Digital Transfers are images that can be imprinted on fabric. They are frequently used to print onto t-shirts. On one side is paper, and on the other is the image that will be transferred in reverse. After placing it on the fabric and either running over the fabric side with an iron or pressing with a heat press, the image is transferred to the fabric.

When compared with dye-sublimation techniques, digital transfers can be used on 100% cotton garments, whereas dye-sublimation requires an 100% polyester garment. Dye-sublimation is a printing process used to transfer an image onto polyester fabrics. It can be used for many applications such as trade show banners or table covers, t-shirts, bike uniforms, competitive swimwear, soccer jerseys, and flags. The dye-sublimation inks are a pigment suspended in a liquid solvent, like water. The images are initially printed on coated transfer paper. The design on the transfer paper is a reverse image of the final design, so it can be transferred onto polyester fabric under pressure and heat (180 to 210 degrees Celsius, or about 375 degrees Fahrenheit). Under high temperature and pressure, the dye turns into a gas and permeates the fabric and then solidifies into its fibers. The fabric is permanently dyed so it can be washed without damaging the quality of the image.

Some examples of our Digital Transfer and Dye-Sublimation Transfer work can be viewed on the right.

• Full-photographic color
• Good for smaller orders

• Somewhat more expensive per item than screen-printed items
• Dye-Sublimation Transfers can only be applied to 100% polyester