Distinguishing Transfer Paper for Light & Dark Shirts

Transfer paper is a cost-effective way to add artwork, photos, and graphics to your shirts, creating unique and trendy designs. There are two types of transfer paper: one for light shirts and one for dark shirts.

Transfer paper for light shirts

Light shirt transfer paper is best for white-colored fabrics and is transparent. To use this type of paper, you must first create a mirror image of your artwork using software or by reversing your printer’s settings. Common types of transfer paper for light shirts include inkjet, color laser, and sublimation. Any uncolored areas of the paper will appear as a clear film.

Transfer paper for dark shirts

Dark shirt transfer paper is suitable for dark-colored fabrics and is white. With this type of paper, you can print your image directly without creating a mirror image. The printed image will display white colors where intended, and any unprinted areas will appear white after being transferred. A Teflon sheet is typically placed on the transfer sheet, which melts when heat is applied to the design.

Key Takeaways

• Light shirt transfer paper is transparent and requires a mirrored image of the artwork before printing.
• Dark shirt transfer paper is white and does not require a mirrored image before printing.
• The primary difference between the two types of transfer paper is their color and how they are used in the transfer process.