Heat Transfer Papers

Discover the versatility of heat transfer paper for effortlessly customizing T-shirts, hats, bags and fabrics and substrates. Whether you're aiming to decorate personalized gifts or fashion unique apparel pieces, our collection of heat transfer papers provide a smooth and professional printing experience.

Print your design onto heat transfer paper
Cut around the design (if needed)
Position printed transfer paper on the material
Apply certain amounts of heat and pressure
Peel away the paper or film to reveal the design


Although the various types of heat transfer paper share these steps, each kind has its own features and special considerations, which should inform how you approach the process.

Heat transfer Paper comes in a wide variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Some of the most common categories include:
Inkjet transfer paper
Designed for inkjet printers, this paper is coated with a specialized ink-absorbing polymer that holds the design in an emulsion layer. When heat and pressure are applied, the emulsion releases the ink and bonds with the fabric; there are transparent variants for light fabrics and opaque variants for dark fabrics to prevent the fabric color from showing through.
CMYK Toner Laser transfer paper
This paper is designed for laser printers with CMYK powder toner, which fuses the design onto the transfer paper using heat. The coating then melts and bonds the design to the fabric with heat and pressure, creating a permanent bond. Different types of laser transfer papers are available: laser light and trimfree light for white or light fabrics, laser dark for dark fabrics, and specialized papers for leather, wood, metal, and plastic
Sublimation transfer paper
This paper is specially coated to accept dye-sublimation inks When heat and pressure are applied, the ink transforms directly from a solid to a gas, bypassing the liquid stage. The gaseous dye then permeates the polymer fibers of the substrate, permanently dyeing them. As such, this method is primarily used on substrates with a polyester coating or polyester fabrics.
DTF (Direct-To-Film) transfer paper

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing uses a specially coated film to accept DTF inks, with an adhesive powder layer applied and cured before transferring to fabric with a heat press. This technology allows full-color designs to be applied without weeding, making it versatile for various fabric colors and types.
Designed for inkjet printers, this paper is coated with a specialized ink-absorbing polymer that holds the design in an emulsion layer. When heat and pressure are applied, the emulsion releases the ink and bonds with the fabric; there are transparent variants for light fabrics and opaque variants for dark fabrics to prevent the fabric color from showing through.


Explore Joto Imaging Supplies' wide range of wholesale t-shirt transfer paper for custom heat transfers using inkjet, laser, DTF, or sublimation methods. Our durable, washable transfer paper, available in various sizes, allows you to create custom designs with no minimum purchase requirements, catering to both seasoned professionals and newcomers in the t-shirt business

Most heat transfer papers work best on cotton or cotton-blend fabrics. However, certain types may also suit materials like leather, nylon, or synthetic blends. Always check the transfer paper's compatibility with your chosen fabric.

For light-colored heat transfer papers, yes. The design must be mirrored before printing as it's placed face-down on the fabric. However, the design is not usually mirrored for dark-colored transfer papers since the paper is placed face-up on the fabric when pressing.

The time varies depending on the type of heat transfer paper, the fabric you are using, and the heat press method. However, typically, it ranges from 10 to 30 seconds. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Can I use an iron instead of a heat press when using heat transfer paper?