Intro to Iron On's
Heat Transfer (Iron on’s) have been around about as long as garments have been being customized. They’ve always had the reputation for being a lesser quality product than direct screen printing, and for the most part this is true. However there are a number of different types of heat transfers and iron on’s and in some situations they definitely are the right choice.
Options for Heat Transfers
Solid Color Vinyl - Heat Transfer
If you need numbers and or names on garments, we will use a heat press to apply a solid colored vinyl to the garment. For standard block fonts, in numbers 6” to 10”, we stock a die cut number in the most common colors. For oddball number sizes or for individual names, we have a plotter cutter which does a great job of cutting out the appropriate names.
The cutter/plotter can also cut solid colored vinyl for a design or logo, however it is fairly limited in the amount of detail it can produce. This is normally done if only 1 or 2 garments are needed and it’s not something which can be done on a DTG printer.

Printed Vinyl - Heat Transfer
Our sign printer will print designs on a very thin vinyl sheet which can then be ironed onto the garment. There are times when small logos are going on problematic garments, and a heat transfer printed logo can be a great solution.

Problems with Vinyl - Heat Transfer
If the decision is made to do a heat transfer there are a couple factors which are unavoidable and need to be accepted or an alternative decision made. First is that the feel of ironed on vinyl, printed or solid, is something that some people object to. Ironed on vinyl has a rubbery and thick feel, which depending on the location and size of the vinyl may be objectionable.
Secondly, a heat transfer is essentially held onto the shirt by a heat sensitive glue. If applied properly it certainly will and does last for a ball season or two, and maybe more. However, with ever successive washing and heating in the dryer, the glue is weakened and at some point adhesion problems will occur.

Frequently Asked Heat Transfter Questions
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