Best Iron On Transfer Paper [7 Quality Options]

Getting the best results from your heat press relies a lot on having the best heat transfer paper.

There are many different types available and you’d be surprised at the subtle differences each has!

Here we take a look at the best iron transfer paper to help you make an informed decision and not end up with any old rubbish!

Our 7 Iron On Transfer Paper Recommendations!

1. PPD Inkjet Iron-On Dark T Shirt Transfers Paper

PPD Inkjet Iron-On Dark T Shirt Transfers Paper LTR is a pack of 20 transfers. The size of each sheet is 8.5” x 11” so you can create large and smaller designs. They are designed for darker fabrics and can be used on black t-shirts. Included in the pack is a silicon sheet which will help transfer your design to your chosen fabric.

You can even choose whether you want a matt or gloss finish. If you peel the transfer when it’s hot, your design will have a matt finish, and if you peel it when it is cold, your design will have a gloss finish.

These transfer papers can be ironed on or used with a heat press. As long as you follow the guidelines they will be flexible and will not crack and they can be safely washed in a washing machine.

They work with most inkjet printers including Epson, HP, Brother and Canon.

The transfers will work on most fabrics, including cotton, viscose, polyester and silk, but always check your heat press instructions first to make sure you have the right temperature for each fabric. These are ideal for making t-shirts, sports shirts, baby clothes, pillow cases and cushions.

If you are not satisfied, then PPD also offer a 100% money back guarantee of satisfaction.

Included in the pack:

• 20 sheets of heat transfer paper
• 1 x reusable silicon sheet
• Step by step user guide

100% free download: 5 premium T-shirt designs from Tee.design

2. PPD Inkjet Iron-On White and Light Colored T Shirt Transfers Paper

These PPD Inkjet Iron-On White and Light Colored T Shirt Transfer Papers are suitable for lighter color fabrics. The sheet size of 8.5” x 11” means you can print a logo for a t-shirt or several smaller designs from one sheet. They can be ironed on, and a silicon sheet is included in the pack, or pressed with a heat press.

All you need to print is an inkjet printer, as these transfer papers are compatible with most printers, including Epson, HP, Brother and Canon.

They are suitable for lighter fabrics, and they are designed to maintain their flexibility when they have been pressed, so they won’t crack. They can be used in a washing machine if you follow normal washing instructions.

These HTPs will work on most fabrics, but check the instructions with your heat press first. You can create a matt effect by removing the transfer hot, or a gloss effect by removing it cold.

If you’re not 100% satisfied, then these sheets are also covered by a money back guarantee.

Included in the pack:

• 20 sheets of heat transfer paper
• 1 x silicon sheet
• Step by step instructions

3. A-SUB Need new premium T-shirt designs? Get 5 for free from Tee.designIron-On Light T Shirt Transfer Paper

The A-SUB Iron-On Light T Shirt Transfer Paper is also for use with lighter fabrics. The size is compatible with most printers and at 8.5” x 11” it is a good size for large or small designs.

It works with inkjet printers and pigment ink, and with 10 sheets in the pack it’s a great way to get started on lots of designs. The sheets are suited to white or lighter colored fabrics and can be pressed on with an iron or with a heat press.

The material used is eco friendly so there are no harmful chemicals. When pressed, the transfer papers are machine washable on a cold setting.

These are a great choice for t-shirts, sweatshirts, children’s clothing and household linen.

Free Gift: 5 Premium T-shirt designs from Tee.design

4. NuFun Activities Inkjet Printable Iron-On Heat Transfer

The NuFun Activities Inkjet Printable Iron-On Heat Transfer for Dark Fabrics work best on black or other dark fabrics. The pack has 25 sheets of transfer paper which are 8.5” x 11” in size. This size is perfect for t-shirt designs or you can print several images on one sheet to make cute baby clothes.

The sheets work in most inkjet printers and they can be pressed on with an iron or used with a heat press. You can create so many projects with this transfer paper, as it works on most fabrics, including cotton and polyblends, as well as canvas and craft paper.

The transfers are designed to maintain their color and flexibility when washed so your designs will last.

Need designs to print? Get 5 premium designs for free from Tee.design

5. HP C6049A Iron-On Transfers

These HP C6049A Iron-On Transfers are designed to work with HP printers, but they also work with most other inkjet printers.

They can be ironed on to any garment or used in a heat press. They peel off cold leaving your image beautifully pressed on to your fabric. They are designed for lighter colors, such as white t-shirts, light colored sweatshirts and household linen.

You can create any design or logo as each sheet is 8/5” x 11” in size. There are 12 sheets in the pack so it is great value for money.

Need new premium T-shirt designs? Get 5 for free from Tee.design

6. Jolee’s Boutique Easy Image Iron-on Transfer Paper

Our next recommendation is Jolee’s Boutique Easy Image Iron-on Transfer Paper. This is designed for use on colored fabrics, so is a great choice for fashion, children’s clothing and household linen.

The pack contains 5 sheets of transfer paper which can be ironed on or used with a heat press. The transfers work with most inkjet printers and are designed to retain their color and shape after washing.

You can cut several smaller designs from each sheet as they are 8.5” x 11”, which is also a great size for a t-shirt logo.

Out of design ideas? Get 5 free premium designs from Tee.design

7. Epson Iron-on Cool Peel Transfer

Our final selection is the Epson Iron-on Cool Peel Transfer. This comes in a pack of 10 sheets which can be applied with an iron or a heat press.

The transfers are all 8.5” x 11” and they will peel off easily once they have cooled down. They can be used on most fabrics and are a good choice for t-shirts, canvas bags and household linen.

Epson papers are designed to work with Epson printers, but they will still provide the same vibrant colors with other inkjet printers.

Free Download: 5 premium T-shirt designs from Tee.design

Buying Guide

As you can see, you do need to make sure that you have the right heat transfer paper for every project. One of the most common mistakes is using paper with the wrong color fabric.

• If you are working on darker materials then you will need a transfer which is suitable for dark colors, otherwise your image many not show up.
• You also need to check the temperature at which the paper can be pressed. Most heat transfer papers can be applied with an iron or a heat press, but check before you buy. Some papers may work better on some materials than on others.

Now you have your paper you need to set about creating your design and applying it.

Using Heat Transfer Paper

Now you can get creative. The first thing you need to do is create your design.

Create Your Image

Most people rely on image editing software to help them create their design. Even if you draw by hand, the software will help you tidy it up and add any effects you want to it.

You don’t need to invest a lot of money into a software program. There are many free ones available which are ideal for creating. Two popular paid ones are PhotoShop and CorelDraw, but make sure you know which features you want before you go and buy anything.

If you have a photograph you’d like to print, you can scan that in to the software to edit it as well. When you have your finished design, you are ready to print your image.

Print Your Image

Printing is easy: you just use your inkjet printer in the same way as you always do. The only difference is you must remember to reverse print, or flip horizontal before you press print. When you lay your transfer on to the fabric it will be face down, so you need your image to be printed as a mirror image.

It’s always tempting to try to save ink, but if you want your design to stand out, use the highest print setting you can.  You don’t have to use one sheet of transfer paper for each image either. If you have several images you can lay them out so that you get as many as you can on to your transfer. You just need to leave enough room to cut around them cleanly.

It’s advisable to do a test print on to a blank piece of paper before you use up a valuable heat transfer. This way you will be able to see your image clearly and make any last minute alterations.

Now it’s time to apply your design.

Need designs to print? Get 5 premium designs for free from Tee.design

Apply Your Design

Before you press your design, make sure you are fully prepared first.

• Wash, dry and iron the fabric you will be using. You need a flat, clean surface for your transfer to stick to.
• Check the instructions with your heat transfer paper and heat press, if you are using one, to make sure you have the right time and temperature setting. If you’re not sure, do a test first.
• If you are using an iron, you need a flat, hard surface such as a table or workbench. You will need to press down hard or the transfer won’t stick. An ironing board will not be stable enough for you to provide the best pressure.
• Measure out exactly where the image needs to be on the garment. It will make it easier for you to place it once your fabric is in the press.

When you are sure everything is laid out properly, you can press your design. A heat press will apply even pressure all over but if you’re ironing it on, be sure to apply steady pressure all over the transfer.

When you have applied enough heat, you need to check your instructions with the heat transfer paper. Some paper can be removed while it’s still hot, but some needs to cool first. Be sure not to try to lift the transfer too soon, or your design could come away with it.

To Finish Up

Now you know how to use a heat transfer, you can create almost anything. As long as your chosen material will take the heat, you can create:

• T-shirts, sweatshirts and sportswear
• Children’s and baby clothes.
• Caps
• Purses and tote bags
• Shorts, shirts and other fashion items
• Household linen such as cushion covers, pillow cases and tea towels
• Mouse mats
• Mugs, plates and bowls
• Purses, tote bags and make up bags
• Promotional items

Once you have started, you’ll soon find you have ideas for items all over the house and for gifts too. You could even set up a small business selling your designs. Whatever you choose to create, you’ll soon learn which papers work best with fabrics.

Free Download: 5 premium T-shirt designs from Tee.design