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How To Make - Iron On Transfers for White Fabrics

Print custom designs onto T-shirts, aprons, and more with our iron-on transfer paper—ideal for white or light-colored fabrics using your inkjet printer.

🧾 What You’ll Need

  • Digital image (scanned or downloaded)
  • Inkjet (bubble jet) color printer
  • Iron-On Inkjet Transfer Paper
  • Pre-washed 100% cotton or 50/50 blend white/light fabric
  • Hand iron or commercial heat press
  • Flat, hard, non-porous ironing surface
  • Clean, soft cloth

🖨️ Printing Instructions

Before printing, check your design for any text. If there is text, select “Mirror,” “Flip,” or “Reverse” in your software so it prints backward. If there's no text, this may not be necessary.

  • Test your image on plain paper first.
  • Insert one sheet of iron-on transfer paper into your printer (print on the blank side).
  • Ensure the sheet is flat and not curled.
  • Use highest quality or dpi setting in your printer driver.

Suggested Printer Settings:

  • Canon: T-shirt transfers
  • Epson: High quality glossy or coated paper
  • HP: High quality glossy paper
  • Lexmark: T-shirt transfers

Let the ink dry for at least 30 minutes before handling the sheet.

🔥 Applying the Transfer

Option 1: Using a Heat Press

  • Preheat to 325°F
  • Pre-press the fabric for a few seconds to remove moisture, then cool
  • Place transfer face down in position
  • Apply light to medium pressure for 10 seconds
  • Rub gently with a cloth and peel backing sheet

Option 2: Hand Ironing

  • Use the highest heat setting (no steam), preheat iron for 8 minutes
  • Do NOT use an ironing board, wood, metal, or glass surface
  • Cover surface with a smooth pillowcase
  • Smooth out wrinkles in both pillowcase and fabric
  • Preheat garment briefly and let it cool
  • Place transfer image-side down onto fabric

Ironing Technique:

  • Press straight down for 15–20 seconds in several areas
  • Lift and reposition—do not slide
  • Then use circular motion with light pressure for another 15–20 seconds
  • Rub gently with a soft cloth for 5–10 seconds

🧺 Washing & Care

  • Turn garments inside out before washing
  • Use cold water and mild detergent (no bleach)
  • Air dry preferred. If tumble drying, use air-only setting

📦 Storage Tips

  • Keep unused paper sealed in plastic bag in a cool, dry place
  • If possible, store with a silica gel packet to absorb moisture

❗ Troubleshooting

Transfer Looks Yellow:

Temperature may be too high—lower to 325°F or use cotton setting. Heat can vary by iron brand.

Transfer Won’t Adhere:

Confirm backing is removed. Use sufficient heat and pressure. Push transfer into fabric.

Transfer Stuck to Bottom of Iron:

Always use an ironing sheet to protect iron surface.

Transfer Cracking After Wash:

Pre-wash garment to prevent shrinkage. Apply more pressure when transferring.

Edges Not Sticking:

Apply extra pressure to edges when ironing. Ensure full heat coverage.

Image Is Reversed on Shirt:

Check mirror or flip setting was enabled in printer settings.

Printer Compatibility Warning:

Do not use with laser printers, copiers, or heat-dry inkjet models like HP DeskJet 1200C or 1600C. These may damage the transfer or printer. Always check your printer manual if unsure.