Transfer Printing — Vinyl, Flock, Foil and Heat Press

The majority of the printing Indigo Clothing does for clients is screen printing, but certain products, logos or fabrics are better suited to transfer printing. This method involves heat pressing vinyl, plastisol, foil, flock or CAD-cut materials onto garments using professional clam presses — delivering bright, sharp results on virtually any fabric.

When to Use Transfer Printing

Transfer printing is the go-to method in several situations:

• Individual names and numbers — perfect for sportswear and team kits
• One-off samples — for client meetings, press events or prototyping
• Multicolour logos — that need to look bright, bold and eye-catching
• Nylon and synthetic fabrics — waterproofs, hi-vis jackets, umbrellas
• Lycra and Spandex — sports and leisurewear that needs to stretch
• Special effects — flock (velvet-like texture), foil (metallic shine) and more

Compare transfer printing with other printing methods →

Types of Transfer Printing

We offer a range of transfer types to suit different designs and effects:

• Vinyl (CAD-cut) — precision-cut coloured vinyl for clean, crisp logos and text. Available in a wide range of colours.
• Plastisol transfers — screen-printed onto transfer paper, then heat pressed onto garments. Great for detailed multicolour designs.
• Flock transfers — creates a luxurious, velvet-like raised texture. Popular for premium branding and fashion items.
• Foil transfers — high-gloss metallic finishes in gold, silver and other colours. Ideal for eye-catching event merchandise.
• Reflective transfers — for hi-vis workwear and safety garments.

How Our Heat Press Works

Indigo heat presses in-house using the latest 40×50cm magnetic clam presses from Stahls — industry-leading equipment trusted by professionals worldwide. Unlike screen printing, where ink absorbs slightly into the garment, transfers sit on top of the fabric. This means designs look sharp and bright because the garment’s base colour doesn’t affect the finished result.

We normally use cold peel transfers: the garment is left to cool after pressing, then the backing paper is removed, leaving the transfer permanently bonded to the fabric.

Are Transfers Durable?

Transfer printing technology has come a long way in recent years. Modern transfers are fully wash and colour fast at 40°C in all popular washing products, can be dry cleaned, and can even be tumble dried at low temperature. While screen printing may edge ahead on longevity over hundreds of washes, transfers deliver excellent durability for the vast majority of use cases.

Transfer Printing vs Other Methods

We also offer embroidery for a premium, textured finish — ideal for workwear, polo shirts and corporate clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is transfer printing?

Transfer printing uses heat and pressure to bond a pre-made design onto a garment. The transfer can be made from vinyl, plastisol, flock, foil or other materials, and is applied using a professional heat press.

Is there a minimum order for transfer printing?

No — transfer printing works from a single item upwards. It’s one of the most flexible methods for small orders, samples and individual personalisation.

Can you print on waterproof or synthetic fabrics?

Yes. Transfer printing is one of the few methods that works well on nylon, polyester, Lycra and other synthetic fabrics. This makes it ideal for hi-vis workwear, sports kit and outdoor jackets.

What special effects are available?

We offer flock transfers (velvet-like raised texture), metallic foil (gold, silver and other finishes), reflective transfers for safety wear, and standard vinyl in over 25 colours.

How much does transfer printing cost?

Pricing depends on the type of transfer, the number of colours, and the quantity of garments. Contact us for a free quote tailored to your specific project — we’ll always recommend the most cost-effective approach.