FAQ for Heat Printers

Getting started with garment decoration

What is heat printing?

Heat printing is a method of decorating garments using heat and pressure to bond designs onto fabric. It can be used to personalise T-shirts, hoodies, sportswear, workwear and accessories. Popular methods include heat transfer vinyl (HTV), screen printed transfers and DTF transfers.

What equipment do I need to start a garment printing business?

You'll need a reliable heat press, suitable decoration materials and blank garments. If you're working with heat transfer vinyl, you'll also need a vinyl cutter and weeding tools. Alternatively, custom heat transfers allow you to decorate garments without purchasing a printer or vinyl cutter.

What is the difference between heat transfer vinyl and custom heat transfers?

Heat transfer vinyl is supplied as a material that you cut and weed yourself before applying. Custom heat transfers are manufactured with your design already printed, ready to apply using a heat press. HTV is particularly useful for names, numbers and individual designs, while custom transfers can simplify production of detailed, multicolour artwork.

Can I start a clothing brand using heat transfers?

Yes. Heat transfers are suitable for new clothing brands because you can decorate garments as orders arrive, without holding large quantities of pre-printed stock. UltraColour MAX DTF transfers are available with a minimum order of one, making them useful for sampling and small production runs.

Do I need a printer to make custom T-shirts?

No. You can order ready-to-apply custom heat transfers through Stahls' Easy View online ordering platform. Once your transfers arrive, you only need a suitable heat press and blank garments to apply them.

Heat transfer vinyl (HTV)

What is heat transfer vinyl (HTV)?

Heat transfer vinyl is a specialist material with a heat-activated adhesive, designed to decorate fabrics. Designs are cut from the vinyl, excess material is removed, and the finished graphic is applied using a heat press.

What fabrics can I apply heat transfer vinyl to?

Depending on the specific product, HTV can be applied to cotton, polyester, polycotton blends, stretch fabrics and certain nylon garments. Always check the product's compatibility and application instructions before pressing.

What is weeding?

Weeding is the process of removing unwanted vinyl from around and inside a cut design. This leaves only the lettering, logo or graphic that will be transferred onto the garment.

Do I need to mirror my design when cutting HTV?

Most conventional HTV products are cut in reverse because the design is applied face down through its carrier. Always check the instructions for your particular material, as some specialist products use different cutting methods.

Can I apply HTV with a household iron?

Although some vinyl may adhere using an iron, we recommend using a professional heat press. A heat press provides controlled time, temperature and pressure, helping achieve a consistent, durable application.

Why is my heat transfer vinyl peeling off?

Peeling can be caused by incorrect temperature, insufficient pressure, inadequate pressing time or unsuitable fabric. Check the recommended application settings, make sure the garment is free from moisture and seams affecting pressure, and test the application before production.

Custom heat transfers 

What are custom heat transfers?

Custom heat transfers are designs manufactured onto a carrier, ready to be applied to garments using a heat press. They allow businesses to decorate clothing with professional-quality graphics without printing each design themselves.

What is UltraColour MAX?

UltraColour MAX is Stahls' DTF heat transfer solution. It supports full-colour artwork, fine detail and orders from just one transfer, making it suitable for samples, personalised garments and short production runs.

What is the difference between UltraColour Pro and UltraColour MAX?

Both are designed for detailed, full-colour garment decoration. UltraColour Pro is a digital-hybrid transfer option suited to larger quantities and it applies at a low temperture, while UltraColour MAX uses DTF technology and offers a minimum order of one making it perfect for personalisation.

What are screen printed heat transfers?

Screen printed transfers are produced using inks applied through screens onto transfer paper. They are then heat pressed onto garments. They are particularly suited to repeat designs, larger quantities and artwork using a limited number of spot colours.

Should I choose DTF or screen printed transfers?

DTF is useful for smaller runs, detailed artwork, gradients and full-colour designs. Screen printed transfers is a good choice for larger quantities of the same design, particularly when the artwork contains only a few colours.

Can I order just one custom heat transfer?

Yes. UltraColour MAX is available with a minimum order quantity of one. Other transfer types may have different minimum quantities.

Can custom heat transfers reproduce photographs and gradients?

Yes. Full-colour transfer products such as UltraColour and UltraColour MAX can reproduce photographic artwork, gradients and complex designs. For best results, submit high-quality artwork that meets the product's specifications.

How durable are Stahls' custom heat transfers?

Stahls' custom transfer offer wash durability of 75+ washes. Durability depends on correct heat pressing and following the recommended care instructions.

Artwork & File Preparation

General artwork requirements

What file formats can I upload for custom heat transfers?

Accepted file formats depend on the type of transfer you're ordering:

• UltraColour, UltraColour Pro and UltraColour MAX: PNG, EPS and PDF.
• Screen Printed and InkTra transfers: EPS and PDF.

For the best results, make sure your artwork meets the requirements for your chosen transfer type.

What resolution should my artwork be?

For UltraColour, UltraColour Pro and UltraColour MAX transfers, artwork should be at least 300 DPI at the required print size. This helps ensure your design prints clearly, with sharp details and a professional finish.

Should my artwork be RGB or CMYK?

Your artwork should be supplied in RGB colour mode, not CMYK. CMYK files will be converted, which may affect how the colours appear in your finished transfer.

Do I need to remove the background from my artwork?

Yes. Your artwork must have a completely transparent background. If your file contains a coloured or white background, that background may be printed as part of your design.

Can my artwork contain shadows, gradients or transparent effects?

Remove drop shadows and transparency effects before submitting your artwork, as transparent colours cannot be printed. If your design contains pattern or gradient fills for UltraColour transfers, these should be fully expanded before uploading.

What is the minimum line thickness for custom transfers?

Small details and thin lines should be at least 0.5 mm thick to ensure they print correctly. Anything thinner may not reproduce accurately in the finished transfer.

What size should I create my artwork?

Create your artwork at the exact size you want it printed. If you're unsure, it's better to create your design larger and reduce it later, rather than enlarge a small image and lose quality.

Do I need to mirror my artwork before uploading?

No. Upload your artwork the correct way round. You do not need to mirror or reverse your design when ordering custom heat transfers.

Can I use photographs or full-colour images for custom transfers?

Yes. UltraColour, UltraColour Pro and UltraColour MAX are suitable for full-colour and photographic designs. Make sure your artwork is at least 300 DPI and has clean, smooth edges for the best results.

Do I need vector artwork for screen printed transfers?

Yes. Screen Printed and InkTra transfers require vector artwork, which can be created using software such as Adobe Illustrator. All text should be converted to outlines, and any linked images or elements must be fully embedded in the file.

How many colours can I use in a screen printed transfer?

Screen Printed and InkTra transfers can contain up to five individual solid colours. When uploading your artwork, you'll be asked to select the Pantone colours for your design.

Can I choose specific Pantone colours for my transfers?

Yes. Easy View automatically assigns Pantone colours, but you should check that they're correct. You can change them using the Pantone colour selector. If your required Pantone colour isn't available, contact our customer service team, who may be able to arrange it for a small additional fee.

Uploading artwork through Easy View

Will Easy View tell me if my artwork is poor quality?

Yes. The Easy View uploader checks your artwork for quality issues in real time. If your design is low resolution, blurry or has been enlarged too much, you'll receive an alert so you can correct the file and upload it again.

What happens if my design is too large for the transfer area?

Easy View will alert you if your artwork extends beyond the specified printing area. This helps you adjust the size or position of your design and avoid unwanted cropping.

Can I preview how my design will look on different garment colours?

Yes. Easy View allows you to simulate different garment colours using the Fill Background feature. This is particularly helpful for designs containing white ink. The preview background colour will not be printed onto your transfer.

Why should I provide my garment colour when ordering?

At checkout, use the order notes box to tell us what colour garments your transfers will be applied to. This helps our artwork team choose the most suitable print method and can prevent delays caused by needing additional information.

Can I change my artwork after placing an order?

No. Once your artwork has been uploaded and payment completed, your order is sent directly into production. You will not be able to amend or cancel it, so please check your artwork carefully before confirming your order.

Can I upload any logo, image or design for printing?

You must have the appropriate commercial rights or permission to reproduce any artwork you upload. This includes logos, images and designs belonging to third parties. By saving your artwork in Easy View, you confirm that you have the necessary rights to use it.

Ordering and Easy View

What is Easy View?

Easy View is Stahls' online custom transfer ordering platform. It allows customers to upload artwork, configure their transfers, obtain pricing and place orders online.

How do I order custom heat transfers?

Visit custom.stahls.co.uk, open Easy View, upload your artwork, select the appropriate transfer type, size and quantity, and follow the ordering process through checkout.

Can I get a price before placing an order?

Yes. Easy View provides online pricing so you can calculate the cost of your custom transfers before completing your purchase.

Is Easy View available 24 hours a day?

Yes. Easy View is an online platform that allows you to prepare quotes and place orders at any time.

Do I need to place regular orders to use Easy View?

No. The platform is available to customers regardless of how frequently they order or the size of their business.

Can I reorder a previous design?

Easy View accounts support reordering, helping customers repeat designs without starting the entire process again.

What sizes of custom heat transfers can I order?

Stahls' offers transfer sizes designed around popular decoration areas, including cap logos, neck labels, breast pockets, youth designs and small through extra-large adult prints. Available sizes depend on the product selected.

Heat press application instructions

What temperature should I use for custom heat transfers?

The correct temperature depends on the transfer product. For the products listed on Custom.Stahls.co.uk, the following settings are provided:

These products specify medium pressure. Always use the instructions supplied with your transfers, as specifications can change.

Why is pressure important when applying transfers?

Correct pressure helps the transfer bond evenly with the fabric. Too little pressure can cause incomplete adhesion, while excessive pressure can damage the garment or affect the finish.

Why isn't my transfer sticking to the garment?

First check that your press has reached the correct temperature and that the time and pressure match the transfer instructions. Also check for moisture, seams or zips affecting the pressing surface, and ensure the transfer is suitable for the fabric.

Do I need to use a heat press for custom transfers?

A professional heat press is recommended because it provides consistent temperature, pressure and timing across the entire design. These factors are essential for reliable application.

How do I choose the right heat press?

Consider the size of garments you decorate, your daily production volume, available workspace and the materials you use. Look for accurate temperature control, consistent pressure, a suitable platen size and a reliable warranty.

What is the difference between a manual and an auto-open heat press?

A manual press requires the operator to open it at the end of the pressing cycle. An auto-open press opens automatically when the timer finishes, reducing the need for constant operator attention.

What is a threadable heat press?

A threadable heat press allows the garment to be positioned over the lower platen, helping isolate the decoration area from seams, pockets and other garment features. This can improve pressure consistency.

Delivery & Despatch

How quickly can I receive my custom heat transfers?

Production and dispatch times depend on the transfer type. Stahls' offers same-day dispatch for qualifying UltraColour MAX orders placed before 8am and production and dispatch within two working days for many other custom transfers. Delivery time is additional.

What is the order cut-off time for UltraColour MAX?

The published cut-off for same-day dispatch is 8:00am, Monday to Friday. Orders must meet the applicable production and ordering requirements.

How quickly are screen printed transfers produced?

Within two working days. 

When will my heat transfer vinyl order be dispatched?

For in-stock vinyl and accessories, the cut-off is 4:00pm Monday to Friday for same-day dispatch.

When will my heat press be dispatched?

For in-stock heat presses, 2:00pm Monday-to-Friday cut-off for same-day dispatch.

What happens if my order contains products with different lead times?

Orders containing products with different production times are normally dispatched when all items are ready, unless another arrangement has been agreed.

Washing, durability and garment care

Can I wash garments decorated with heat transfers?

Yes. Correctly applied heat transfers are designed to withstand regular laundering. Wait 48hrs after application before washing.

How long do heat transfers last?

When applied correctly,  75+ washes.

Can I tumble dry printed garments?

We do not recommend this.

Can I iron directly over a heat transfer?

Avoid direct contact between a household iron and the decorated surface.