Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about Photo Transfer Paper / Sheets

• Instructions on how to apply Photo Transfer Paper to fabric, mouse pads, jigsaw puzzles, coasters.
  
  
• What is a scanner and how does it do its magic?
  
  
• Did you know questions about transfer paper.
  
  
• To purchase photo transfer paper, mouse pads, jigsaw puzzles and coasters.
• As demand has grown, books on the topic and pretreated colorfast fabric sheets have been developed and are ready to send through the printer.

FAQS
faq index computer quilting eqcopyrightupgrades
foiling photo transfer
metallic-threadinvisible mach appliquenewsletters

Instructions for using Inkjet Photo Transfer Paper / Sheets

The following is need to know information for printing an image to a photo transfer sheet.

by Sharla Hicks ©2001

Technique

Photo Transfer is a two-step process:

1. Print the image on the photo transfer paper.
2. Iron the transfer on to the project, like fabric, t-shirt, canvas bag, etc.

Before printing

• If you are creating an image in a Draw or Paint program. Set the image setting at 720 dpi MAX (dpi means dots per inch). On other programs without dpi adjustment capabilities, use your printer setting to tweak the image for better quality printing.
  
  
• For correct placement of the transfer image, REVERSE/MIRROR the image before printing or you will get a backward image. This is very important when doing letters and number.

There are two ways to reverse/mirror an image:

1. Reverse/mirror the image in graphic software like CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, Freehand, Paint Shop Pro, and other similar programs using one of the program options. If you do not know how, look under the help files for your program.
   
   
2. Locate reverse/mirror in the Printer Settings. To locate your printer setting, use the properties button in the printer dialogue box.

Reverse/mirror image setting in the Printer dialogue box example

NOTE: Your printer may not have a reverse/image setting, in that case see if selecting media/paper type prints reverse. If not, then you will need to reverse/mirror the image in a graphic program.

Preparing to Print by Adjusting the Printer Settings:

Check image quality. Many times what you see is not what you get when you print. The printout maybe dull, to dark or light, or not sharp enough. If you have a printer calibration choice in your graphic program, use it to help align more closely what you see with with what you get when your print.

If your program does NOT allow printer calibration then adjust the printer. Making a few adjustment to Printer Picture quality can make a difference. Look for an area in your printer or graphic program that allows the adjustment of halftone type. Below are examples from 2 different printers. Remember, each printer's adjustments will look different, but most have similar settings. Probe around the Printer dialogue box until you unearth the settings you may need.

• Many printers have options that are specific to the photo transfer process. Use them when possible. Here are a couple of examples.

Select Paper/Media Type Examples

• Print on the plastic feeling side.
  
  
• When using InkJet printers with liquid pigments: Print one sheet at time and remove from printer to let dry. Do not let the printed pages touch before the ink has had time to dry.
  
  
• If the sample printout has dried and smearing is a problem, reduce the ink concentration to a lower settings.
  • If you are creating an image in a Draw or Paint program, go back in and reduce the image dpi below 720 dpi. Experiment for the best setting.
  • If you are making the adjustments in the Printer dialogue box, look for Print Quality. My printers have the following settings. Other printers can have different ones. Remember, it varies with each printer.

   

  
  Print Quality Adjustments Examples

• Do not store printout. After the ink dries, trim edges closely and iron on immediately.

Transfer image to project:

Ironing Surface:

• Use a firm surface like Formica, tempered glass, or smooth masonite.

Iron Temperature:

• Preheat 10 minutes at highest settings.
• Do NOT use Steam.

Before Applying to Fabric:

• Iron out any wrinkles.
• Cool before applying transfer sheet.

To Transfer:

• Iron directly on the face down side (paper feeling side) of the transfer.
• Small Transfers: Iron from side to side to evenly heat the surface to prevent scorching and cool spots for the vent holes, continue this for 30 seconds.
• Large Transfers: Iron one section of the transfer at a time as described above, then move to the next section.

To remove Transfer Paper

• IMMEDIATELY peel away transfer paper while the transfer paper is HOT.
• Peel smoothly in one continuos motion.
• IF REMOVAL STICKS OR RESISTS, carefully smooth transfer flat again and re-iron as described above for 10-20 seconds and repeat peel.

After Paper Side of Transfer Removed:

• Smooth on flat surface and let cool.

After Care: Washing and Ironing instructions for completed Transfer Project:

• Do not iron directly on Transfer Image.
• Use Teflon coated, nonstick press cloth (feels like heavy sheet of plastic) to cover transfer image before pressing.
• Turn the garment inside out
• Wash on gentle cycle.
• Use cold water and mild soap. Do NOT use bleach.
• Remove Immediately after wash is done. Do NOT let set wet as image may bleed.
• If bleeding happens, before drying the piece, wash again to remove residue bleeding and dry immediately.
• Immediately Tumble Dry on a cool setting.
• Do NOT iron the image.

NOTE: We carry Inkjet Transfer Paper 8 1/2" x 11 and 11" x 17" and blank jigsaw puzzle, coasters and mouse pads for your transfer needs at discount pricing

What is a scanner and how does it do its magic?

The scanner is a tool that allows you to take a picture that computer understands. Scanned images can be used as Clipart, desktop wallpaper, watermarks, fabric in quilting software, instructions in class handouts, and many other wonderful ways.

The scanner uses a scanner interface program that directs you through the scanning process. In most cases the scanner interface must use another a secondary graphic program to complete its mission. For the purposes of this article, I will refer to the secondary program as the first destination graphic program.

The first destination graphic program takes the scanned image from the scanner interface software, creates a new window with the picture/scan and then you can perform tweaks like size, color, add special effects and other options.

The tweaked file is then saved and is ready to be imported into the final destination software like quilting software and desktop publishing programs like Word, Word Perfect, Word Start, Ventura, Publisher, and many more.

Scanners can interface with graphic programs like IrfanView (a freeware download available here on our website), Adobe Illustrator, Paint, CorelDraw, Corel Photo-Paint, PhotoPaint, Paint Shop Pro, Fireworks, or other graphic programs. Some are very sophisticated and do all kinds of manipulations -- others are simpler. IrfanView (a freeware available here on our website) is one such "destination" program that is simple and easier to use than most.

1. To setup your scanner interface so that it will interact with the first destination graphic program, look for something that says, Scan, Select Source, Select TWAIN or something along those lines. These options are usually found under the File Menu. The option called Twain refers to the drivers (software connectors) that allow the scanner interface program to talk to the first destination graphic program.

2. To scan the image into the first destination graphic programs look in the same place and find the option usually called AQUIRE. When you make the selection, it automatically open the scanner interface software.

3. In the Interface Scanner Software, select all options for the scanning. (See Part 2 below for scanning fabrics options.)

4. When the scan is complete, the software will import the scanned image to a NEW window in the first destination graphic program. Now the scanned image is ready for editing to a new size, color, add manipulations and special effect.

5. THEN save the tweaked scan in a format that the final destination program can use. (Click here for details on tweaking the scanned fabrics or other images.)

6. In order to use the tweaked scan that you have saved. Import it to the the final destination program. Final destination programs would be quilting software, e-mail, desktop publishing programs like Word, Word Perfect, Word Star, and Publisher and others. NOTE: Each program manual and the online help files will have instructions on how to import a file. To find the instructions, go to the Table of Contents, Index or Online Help Files and use Search.

PROBLEMS WITH INKJET SMEARING ON TRANSFER PAPER (Especially with Epson Printers when using Cannon transfer paper)

The photo transfer sheets we carry here work well with Epson printers

Gloria Hansen co-author of the book, Quilter's Computer Companion, writes: I have an Epson 800. Epson has a new driver (you can download it through their web page -- www.epson.com) that purports to help with transfer smearing problems. I found that regardless of the new driver, Epson's ink smears on Canon transfer paper (I've had great results with Canon paper on other printers), although you can lessen the smearing by using either the transparency setting or the photo quality glossy setting. Also, don't print over 720 dpi.

Interestingly, I've tried a couple different "no-name" brands of image transfer paper that I purchased at computer fairs. They each worked great -- as in absolutely NO smearing and very sharp images. So, if you've only tried Canon, try another brand. Good luck!

Gloria Hansen

Highstown, NJ.

e-mail: Gloria Hansen <gloriahansen@earthlink.net>

Website for: Quilter's Computer Companion book

Transfer Paper's DID YOU KNOW QUESTIONS?

NOTE: We carry Inkjet Transfer Paper, and blank jigsaw puzzle, coasters and mouse pads for your transfer needs at discount pricing

• Did you know that you need to be aware how your printer sets it ink? For an optimal transfer, your transfer paper "should" match your Printer method of adding ink. Lasers use heat to set Carbon and a few inkjet printer especially "older or high end inkjets" use heat or dryers to set the ink, most inkjets use NO drying method, and then there is Dye-Sublimation (the latest consumer priced Alps Printer now on the market uses this method).
• Did you know there are multiple types of "Heat Transfer Papers": Hot Peel / Cold Peel Plastisol Transfers (Note that PEEL is the operative word "because" both types of transfer paper use heat to transfer the image to the fabric), Color Copier Transfers, Sublimation Transfers with confusion about the differences between Dye Sublimation transfers and just plain Sublimation transfers.
• Did you know that you can determine if your transferred image can be Satin or Glossy finish by how long you leave the image to cool before lifting off the transfer paper?
• Did you know that some transfer papers require prewashing of fabric before the transfer and some DO NOT? Check you instructions carefully.
• For additional information on the different types of Transfer Processes and the Ink options, go to Geo-Knights Overview of Heat Transfer (includes web sources.) Or are you trying to decide on Printer and are confused by the different types of inks each uses? This article will give you an understanding of what type of printer you may want to look into by clarifying the differences between ink types used.

NOTE: We carry photo transfer paper, blank Jigsaw puzzle, coasters and mouse pads for your transfer needs.

Inkjet Printing Products for the Quilting & Paper Crafts

Digital Embellishment Products for Ink Jet Printers by Design Originals

Digi-Shrink Plastic White

Digi-Transparency Clear Adhesive Film

C Jenkins Print Directly w/ Inkjet Printers on Pre-Treated/Colorfast Fabric	Bubble Jet Set 2000 16oz--32 oz--HP & Bubble Jet Rinse Use on 100% cotton or silk to make colorfast fabric sheets for inkjet printers	Miracle Fabric Sheets White or Tea Dye 10 sheets 8.5" x 11" Save $s when buying multiple packages	Save $'s Quilter's Sampler Package Colorfast Printer Fabric 4 different brands to try
Helpful Tools when using Bubble Jet Set	CJenkins Freezer Paper Heavy Weight	Reynolds Wrap Freezer Paper on the roll	Trim Freezer Paper Backed Fabric to Printer Size Sheets Page Boy Templates 8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14"	FAQs answered by Sharla Hicks regarding Bubble Jet Set and How to Use it FAQs answered by Sharla Hicks regarding Photo Transfer

EQ Printable Colorfast Printer Fabric Sampler	Inkjet Cotton Fabric Sheets Sheet Packs come in quantities of 6 or 50 & available in 3 Sizes	Premium Cotton Satin Inkjet Fabric Sheets 6 or 50 Sheets per Package 8 1/2" x 11"	Premium Cotton Lawn Inkjet Fabric Sheets 6 or 50 Sheets per Package 81/2" x 11"	Peel & Stick Inkjet Fabric Sheets 6 Sheets per Package 81/2" x 11"
Save $'s Quilter's Sampler Package Colorfast Printer Fabric 4 different brands to try	More EQ Printables for Appliqué, Quilting Overview and Foundation Piecing	EQ Printables Clear Overlay 12 Sheets for use in inkjet or laser printers	EQ Printable Foundation Sheets 25 Sheets

Jacquard Silks For Use With Inkjet Printers and Inkjet Copiers	Sheer Overlay Jacquard ExtravOrganza Silk Printing Fabric Sheets 5 Pack by Jacquard	Jacquard Inkjet Printing Silk Fabric Sheets 10 Sheet Pack by Jacquard	Jacquard Inkjet Printing Silk Fabric Sheets 30 Sheet Pack by Jacquard	Jacquard Inkjet Printing Silk Fabric 8.5 x 120" Roll by Jacquard
Jacquard Cottons For Use With Inkjet Printers and Inkjet Copiers	Save $'s Quilter's Sampler Package Colorfast Printer Fabric 4 different brands to try	Jacquard Inkjet Printing Cotton Fabric Sheets 10 Sheet Pack by Jacquard	Jacquard Inkjet Printing Cotton Fabric Sheets 30 Sheet Pack by Jacquard	Jacquard Inkjet Printing Cotton Fabric 8.5"x120" Fabric Roll by Jacquard

Printed Treasures: Print Directly w/ Inkjet Printers on Pre-Treated/Colorfast Fabric

Save $'s Quilter's Sampler Package Colorfast Printer Fabric 4 different brands to try

Printed Treasures 5 sheets 8.5" x 11" Save $s when buying multiple packages

Printed Treasures Iron-On Sheets 5 sheets 8.5" x 11"

Printed Treasures Peel and Stick Sheets 5 sheets 8.5" x 11"

June Tailor Printer Fabrics & Transfer products	CD Picture Perfect Projects CD by June Tailor	Colorfast Inkjet Printer Fabric by June Tailor 3 sheets 8.5" x 11" Save $s when buying 10-150 sheets	Print 'N Press 8.5" x 11" 3 or 10 sheet packs	Iron-On Art-Wear Iron-On Transfer for Dark Fabric
	QuickFuse for Inkjet Printers 3 sheets 8.5" x 11" 10 sheets 4" x 6" Save $s when buying 10-150 sheets	June Tailor Quick Fuse Mini for Inkjet Printers 4" x 6"

Vintage Workshop Fabric for Inkjet Printers	Fabric Arts Sampler
Vintage Workshop Acid-Free PAPER Products	Paper Arts Sampler	Acid-Free Fine Art Paper	Matte Paper with Adhesive Backing	Out of Stock Inkjet Vellum might return in late 2009

Iron-on Photo Transfer Sheets for Inkjet Printers

Inkjet Opaque Photo Transfer Sheets: transfer to DARK fabric 8.5" x 11" in 1 or 2 sheets Packages of 10, 25 & 50

Inkjet Photo Transfer Sheets Two Sizes Available: 8.5" x 11" & 11" x 17" in 1 or 2 sheets Packages of 10, 25 & 50

Transfer Magic Inkjet Printers Ink Jet Transfer Paper Magic Transfer Product Packages 3, 5 or 12 sheets

Transfer Magic Laser Color Copiers Laser Color Copier Transfer Paper Available in quantities of 6 or 12 Sheets Magic Transfer Product

Transfer Paper Iron-On Transfer II For Dark Fabrics

Art-Wear Iron on Sheets June Tailor Product good for Dark Fabrics also

Ink Jet Transfer To Dark 3 Sheets Magic Transfer Product

Print 'N Press 8.5" x 11" 3 or 10 sheet packs

Printed Treasures Peel and Stick Sheets 5 sheets 8.5" x 11"

Blank Mouse Pads, Puzzles, Coasters Use with Photo Transfer Papers White polyester fiber ideal for clear, crisp photo transfers

Mouse Pads 3 shapes Round, rectangle, football

Jigsaw Puzzles: 110 or 30 piece

Coasters

Bk & CD w/ 120+ Patterns Batik Patterns by Pepin Press

250 desins on CD Pattern Storybook: Japanese Style by Shigeki Nakamura

Electric Quilts Stash CDs Spring & Fall Release of Fabric Collections in bitmap format

Includes section on Fabric Printing Beginner's Guide to Art Quilts by Banar Designs

Fast, Fun & Easy Scrapbook Quilts by Sue Astroth

Memories on Fabric by Sue Hale

Out of Print Moment In Time by Jan T Urquhart with Angela M Clark

Quilted Memories Lesley Riley

Fabric Printing & Photo Transfer Also See: Fabric Printing & Photo Transfer Supplies More Memory Quilts books Portraits. & Character FAQs answered by Sharla Hicks regarding Bubble Jet Set and How to Use it FAQs answered by Sharla Hicks regarding Photo Transfer   Quilt Savvy by Caryl Bryer Fallert	Save $'s Quilter & Fiber Artist Sampler Package Colorfast Printer Fabric 4 different brands to try	Altered Photo Artistry by Beth Wheeler with Lori Marquette	Artistic Photo Quilts Stunning Quilts with Your Camera, Computer & Cloth by Charlotte Ziebarth	Blending Photos with Fabric 2 by Mary Ellen Kranz
	Digital Essentials by Gloria Hansen	Fabulous Fabric Art with Lutradur by Leslie Riley	From Images to Stitch by Maggie Grey Fabric Printing & Embroidery	w/ Images CD Fuse It and Be Done by Barbara Campbell & Yolanda Fundora
	Lutradur Spun Web Paper-Like Stabilizer/Interfacing for Mixed Media, Fabric Printing, Sewing & Craft Projects	w/ Images CD Gifts for All Occasions by Amy Brackman	Image Transfer Workshop Mixed Media Techniques for Successful Transfers by Darlene Olivia McElroy, Sandra Duran Wilson	Innovative Fabric Imagery for Quilts by Cyndy Lyle Rymer with Lynn Koolish
DVD Lynn Koolish Teaches You Printing on Fabric with Lynn Koolish	More Photo Fun by Hewlett-Packard with Cyndy Lyle Rymer and Lynn Koolish	CD Picture Perfect Projects CD by June Tailor	Piecing with Pixels Unique Quilts From Your Own Images by Sandra Hart and Gudny Campbell	The Photo Transfer Handbook Snap IT, Print IT, Stitch IT! by Jean Ray Laury
Included in BK Images on CD Print Your Own Fabric by Linda Turner Griepentrog and Missy Shepler	Posterize It! by Joe Hesch and Frankie Seme	Photo Fun Print Your Fabric for Quilts and Crafts Edited by Cyndy Lyle Rymer	Photo-Fabric Play by Krista Camacho Halligan	Transfers and Altered Images by Chris Cozen Transfer Paper, Digital Ground Fabric Printing