How Durable are Screen Printed Transfers?

Do transfers get a bad rap? Are they inferior to direct screen printing? We may be biased, but if you ask us, screen printed heat transfers are every bit as high-quality and durable as their counterpart. In fact, when properly applied and cared for (warning: you may hear this phrase several times in today’s blog), the transfer application should outlast the garment it’s printed on.

This garment was decorated with Howard Multi-Purpose, a plastisol heat transfer product. After 3 years and well over 50 washes, the transfer is in better shape than the fibers of the garment it is printed on.

Not All Transfers Are Created Equal

So, all plastisol transfers are the same…right? Wrong!

The manufacturing of screen printed heat transfers is complex and comprised of many steps which include various sourced raw materials throughout each process. This includes screens, mesh, emulsion, inks, additives, adhesives, and more. Each of these components creates a proprietary end-product which is unique from each supplier. If the manufacturer is not sourcing high-quality raw materials, they likely won’t be producing a high-quality end-product. Conversely, if the manufacturer is sourcing only the best quality raw materials, the end-product will create easy-to-use, long lasting, quality merchandise.

How Long Should Transfers Last?

When properly applied and cared for (there’s that phrase again), many transfers should last through at least 50 washes. Most of the legitimate transfer companies will test and guarantee all their products through at least 50 wash cycles. Realistically, most $3-4 blank t-shirts don’t look great after 50 washes. So, when people ask how long an application will last, well…the garment may start to deteriorate before the application.

When Properly Applied

So, what does “when properly applied” mean anyway? You know all those Facebook Group posts where someone uploads a photo of their transfer cracking after one wash and says that transfer company XYZ sucks? Chances are it’s not actually the transfer that’s the problem. Most cracking is the result of under-application from too little: heat, pressure, and/or dwell time.

Use the application instructions as a guide. You may need to adjust the settings based on your specific heat press. Be sure you aren’t using a Teflon cover sheet unless the instructions call for it. This can drop the application temperature up to 15-20 degrees, resulting in significant under-application. We suggest ordering a transfer sample pack prior to beginning a project with a supplier so that you can perform wash tests to avoid cracking due to under-application.

APPLICATION TIPS

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APPLICATION TIPS →

When Properly Cared For

So, what does “when properly cared for” mean? Most transfer suppliers will provide care instructions for printed garments. Generally, this will be to wash the garment inside out in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. For drying, recommendations are to lay flat to dry or tumble dry low. Never iron on the decoration. Never steam over the decoration.

It’s important to pass these care instructions on to the end-customer. One way to do this is with an interior neck label using a screen printed heat transfer. You can learn more about interior neck labeling here.