Confused about printing???

[DisneyMomma81]

HELP ~ I'm scared to print my images, I read that I need to select mirror image, I cannot find that anywhere, I was able to find/select transfer paper, it's an HP printer. Do I want my images to print upside down? And when printing in landscape do I want the top of the image on the left or right side of the paper?

TIA

 

[DisneyMom92]

Generally, if you are using light/white transfers you need to mirror image it, if you are using dark transfers you don't.

On my HP printer, the option for mirror image is under printing preferences>advanced.

That said, I have done literally hundreds if not thousands of t-shirts over the last 10-15 years. I always print my design on plain paper before I print it on transfer paper. That way, you can check it out on your shirt to make sure size and everything works out.

Hope this helps.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Could it be Layout Direction? I can choose from 4 Z's the 1st Z is normal the 2nd is flipped, 3rd is lying on it's side with the top of the Z on the left side of the paper and the 4th Z is also on it's side it's top on the right side of the paper, but when I play with that and select preview it doesn't change a thing??

 

[DisneyMom92]

In some programs, print preview doesn't work. If I were you, I would make my selection and print on regular paper to see how it prints. Otherwise, I don't know.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Generally, if you are using light/white transfers you need to mirror image it, if you are using dark transfers you don't.

Why is this, and is it the actual image you're referring to or the type of transfer paper, I have both type's coming from HP.

 

[DisneyMom92]

The dark and light refers to the fabric color. On light transfers, the "paper" or transfer is actually clear (think window cling), so that anything that is white is actually colorless or fabric color, as it will have no ink on it. Dark transfer paper is actually white, so that your whites are white and your colors are more true if you are using any color shirt other than white.


Does that help?

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Generally, if you are using light/white transfers you need to mirror image it, if you are using dark transfers you don't.

I am completely new to this and haven't bought transfer paper yet, but I wanted to make sure that I could print the design on regular paper. When I 'told' my printer that I was printing an iron-on transfer, it automatically printed the design in reverse. Will this be a problem if I get the dark transfer paper for dark shirts? I really don't want to do white shirts.

THANK YOU for your help!!

 

[DisneyMom92]

Yes, don't "tell" it that you have transfer paper in. You should select high quality or premium quality for dark transfers.

Great that you practiced first. I always do, even after all these years.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yes, don't "tell" it that you have transfer paper in. You should select high quality or premium quality for dark transfers.

Great that you practiced first. I always do, even after all these years.

I know this is a stupid question but why don't you want the mirror image for dark transfers? Won't the design print backwards on the shirt if it isn't a mirror image? As you can see I am very new to this!

THANK YOU so much for your reply!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I'm about to give up ~ I don't get it! Anybody out there have a HP Photosmart C3180 All-in-One. Nothing I do works

 

[noahdove]

When you use a dark transfer, you peel the back off before you iron it on, thus the picture is face up ready to be ironed on..it is not a stupid question, trust me, I messed up a few when I first started doing the shirts..no questions is stupid, we all learn on here and the only way to learn is to ask and let those who have done it help you out..good luck

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I suppose I'll use the dark transfer paper each time then ~ eh?!? Can you not use dark transfer paper for white shirts?

 

[DisneyMom92]

Yes, you can use "dark" transfers for any color. Some say the colors are more vibrant that way.

I have just spent about 20 minutes on the HP website trying to find the solution to your issue. At least from what is available on line, there is no way to print reverse just from the printer. some software will do it for you, but I am not sure which ones.

HP does have a cool chat feature that you can use to tak with a rep who might be able to help you if you decide to investigate further. I have used it a time or two. It's hard to believe a functioning computer today won't print mirror image.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I'll try the chat tomorrow ~ it's down for the night. Thanks, this has been frusterating!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

When you use a dark transfer, you peel the back off before you iron it on, thus the picture is face up ready to be ironed on..it is not a stupid question, trust me, I messed up a few when I first started doing the shirts..no questions is stupid, we all learn on here and the only way to learn is to ask and let those who have done it help you out..good luck

Thank you so much for clarifying! I have found some designs and ordered the transfer paper from the HP site. Now to just get some shirts and give it a try!

This is the most WONDERFUL website! I have learned so much! THANK YOU all! I am sure I will have some more questions when I get to actually making a shirt!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

What a joke ~ HP's chat won't work with Mac systems! I've sent them an email, I'll see what they have to say.