What is T-shirt Transfer Paper?

There are many different types of T-shirt transfer papers out there.  Which one is best for you?

Inkjet Transfer Paper
For most, the answer is going to be inkjet transfer paper.  It comes in 2 varieties...  For light colored fabric, or dark colored fabric.  The light colored fabric variety cannot be used on dark fabrics because the paper is essentially transparent.  An inkjet printer is not capable of printing white.  So, anywhere that the image would have white, you will see straight through to the color of the garment.  Inkjet transfer paper for dark colored garments is NOT transparent.  It is white.  So unlike the process with transfer paper for light fabric, you do not print the image horizontally mirrored.  You print it just the way it is, right on the paper with the white background.  Now you're image will be white where it is supposed to be.  The washability for inkjet transfer paper is not as good as a screen printed shirt, but if you follow the washing instructions included with the paper, they will usually last plenty of washes.

Sublimation Transfer Paper
Dye sublimation transfer paper is another good process for putting your image on a garment.  Fabrics must be white or light in color. 100% polyester, poly/cotton mix (the garment should be at least 50% poly) microfibre & nylon can all be used.  This process uses a special dye sublimation printer and ink.  It actually switches the solid ink into a gas, never going through a liquid stage.  So you never have to worry about waiting for your transfer sheet to dry.  The dye sub process can also be used on ceramic, wood, glass, or metal as long as they have a polymer coating.  There are a couple products out there now that will allow you to print onto a white sheet and then place that onto a dark garment.  However, you would probably be better off just sticking with inkjet transfer paper if that is the route you are going to take.

Color Laser Printer Transfer Paper
After trying a few different types of laser printer transfer paper myself, I do not think it is where it should be yet.  Admittedly, I was using a home color laser printer that was rather basic.  I tried a few different types, and none of them printed properly.  I have heard of success with these on some higher end laser printers, and I only tried a few different types of transfer paper from a couple different brands.  If you have any real success stories, I would love to hear about them so this can be updated with some positive information.  EMAIL ME with your color laser transfer paper story!