Tips for iron-on transfers

[mgcgoose]

I'm about to start the t-shirt transferring party here at my house and I know I have read several tips about using transfer paper and how to care of the shirts before and after the transfers but I can't for the life of me find the topics now.

1. Am I suppose to wash the shirts before or after I transfer?
2. I think I remember reading something about a vinegar wash...what is this?
3. Should I remove the backing first and then trim or trim first?

Any other tips will be greatly appreciated...Melanie

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Above all - you should read the directions that came in the package with your transfers.

As a general rule, you want to wash your shirts BEFORE applying the transfer. This is to remove the sizing that they put on shirts to make them look good in the stores. Removing the sizing will allow the transfer to adhere properly. Be sure NOT to use liquid fabric softner or dryer sheets in this first wash. Both of these will/may hinder the transfer from adhering properly.

Some on the boards say that they have tried the vinegar wash and that it helps prevent the ink from running. This is purely a personal decision. I have never done the vinegar wash and have never had any issues with the color running on my shirts. But that could have more to do with the transfer than the vinegar wash itself.

You will want to trim your transfer FIRST before removing the backing. After the backing is removed, the transfer sheet itself is very thin and will probably be next to impossible to cut without the backing (or at least very well or easily). I suggest with my transfers to loosen the corner of the backing, to peel it down past the edge of the design, then replace, then cut. This will make it easier to peel the backing off after trimming.

Again, these are some tips that I use with my transfers and you should be sure to read the directions that came in your package just in case they are different in any way.

I hope this helps!

 

[wgwtgb]

I agree with everything Amy said , and only use Amy transfers!!!!! No, seriously!!!!

 

[mgcgoose]

Thanks so much for the quick response...I guess I will be washing shirts and cutting transfers tonight and ironing tomorrow night. I REALLY wanted to use your transfers and then before I knew it, it was time to go. We leave Friday and I didn't buy the transfers until this weekend ...talk about procrastinating. I think we are going again in March and I will definately be using yours then...I have heard nothing but good things.

Melanie

 

[mgcgoose]

Another question...Do you wash the shirts after you transfer the image? The directions on my transfers don't mention anything about it. I'm almost afraid to washh them because I don't want them to crack before we even go but then again I'm concerned about them bleeding when it rains while we are there.

HELP...Melanie

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Another question...Do you wash the shirts after you transfer the image? The directions on my transfers don't mention anything about it. I'm almost afraid to washh them because I don't want them to crack before we even go but then again I'm concerned about them bleeding when it rains while we are there.

HELP...Melanie

If I were making the decision, I would wait until after you return. First, because they always look so crisp after the first iron (and they have already been washed)

But second, because, like you, I would be worried about cracking before you even wear them. I had made one forever ago for my son's birthday (not with my transfers) and it shredded after the first wash. I was so thankful I had waited until after the trip to wash it.

 

[mgcgoose]

Thanks so much for the info...I guess they are going straight into the suitcase.

Melanie