What is the main characteristic of heat transfer printing?

The main characteristic of heat transfer printing is the transfer of designs from printed paper to fabric using heat and pressure. This process involves printing designs onto special transfer paper with sublimation or other inks, which are then applied to the fabric using a heat press. The heat causes the dye to vaporize and bond with the fibers of the fabric, resulting in vibrant, detailed designs. This method is particularly popular for producing colorful prints on synthetic fabrics like polyester.

In contrast, the application of dye directly to the fabric involves different techniques, such as direct dyeing, where the dye is applied straight onto the fabric without transfer paper. Using water to dissolve dye for immersion pertains to traditional dyeing methods, which is distinct from the transfer process that heat transfer printing employs. Lastly, dyeing done through pad or jig methods refers to specific industrial dyeing techniques that do not utilize the transfer approach characteristic of heat transfer printing.