Choosing a Heat Transfer Type
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Determine which heat applied transfer type is the best choice for your next transfer order.
Having a hard time deciding which heat applied transfer type to use? Try the Transfer Selector Tool to help find out which transfer type will work best for your next heat printing job with step-by-step help.
Transfer Selector Tool
"What to Use When" Chart

This easy-to-read chart helps you decide on a transfer type quickly. All you need to know is how many colors you have in your artwork and the fabric content that you will be applying the transfer to.
Heat Transfer Comparison Chart

Download and save the heat transfer comparison chart for quick reference anytime.
Screen Printed Transfers
Use Screen Printed Transfers for:
- A classic look
- 1-3 color, large designs
- Cotton, polyester, and cotton/polyblends
- Sports and fashion wear
- Names and numbers on jerseys
Standard Inks | Finish | Fabric Types | Decorate | Colors | Other Attributes | Instructions |
Goof Proof | Opaque, matte | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends | Athletic wear | single or multi-color, 70+ stock colors, color matching available | durable, quick application, phthalate-free plastisol ink | 3-5 seconds, 360ºF, Medium/Firm, peel hot |
Hot Split Retro | Opaque, matte, soft, light feel | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends | thin materials, burnout t-shirts, fashion apparel | 60 stock colors | good opacity for fashion apparel | 8-10 seconds, 360ºF, Medium/Firm, peel hot |
Specialty Inks | Finish | Fabric Types | Decorate | Colors | Other Attributes | Instructions |
Elasti Prints | opaque, matte | 100% polyester & cotton/poly blends | Heat-sensitive, stretchable performance fabric & moisture-wicking apparel | 70+ stock colors, Color matching available | superior stretch and rebound, high opacity, phthalate-free plastisol ink | 15 seconds, 300ºF, Medium/Firm, peel cold |
Glitter | sparkled | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends | Spirit, dance, cheer, fashion & holiday wear | 10 colors, single or multi-color (2-10 glitter colors) | apply to any color apparel | 15 seconds, 350ºF, Medium/Firm, peel cold |
Glow-in-the-Dark | milky white in daylight, green glow in the dark | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends | Halloween, birthday parties, bands | single glow color | changes color in the dark | 10 seconds, 340ºF, Medium/Firm, peel warm |
Puff | 3D raised effect | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends | Fashion wear | black or white puff, can be with other non-puff standard ink colors | best for large designs | 15 seconds, 365ºF, Medium/Firm, peel hot |
Pearl Prints | soft, shiny luster | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends | Spirit, dance, cheer, fashion & holiday wear | 6 colors | durable adhesive | 10 seconds, 340ºF, Medium/Firm, peel cold |
Heat Transfer Foil | shiny | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends, rayon, acrylic | Spirit, dance, cheer, fashion & holiday wear | 12 colors | adds color and shine to Foil Adhesive transfer | 30 seconds, 340ºF, Medium/Firm, peel cold |
Water-Based | Finish | Fabric Types | Decorate | Colors | Other Attributes | Instructions |
AquaTru® | Opaque, matte, soft | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends, Spandex, Lycra®, nylon | Heat-sensitive, stretchable performance fabrics, sublimated apparel | 60 stock colors | Water-based ink, superior stretch & rebound, Dye-Block option available for blocking dye migration | 12-15 seconds, 275ºF, Medium, peel hot |
Reflective | reflects direct light | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends, Spandex, Lycra®, nylon | safety and fashion wear | single silver reflective | metallic silver during daylight, reflects direct light at night | 15 seconds, 290ºF, Medium, peel cold |
Full Color Transfers
Use Full Color Transfers for:
- Full color, photo realistic designs - including shading, fades, and gradients
- Cotton, polyester, spandex, neoprene, nylon, and leather
- Sublimated apparel (use blocker transfer type)
- Short-run personalization
- Cost efficient for 4 or more spot colors
Digital Transfer | Finish | Fabric Types | Decorate | Colors | Other Attributes | Instructions |
UltraColor™ Soft | soft, matte | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends | 100% polyester stretchy performance wear | Full color | Stretch & rebound | 12-15 seconds, 290ºF, Medium, peel cold |
UltraColor™ Stretch | soft, matte | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends, spandex, Lycra®, woven nylon | stretchy fabrics with spandex and nylon | Full color | Stretch & rebound | 12-15 seconds, 290ºF, Medium, peel cold |
UltraColor™ Stretch with Blocker | soft, matte | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends, spandex, Lycra®, woven nylon, sublimated polyester | sublimated polyester | Full color | Stretch & rebound, blocks dye migration | 12-15 seconds, 290ºF, Medium, peel cold |
Soft Opaque | soft, semi-matte | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends, nylon & spandex/Lycra® | Promo items (hats, umbrellas, etc.) & performance wear | Full color | Stretch & rebound | 15 seconds, 310ºF, Medium/Firm, peel hot |
Sub Block | soft | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends | Any color sublimated polyester | Full color | Blocks dye migration | 20 seconds, 265ºF, Medium, peel warm |
Express Prints | soft, matte | cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends | fashion wear, light or dark-colored apparel | Full color | Fast, low temperature application | 5 seconds, 250ºF, Medium/Firm, peel hot |