Inkjet Heat Transfer Printing in Easy Steps.
Channel: RhinoTech
Date: 2018-06-21

Here's a quick-start, step-by-step guide to learning how to digitally print using INKJET heat transfer papers and INKJET printers; understanding the tools and techniques needed for a rock-solid start using heat transfer systems. 

SingleJet™ Opaque for dark garments and SingleJet™ and SingleJet™ II for light color garments are featured.

Tools: 
1. Inkjet printer with pigment ink. 
We use and recommend the Epson Artisan 1430 inkjet printer. It prints 8.5” x 11” and 11” x 17” and is 13” W for wide-format projects. 

2. Inkjet Heat Transfer Paper in 8.5” x 11” and 11” x 17” in 13” W rolls.
We recommend these papers for their durability:
SingleJet™ and SingleJet™ II that are used to transfer images onto White/Light color garments and hats.
SingleJet™ Opaque that is used to transfer images onto dark garments/hats.
Find inkjet papers at http://rhinotechinc.com/digital-transfer/ink-jet-heat-transfer-paper

3. Heat Press - get a good one! Our line-up includes the following:
RT 16” x 20” Clam Shell also available in a swing-away
RT Geo Knight DK20 S 16”x 20” Swing Away 
(if you decide to print onto plaques and other hard surface materials, this is a great choice)
HIX Swingman 20 with a 16” x 20” heat press bed
These include digital time, temperature and pressure gauges that are must-have features.

Our preference is the swing-away. 
Find all heat presses at https://rhinotechinc.com/digital-transfer/Heat-Press

If you intend to expand into laser printing with heat transfer systems that are no-weed (inkjet paper must be trimmed), we recommend purchasing the highest quality of heat press, such as the HIX Swingman 20 or the 
DK20 16” x 20” in swing-away versions. OKI Laser Printers used especially in garment decoration can be found here: https://rhinotechinc.com/digital-transfer/laser-printers-toner

The next steps will guide you through the actual heat transfer process with SINGLEJET™ and SINGLEJET™II for LIGHT color garments:
1. Start with printing a design onto the non-logo side of SingleStep in a MIRROR IMAGE, so that when you transfer the image it will be Right Reading.
2. Let the TRANSFER PAPER dry for 15 minutes before trimming and transferring onto the shirt.
3. Place a piece of parchment paper on the heat press bed.
4. Center shirt on top of parchment paper. Press for 8 – 10 seconds to remove wrinkles and moisture.
5. Position design on the shirt. Place parchment paper on top.
6. Heat press at 350 degrees F. for 16 seconds.
7. Hot Peel by starting at a corner and rolling back and off in a smooth motion.
8. To doubly ensure that image is embedded in the shirt fibers, place parchment paper on top of image and re-press for 5-10 seconds. 

STEPS TO PRINT WITH SINGLEJET™ OPAQUE FOR DARK COLOR GARMENTS
1. This transfer paper has a white coating. On the clear side or non-logo side, the image is printed RIGHT READING. The reason for this is because we’ll peel the surface off and place in position on the shirt. A white background is just heavy enough so that it stops any bleed from coming through onto a dark garment.
2. Trim design.
3. Place parchment paper on the heat press bed.
4. Center shirt on top of parchment paper. Press for 8 – 10 seconds to remove wrinkles and moisture.
5. Peel the printed image off the backing sheet.
6. Position design on the shirt. Place parchment paper on top.
7. Heat press at 350-375 degrees F. for 25 seconds, medium-heavy to heavy pressure.
8. Cold Peel parchment paper by starting at a corner and rolling back and off in a smooth motion.
9. To doubly ensure that image is embedded in the shirt fibers, place parchment paper on top of the shirt and repress for 5-10 seconds. 

Both transfer papers are highly durable. We recommend turning the garment inside out and washing in cold water. Use detergent without bleach or whiteners. Dry for 10 minutes or hang dry.

And, thanks for watching our video. If you have questions or just need more info, please contact us at 651-686-5027 or info@rhinotechinc.com. If you’d like to receive our weekly e-blast that details our discount events, trade show information and more, please forward your email to info@rhinotechinc.com.