When Details Count Like a diamond formed through heat and pressure, heat transfer graphics produce dazzling results. By Tina Berres Filipski HEAT TRANSFER IS ONE OF the most versatile decorating techniques to transform a blank promo product into a customized keepsake. The basic process is simple: The customer’s artwork is digitally printed onto a special film that’s then applied to the surface using heat and pressure to transfer the design. The film is then peeled back to reveal a vibrant, photo-quality image or design with saturated colors and intricate details that are almost impossible to achieve through other decorating methods. There’s a heat transfer solution for nearly every surface, including 100% cotton, polyester, nylon and cotton/ poly blends. Heat transfer is commonly used on T-shirts, performance wear and athletic apparel, sweatshirts and hoodies, tote bags and reusable grocery bags, coolers, caps, jackets, workwear and uniforms. With certain types of orders, heat transfer is the optimum decorating option. “Heat transfers are ideal for low minimum orders (one to 72 pieces); full-color or detailed, multi-color designs; personalized apparel like names or numbers; stretchy, synthetic or sublimated fabrics; and fast turnaround jobs or print-on-demand programs,” says Joe Dotson, vice president of sales and marketing at Minnesota-based decorator Apex Transfers. “Heat transfers are particularly useful in company store programs, team apparel, pop-up events and short-run fulfillment.” When decorators talk about heat transfers, they’re usually talking about two different methods. Heat transfer vinyl involves rolls of colored or textured vinyl that are cut into custom shapes. It’s best for personalization, small runs and specialty finishes. “For example, if a client needs a quick turnaround on a few pieces – or if they want something that feels high-end and unique – HTV is a fantastic flexible solution,” says Jenna Sackett, brand engagement manager at Michigan-based decorator Stahls’. The second method is preprinted heat transfers that look and feel like traditional screen printing but come across even better. This process is preferred for crisp, bold graphics, fast production Andrewshots / Shutterstock.com 14 • JULY 2025 • PPAI Essentials | In Style
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