press application tips.
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.
- Do not directly iron over the design.
What Are Custom Transfers?
Custom transfers are printed designs for applying to substrates, 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 transfers can be applied to almost any type of fabric and we offer a wide variety of finishes, including block-colour, plastisol ink-based screen transfers, and full-colour photo-quality DST custom heat transfers. Subli-dye blockers can also be added to reduce the risk of dye migration on fabrics susceptible to it, such as performance polyester.
Why Use Custom Transfers?
Custom transfers are a popular alternative to silk-screen printing as it’s a much more cost-effective method of printing in low quantities and also gives the ability to print on demand as our custom transfers are manufactured so they are ready to be heat pressed straight onto the garment fabric.
