HP printers - Printing HP Iron-On Transfers (mirror images)

Gather the following items required to print and apply an iron-on transfer.

• High-quality, thick, white, or light colored 100% cotton or cotton-polyester blend fabrics. Other fabrics might work but you will need to modify the ironing heat, pressure, and time to get a successful transfer.

• Find a smooth, hard, heat-resistant ironing surface, such as a Formica countertop, laminated pressboard desk, or heat-safe tabletop that is at or below hip level. A lower surface height makes it easier to apply the required pressure with the iron. Do not use a standard ironing board or a glass surface.

• A pillowcase to protect the ironing surface from excessive heat.

• A clock or timer to track ironing times. Times vary depending on the transfer size. A slow rate of motion, no faster than 12.7 mm (.5 in) per second, is important.

• Plain paper to print a test page of the mirrored transfer image (optional).

Consider first printing the design on plain paper to make sure it is satisfactory, and then select print job settings to print on the transfer paper.

1. Load plain paper in the main input tray.

2. From the app you created the design in, click File > Print to print a test page. Make any changes to the quality and, if necessary, adjust the mirror image orientation.

3. Remove all plain paper from the main tray, and then load the transfer paper based on your printer type.

   • Printers with a top load tray: HP logo side facing down

   • Printers with a front load tray: HP logo side facing up

   Top load input tray (left) and front load input tray (right)

   

4. Return to the print settings in the app you created the design in, and then change the following print job settings. You might need to click Properties or Show Details to access all settings.

   • Set the paper size to Letter.

   • Set the paper type to HP Iron-On Transfer, or the best quality paper type available. Options might include HP Premium Inkjet Paper, HP Matte Presentation Paper, or Special Paper.

   • Set the print quality to Best.

5. Print the transfer, and then cut off the unprinted areas of the paper leaving a 6.35 mm (.25 in) border around the design.

Prepare the ironing surface, and then iron the transfer onto the fabric item.

1. Preheat the iron on the hottest cotton setting. Ensure the iron has time to reach this highest temperature. Do not use steam.

2. Place the pillowcase on the ironing surface and iron it to remove any wrinkles.

3. Place the item you are applying the transfer to on the pillowcase, and then iron it to remove any wrinkles.

4. Place the transfer onto the item, design side down, and HP logo side facing up.

5. Starting at the bottom left corner of the transfer, move the iron with firm pressure at a slow, even pace (approximately 12.7 mm (.5 in) per second) up the transfer until you reach and overlap the top edge.

6. Without lifting the iron, continue making parallel passes across the full width of the transfer. Make sure to iron over edges and corners.

   Note:

   For full-size transfers, spend at least 20 seconds on each vertical pass.

7. Starting at the bottom left corner of the transfer, turn the iron to the right and make a pass across the transfer until you reach and overlap the right edge. Continue making parallel passes up the full height of the transfer.

   Note:

   Total ironing time depends on the size of the design. For example, iron a full sheet transfer for 180 to 240 seconds at 20 seconds per pass. Iron a half sheet for 120 to 180 seconds, and iron a quarter sheet for at least 60 seconds.

8. Allow the transfer to cool with the liner still on for at least five minutes. Make sure the transfer has fully cooled before continuing.

9. Use a fingernail or a dull blade to gently pull away a corner of the paper backing. Hold the fabric item with your other hand, and then peel the backing off. If the paper starts to tear, wait longer and then start from another corner.

   Note:

   If you are applying another transfer to the other side of a shirt, do not remove the backing from the first transfer until you have applied the second one. To avoid heating the first transfer again, place the item over the ironing surface so that the first side is not heated again. If your ironing surface is small enough, you can slip it inside the item. Let the second transfer cool, and then remove both backings.