The best textile transfer papers in the UK 2023

Personalized clothing and accessories are everywhere these days. Do you want to do it too? No need to spend a lot of money on screen printing, just use textile transfer paper. Practical, economical, fast and efficient, it allows you to bring more punch to your clothes. If you hesitate between the different models available, trust our comparison!

Raimarket RM002
9/10

Editor's Choice

Raimarket RM002

The best textile transfer paper in 2021

This pack of 10 sheets of textile transfer paper is particularly suitable for dark colored fabrics. You will be able to easily reproduce all the designs of your choice in 10 minutes.

12,94 £ on Amazon

Looking to personalize a t-shirt, a hat or a cushion? Choose the Raimarket RM002 textile transfer paper. It is both stretchable and machine washable. Customizations can withstand up to 30+ washes. It takes just under 10 minutes to create your own design like a pro and in peace at home. After printing the design, you can apply it to a regular garment, accessory or decorative item with a regular iron.

The Raimarket RM002 is compatible with light fabrics like cotton. It is also suitable for all inkjet printers. Just make sure that the color of the textile is always dark or black. Please note that the transfer will only be effective at maximum temperature.

PPD-4-5
8/10

Best cheapest

PPD-4-5

The best entry-level textile transfer paper

This is a set of 5 sheets of A4 size textile transfer paper for dark or black fabrics. Despite the frequency and number of washes, the images will not fade.

6,76 £ on Amazon

The PPD-4-5 is A4 size and includes a sheet of silicone paper which is essential for ironing. The instructions for use in French are also included in the pack. The 5 textile transfer papers are fully machine washable. They are of increased durability in addition to being stretchable. The ironing is done via a domestic iron, but if you have a heat press, it is a very good option.

The PPD-4-5 is suitable for any type of fabric as long as it is heat resistant. Examples include cotton, polycotton, viscose, linen and polyester. You choose your photos or texts, lay them out in your usual software and go straight to printing on an inkjet printer. No need for mirror printing!

S-RACE IMJ15120-K006
9/10

Best high end

S-RACE IMJ15120-K006

The best premium textile transfer paper

Do you like to customize your belongings? We recommend the S-RACE IMJ15120-K006. Its compatibility with different materials and its A3 format will certainly not leave you indifferent.

29,72 £ on Amazon

Designed for professional use, the S-RACE IMJ15120-K006 is ideal for use with a desktop dye sublimation printer and a heat press machine. If you want to make personalized gifts or promotional items at a lower cost, we recommend it without moderation. One of the main advantages is the quick drying of the ink. The color of the designs is very vivid with an HD quality image and relatively sharp contours.

You can easily apply your prints to fabric like polyester, but not only... You can also transfer your designs to other materials like metal, glass, wood and ceramic.

PPD-1-20
8/10

Excellent choice

PPD-1-20

A cheap alternative

Use the PPD-1-20 to add a touch of originality to your clothes, bags, aprons or cushions. These 20 iron-on papers with transparent background are very easy to apply.

11,80 £ on Amazon

The PPD-1-20 is as stretchy as it is washable. It was designed with high quality materials that ensure the longevity of the designs produced. When applied, the designs bind instantly to the fabric. This pack of 20 textile transfer papers is compatible with a regular iron or heat press. Ideal for white or light-colored fabrics, it should be applied at maximum temperature.

The PPD-1-20 can be used with all current inkjet printers. You can use it with standard inks without any difficulty. Pigmented dyes can also do the job. The set comes with very clear instructions in French. So you don't risk to miss your customizations.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best textile transfer paper

Any specific needs?

The best textile transfer paper in 2021

The best entry-level textile transfer paper

The best premium textile transfer paper

A cheap alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best textile transfer papers

THE BEST CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Raimarket RM002
9/10
PPD-4-5
8/10
S-RACE IMJ15120-K006
9/10
PPD-1-20
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Raimarket RM002
PPD-4-5
S-RACE IMJ15120-K006
PPD-1-20
This pack of 10 sheets of textile transfer paper is particularly suitable for dark colored fabrics. You will be able to easily reproduce all the designs of your choice in 10 minutes.
This is a set of 5 sheets of A4 size textile transfer paper for dark or black fabrics. Despite the frequency and number of washes, the images will not fade.
Do you like to customize your belongings? We recommend the S-RACE IMJ15120-K006. Its compatibility with different materials and its A3 format will certainly not leave you indifferent.
Use the PPD-1-20 to add a touch of originality to your clothes, bags, aprons or cushions. These 20 iron-on papers with transparent background are very easy to apply.
Type
For dark textiles
For dark textiles
For light colored textiles
For light colored textiles
Compatible printer
Inkjet printer
Inkjet printer
Inkjet printer + dye sublimation ink
Inkjet printer
Application method
Iron
Iron or heat press
Transfer press
Iron or heat press
Sheet size
A4 x 10 sheets
A4 x 5 sheets
A3 x 100 sheets
A4 x 20 sheets
Compatible materials
Lightweight cotton
Cotton, polycotton, polyester, viscose, linen and silk
Polyester, ceramic, glass, wood, metal and plastic
Cotton, polycotton, polyester, viscose, linen and silk

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Buying guide - textile transfer paper

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How to choose your textile transfer paper

Give free rein to your creativity and enhance your clothes as you wish. But before buying the best textile transfer paper, please refer to the following criteria:
choisir papier transfert textile

#1 - The printer

Although textile transfer paper is different from conventional paper, it does not need a specific printer to be effective. However, you should pay attention to the brand and part number of your printer before purchasing:

  • Theinkjet printer : the most common for domestic use, this type of printer allows you to obtain satisfactory results.
  • Laser printers : are generally used in the professional field.
  • Thedye sublimation printer : uses a dye sublimation ink. You will be able to have an impressive result with this type of device. In addition to the clearness of the images, these last ones will resist also to many washings.

#2 - The color of the textile

Attempt to use this criterion to choose the right textile transfer paper. If you frequently work with white or light colored fabric, stop your choice on the model with transparent base. On the contrary, in case you are used to work with dark textiles, bet on the adapted transfer papers. But be careful! These models usually have a white background. You are thus required to cut flush with the image for a perfect rendering.

#3 - The size of the paper

Do not neglect this criterion, especially if you have large-scale projects. Make sure the paper size supports the intended image size. Also check the size of the garment or object you want to transfer to, as well as your printer. The A4 format is currently very trendy. However, you can easily find other sizes of textile transfer paper on the market such as A3, A5...

#4 - Dark or light?

Between light and dark textile transfer paper, the choice is quickly made. The type of paper will depend on the color of your fabric. Light paper is best suited for light colored fabrics. On the other hand, choose dark paper if you want to transfer your images onto dark colored fabrics such as black, dark gray and bright shades. Of course, it is quite possible to use the latter on white textile without any risk of degradation of the design.

#5 - The transfer method

You have the choice between using a conventional iron or a heat press. The transfer of an image onto a substrate requires a minimum amount of heat and pressure. Here, your choice will depend on how often you use your transfer paper. A domestic iron will suffice for occasional use. However, if you plan to make a living out of it and want to press a large number of items, turn to the heat press.

Avoid!

Thinking of transferring your designs with an iron? Forget the steam function. It actually compromises the adhesion of the ink to the fabric.

Textile marking techniques using transfer paper

avis papier transfert textile

Feeling a little lost in this jungle of transfer papers? Don't worry! You don't need to be an expert to understand their use. We are going to explain you the two most used textile marking techniques of the moment.

Sublimation by transfer

This is a technique that consists of printing digital images on special paper. It is important to use a high quality printer and sublimation ink. The transfer paper will then be hot pressed on the textile support in order to inject the ink.

The main advantage of sublimation by transfer is that it is indelible. No matter how many times it is washed, the design will last over time. It is highly recommended if you wish to manage colors and contrasts. The rendering is perfect on polyester, but also on lycra. This is why it is most often used to mark sports and/or technical clothing.

Digital transfer

This method is also called digital transfer. The image will be printed on the transfer paper with an iron-on film through a digital printer. Once the print is done, you will have to cut the visual and remove the excess material. When you heat press it, the film will adhere to the fabric.

Digital transfer is suitable for small production runs. Thanks to the infinite number of possible colors, you can create and print gradients without any difficulty. The fragility of the representations seems to be its only drawback.

The different types of textile transfer papers

In the world of textile transfer paper, there are two main categories: the light fabric model and the dark fabric model.

Light or light textile transfer paper

Papier transfert textile clair ou light

Thanks to the opacity of the base of the transfer paper, you will clearly see your images on a light colored textile such as light blue, light pink, light grey... All around the print will be transparent. It is not necessary to make a clean cut. As a general rule, you should start by printing the visual upside down on the sheet and then transfer it to the textile of your choice with the help of an iron or a heat press.

The durability and softness of the photo or text to the touch is inherently dependent on the quality of the textile transfer paper. Some are intended for stretch fabrics (knitwear, polo shirts, t-shirts, etc.) while others will only work on cotton. The washing temperature should not exceed 40°C. Avoid putting the garment in the dryer.

Dark or dark textile transfer paper

Papier transfert textile foncé ou dark

The transfer paper is composed ofa white base. It will perfectly bring out the colors of your visual. The printing method is slightly different as you have to run the sheet like a regular template through the printer. The best thing to do is to mark marks to facilitate cutting and remove all white areas. This is a complex task if the image has too much fine detail. In this case, we recommend that you integrate your designs into a basic shape such as a square, round or rectangle.

The designs can be applied to all types of dark colored textiles (fuchsia, orange, red, black, navy blue...) and even leather. Exception to the rule: use a dark textile transfer paper if there is white on your design as is the case with the French flag.

A little tip!

Placing your paper in the refrigerator beforehand will prevent air bubbles from appearing during installation. Also, go from the center to the edges.

Textile transfer paper or direct printing?

Textile transfer paper

The textile transfer paper, as its name indicates, is a type of paper used to recreate a digital image on fabric. It exists in several versions (up to 1 m²), but the most common are the A4 models. It is ideal for a limited production or specific customizations. Before printing, you must first modify your designs with a specific software.

If you use a transfer paper for clear textiles, you must make a mirror effect, i.e. invert the image. You will also need, in addition to theinkjet printer, a heat press or iron, a blank fabric and a Teflon sheet to protect the textile.

Direct printing

You will have understood, the process is the same as for a classic printing, with the only difference that the paper is replaced by a textile. The direct digital printing reproduces identically the patterns you have chosen, whether they are multicolored, very detailed or with gradients.

This technique, suitable for both dark and light colored textiles, will give you a much better quality rendering. The image will not have any background or frame. Simply place the textile on its support, program and launch the printing of the visual.

Verdict

Choose textile transfer paper if you are looking for an inexpensive way to update your business. It will help you create personalized items in no time and with widely available materials. In fact, you can print any design you want and keep it dry until you use it.

Direct printing, on the other hand, will perfectly meet the requirements of people looking for quality. Although the cost is higher, the technique is relatively accurate, especially for intricately detailed designs. The ink is impregnated directly into the fibers, which gives it a longer life.

Why buy a textile transfer paper?

pourquoi acheter papier transfert textile

An excellent personalization solution

Textile transfer paper is ideal if you want to stand out from your friends or if you want to use your clothing and accessories as advertising media. With a personalized item, you can more easily convey your message or show off your ideas. Whether you're creative or not, all you need is a prominent font size and a nice design to make your point.

Temporary or permanent design

On the one hand, you have textile transfer papers whose printed designs will fade after a certain number of washes. This will give you the opportunity to put other visuals on it. On the other hand, there are models that are completely durable. The ink adheres beautifully in every fiber of the fabric. No fading will be felt and you will keep your screen printed fabric for years.

Rich in color

Textile transfer paper has no limits. You can print technical graphics as well as drawings or photos using the monochrome or multicolor transfer technique. The complexity of your designs will be reproduced detail by detail. All you have to do is apply it to the textile and you're done.

For all textile colors

The textile transfer paper light has a transparent color base. It can be applied to light fabrics such as white, pink, light blue... The paper does not require any complicated cutting. There is only the ink which will be transferred on the support. In the case of dark textile transfer paper, you will have to cut the edges of your visual. It is intended for dark textiles such as black, dark gray, red, bottle green, etc.

Economical

By using textile transfer paper, you are taking care of your wallet. This type of media will only cost you a few dozen euros at most. The cost per page is lower than for mass-produced screen printing. All the materials needed for production are already available at home: inkjet printer, ink, computer and iron.

The best brands of textile transfer papers

In our opinion, the best brands of textile transfer papers in 2022 are :

Raimarket
PPD
S-RACE
Avery
Micro-Application

Are you an artist at heart? Let Raimarket help you. This brand offers a wide range of textile transfer papers with which you will have the opportunity to create DIY clothing with ease. The start-up has been around for several years and is currently present in more than 10 countries.

PPD (or Photo Paper Direct) is a company specialized in the manufacture and sale of inkjet papers, films, photo papers and textile transfer papers. The particularity of its products lies in their very low price.

This German brand promises you quality and durability. It shows an undeniable reliability that it has preserved for over 120 years. As an expert in the world of specialty paper, S-Race offers the latest printing technologies to bring your imagination to life.

Most famous for its must-have adhesive labels, Avery is among the leaders in the office supplies industry. In addition to its free software solutions, the brand also relies on the premium quality and eco-friendliness of its items, including textile transfer papers.

A subsidiary of the Avanquest Group, Micro-Application is known for its full range of learning and advice software that has simplified our lives for years. Despite being dissolved in 2013, its products, such as textile transfer papers, continue to capture hearts with their quality and performance.

What is the price for a textile transfer paper

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
7.5 £ to 15 £
Mid-range
15 £ to 25 £
High-end
more than 25 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Choose the right temperature

It will not be possible to fix the design without the help of an iron or a heat press. Don't forget to check the heat output. Let the iron heat up for a few minutes at maximum temperature. When the required heat level is reached, iron the image onto the fabric. Take a look at your work from time to time. If any corners come off, repeat the process with more pressure.

Use parchment paper

Yes! Parchment paper is not only useful in the kitchen. You can also use it to protect your fabric during application. Cut two pieces of baking paper into a square or rectangle shape. Make sure this one is wider than your image. Place the first piece on your table, put the textile on top of it, then the image, and finally the second piece.

Careful of the copyright of images found online!

In most cases, the visuals produced with transfer paper are temporary. They degrade over time, which is quite unpleasant. To preserve the condition of your designs, avoid washing the fabric in a machine at high temperature (40°C maximum). We strongly advise against tumble drying. Keep the paper in your refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

Wash the fabric first before applying the pattern to it

Are you used to searching for your images on the Internet, especially on Google? Make sure they are royalty-free. Browse free image banks like Pixabay or Flickr if you want to save time. However, nothing beats a self-created design. You have the choice of making it by hand and then scanning it or via a design software such as Photoshop.

You definitely won't find this tip in the user manual. Yet it comes in handy. Take the time to wash your fabric before application, whether it's new or not. That way, there will be nothing left to interfere with the application of the design. Iron it to avoid creases.

FAQ

How to use textile transfer paper ?

Using a textile transfer paper is not complicated. Design the design to be reproduced. Print it on the transfer paper using a conventional inkjet printer. Cut out the image and place it on the fabric (printed side against the fabric). Use a heat press or an iron to press it well. Apply the mirror effect technique according to the color of your textile.

How to print on textile transfer paper ?

Once you have chosen the design, print it first on a conventional sheet. Place it on the support to have a preview of the final result. Don't like the result? Make changes on your computer and redo the operation. If you are satisfied, put the transfer paper in the paper tray of your printer and print as usual.

Which printer to choose for textile transfer ?

All inkjet printers are suitable for textile transfer. Laser models can do the job just fine, but for higher quality needs, go for dye sublimation printers. In this field, you can trust the renowned brands like Brother, Epson and HP.

How to make the transfer ?

The principle of fabric transfer remains simple. Depending on the type of paper in your possession, you may have to peel off the iron-on film and then apply it to your textile before hot pressing. In other cases, you just have to laminate the image on the fabric and then iron it. For a long lasting marking, use a specific heat press.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Which t-shirt transfer to choose?, avery.fr
  2. Textile transfer, amikal-design.com
  3. Inkjet and laser transfer, creadhesif.com
  4. What is transfer personalization?, modyf.fr
  5. Transfer paper: inkjet or toner?, forums.commentcamarche.net
  6. Laser transfer on t-shirt. How to Choose the Right Printer and Paper, laserigraphie.cplfabbrika.com
  7. The 7 Best Iron-On Transfer Paper of 2021, thesprucecrafts.com
  8. The Best Heat Transfer Paper for DIY Projects, bobvila.com
  9. 5 Best Heat Transfer Papers, bigtimeshirt.com
  10. How to Choose the Best Heat Transfer Paper for Your Project, coastalbusiness.com
  11. Amazon.co.uk : textile transfer paper, amazon.co.uk
  12. Textile transfer paper- T-shirt transfer paper | Avery, avery.fr
  13. Amazon.co.uk : textile transfer paper, amazon.co.uk
  14. 1 textil transfer paper - Gift Wrapping - Ideas ..., cultura.com
  15. Textile and T-shirt transfer paper - Papers and ..., bureau-vallee.fr
  16. Flex Iron-on and Vinyl - transfer paper, papier-transfert.fr
  17. Create Out Loud iron-on transfer paper for ..., walmart.ca
  18. Textile transfer paper to customize fabric, zodio.fr
  19. Textile transfer paper - Buy Fabric Transfer Paper at ...., creavea.com
  20. How to make a fabric transfer with fabric transfer paper ..., aufeminin.com
  21. Your personalized and printed textile transfers | Avery, avery.fr
  22. Boutique Flex Iron-on / Flock - Papier-Transfert.fr, papier-transfert.fr
  23. Transfer paper transparent for textile : the comparative ..., papiers-speciaux.fr
  24. Transfer paper - Which paper to choose? my opinions and ..., machine-a-flocage.fr
  25. Transfer paper for textiles | eBay, ebay.fr
  26. Transfer paper for textiles - Buy Transfer Paper for Fabric at ..., creavea.com
  27. Micro Application transfer paper for light textiles - Paper ..., fnac.com
  28. Transfer paper for textiles - Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  29. Transfer paper for fabric iron-on printable A4, mondialtissus.fr
  30. Transfer paper for textiles - Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  31. Micro Application transfer paper for laser light textiles ..., fr.fnac.ch
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Raimarket RM002
Raimarket RM002
PPD-4-5
PPD-4-5
S-RACE IMJ15120-K006
S-RACE IMJ15120-K006
PPD-1-20
PPD-1-20

Lecteurs

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