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Getting started with transfer paper
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know to successfully work with TheMagicTouch transfer paper. Step by step, we explain how to create the perfect print, which material is best suited for your project, and how to apply your design to various surfaces. Discover the endless possibilities and create unique, personalized items.
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Introduction: What is Transfer Paper?
Transfer paper is a specialized print medium with a unique coating designed to hold the toner from a color laser or LED printer. Combined with the heat and pressure of a heat press, the transfer paper transfers your printed design to a wide variety of substrates, including textiles, hard surfaces, and even skin with temporary tattoo transfer paper.
The design can be anything, from a single-color logo to a photorealistic full-color image.
The fundamental advantage of using TheMagicTouch transfer paper is its incredible versatility. It’s one of the most comprehensive printing systems available, allowing you to personalize numerous products without high upfront costs or inventory limitations. It’s ideal for short runs, starting from just one unique piece.
Essential Equipment: Best Heat Press, Laser Printer & Software Setup
To achieve high-quality, professional results with transfer paper, you need the correct tools and settings:
- A suitable heat press
The heat press is a crucial part of the process. Simply applying heat isn’t enough; the process relies on consistent pressure, temperature, and time to ensure the print is fully and accurately transferred to the product.
Pressure is key: A high-pressure press ensures that the image is pressed as deeply as possible into the fibers of the fabric or onto the surface of the product.
Recommendation: Make sure you’re well-informed beforehand about which heat press is suitable and which isn’t. Contact us; we’re happy to help.
Note: Household irons are generally not suitable because they can’t deliver the consistent high temperature and intense pressure required. - A suitable laser or LED printer
TheMagicTouch transfer paper is specifically designed for color laser and LED printers/copiers.Inkjet is not suitable: Due to the composition of inkjet ink, these printers are not compatible with this system.White toner: OKI printers that use white toner (CMY+W) offer the greatest versatility. White toner provides complete coverage of dark colors and allows printing complex, discrete images (self-weeding) without the need for contour cutting. - Software
TheMagicTouch Software takes a lot of work off your hands with CMYK printers and is even essential if you use white toner printers. This software automatically manages:
Media settings: Sets the correct print media for each paper type.
White toner amount: Specifies where and where not to use white toner for each application.
Color profiles: Ensures the most optimal colors on regular, but especially on transfer paper.
Mirror image: Ensures the necessary mirroring of the image for printing.
Technical Tips for Transfer Paper: Printer Settings & Storage for Professionals
Following these technical tips will significantly reduce errors and maximize print quality:
| Area | Tip | Why It Matters |
| Paper Feeding | Always use the Multi-Purpose Tray (or Universal Tray). | Transfer paper has a layered composition and can curl. The MP tray provides the straightest paper path, minimizing the risk of jamming or poor fusing. |
| Printer Exit | Open the back exit of your printer if available. | This ensures the paper feeds straight out rather than curling around a roller, further preventing jamming. |
| Direction | Feed the paper in the correct direction (indicated on the back print). | On A4 printers, feed Short Edge First (SEF). On A3 printers, use A4 paper Long Edge First (LEF). Feeding incorrectly increases the risk of jamming. |
| Storage | Store transfer paper in its original box, sealed in a zip-lock bag. | The paper is highly sensitive to humidity and temperature. Optimal storage conditions are 30–50% relative humidity and 18–25°C (64–77°F). |
| Post-Application | Contour Cut your design with scissors or a plotter. | Roughly cutting the outline minimizes the visible “box” or polymer residue around the design on the final product. |
| Peeling (Textile) | After pressing, quickly pinch the fabric before peeling. | This helps the edge of the paper lift, making the initial peel easier. |
The Transfer Paper Portfolio: Detailed Breakdown by Application
The MagicTouch system offers a wide range of paper types, each optimized for a specific application. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right product for your project.
1. Textile Transfers (For Fabrics and Garments)
These papers are designed to press the toner and the transfer layer into the yarn of the textile.
| Transfer Name | Purpose/Fabric Type | Key Functionality | Pros & Cons/Application Tip |
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 | White & Light-Colored textiles (T-shirts, sweaters, mousepads). | Single-step transfer for CMYK printers, providing excellent laundry results. | Tip: Wait 5-10 seconds before peeling (leave on press). Repress for 1-3 seconds with plain paper to flatten the coating for a smoother result. |
| TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 | Black & Dark-Colored textiles. | Single-step transfer for CMYK printers to print onto dark fabrics. | Tip: Strip the carrier film face down (flat on the table) to prevent curling. Use application tape for easy handling of small details. |
| TheMagicTouch WTT / TheMagicTouch T.ONE | Freeform textile transfer for all colors (dark and light). | Designed for CMYW (White Toner) printers. Allows for self-weeding (no cutting required for complex designs). | Tip: WTT is for white toner. T.ONE can be used with dark colors on CMYK if toner coverage is >60%. Pinch the fabric for an easier peel start. |
2. Toner Transfers (For Hard Surfaces)
These transfers hold the toner on top of a special coating and transfer the image onto hard surfaces using heat and pressure.
| Transfer Name | Purpose/Surface Type | Key Functionality | Pros & Cons/Application Tip |
| CPM 6.2 | Hard Surfaces (almost every hard surface: mugs, metal, ceramic). | The most versatile single-step toner transfer for hard goods (CMYK/CMYW). | Tip: Use GlossFinish after application for a glossy result. Reheat (without pressure) with a heat gun/oven for better scratch resistance. |
| RST 9.1 | Rough Surfaces (e.g., wood, cork, stone). | Designed to conform and adhere to the irregularities of rougher surfaces (CMYK/CMYW). | Tip: Use a fine mist of water on the Application Sponge to help press the toner into the surface’s texture. |
| ORD 8.1 | Opaque Decoration onto Acrylic products. | Used for creating opaque, high-end decorations on acrylics. | Tip: The paper backing can be decorated further with TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 Flock for a premium finish. |
3. Decal and Tattoo Transfers (Water-Released)
These transfers use water to release the transfer layer and image onto a unique surface.
| Transfer Name | Purpose/Surface Type | Key Functionality | Pros & Cons/Application Tip |
| DCT 4.5 | Waterslide Decals (e.g., candles, glass, certain plastics). | A water-released transfer that releases the decal layer and image when wet. | Tip: Use warm water to make the film more flexible, making it easier to form around curved products. Curing in an oven (if product-safe) at 160°C (320°F) can harden the film for better bonding. |
| Tattoo 2.1 | Temporary Tattoos (skin, nails, fruit). | Transfers the image with an extra adhesive layer, released by water. | Tip: Apply Talcum powder on top after transferring to give the tattoo a matte finish, making the decal film less visible and look more realistic. |
4. Specialty Transfers: The SPF Series (Stickers)
The SPF (Sticker Printable Foil) series offers durable, printable media for creating high-quality, sun- and water-resistant stickers and labels.
| Transfer Name | Purpose/Material Type | Key Functionality | Pros & Cons/Application Tip |
| SPF 10/12/20/22 (Clear/White) | Permanent Stickers (Clear Gloss/Matt, White Gloss/Matt). | Creates durable, water-resistant stickers for branding, labeling, and product decoration (CMYK/CMYW). | Tip: Ideal for professional product labeling or outdoor use due to resistance to water and sun. Use a cutting plotter for intricate designs. |
| SPF 60/61 (Removable) | Removable Stickers (Clear Gloss, White Matt). | Creates stickers that are easy to remove without leaving any residue. | Tip: Perfect for event signage, seasonal advertising, temporary branding, or applications where zero residue is critical upon removal. |
| SPF 70 | Floor Stickers (White Matt). | Specialized durable, anti-slip sticker material for floor graphics. | Tip: Designed for high-traffic areas. Ensure the floor is clean and dry before application to maximize adhesion and longevity. |
Printer Settings
To keep your printer in optimal condition, we recommend the following:
Only then use the transfer paper.
This ensures the fuser (heating unit) is at the correct temperature.
This prevents the printer from overloading from a cold start and prevents irreparable damage.
Use the correct media setting in the driver: Turn on the printer and print 5 plain sheets of paper first.
These sheets don’t need to have much toner on them—one letter or small character is sufficient.
This way, you won’t waste any toner, but the printer will still warm up properly.
| Transfer Paper | Format | Type | Weight |
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 | A4-R | Heavy Glossy (111-130g) | |
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1+ | A4-R | Heavy Glossy (111-130g) | |
| TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 | A4-R | Heavy Glossy (111-130g) | |
| TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 | A4-R | Heavy Glossy (111-130g) | |
| TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 | A4 | Heavy Glossy (111-130g) | |
| TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 | A4 | Heavy Glossy (111-130g) | |
| TheMagicTouch TATTOO 2.1 | A4 | Heavy Glossy (111-130g) | |
| TheMagicTouch T.ONE | A4 | Heavy Glossy (111-130g) | |
| TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 | A4 | Heavy Glossy (111-130g) | |
| TheMagicTouch SPF – Stickers | A4 | Extra Heavy Glossy (131-175g) | |
| TheMagicTouch SPF26HT | A4 | Transparent |
For the easiest and best printing results on transfer paper, we recommend using TheMagicTouch Software Basic on Windows computers for this printer. Use the media settings below on an Apple computer, or with Print & Cut print jobs.
| Transfer Paper | Format | Type | Weight |
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 | A4-R | Plain | Thick 1 (91-105 g/m2) |
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1+ | A4-R | Plain | Thick 1 (91-105 g/m2) |
| TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 | A4-R | Plain | Thick 1 (91-105 g/m2) |
| TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 | A4-R | Plain | Thick 1 (91-105 g/m2) |
| TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 | A4 | Glossy | Thick 1 (91-105 g/m2) |
| TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 | A4 | Glossy | Thick 1 (91-105 g/m2) |
| TheMagicTouch TATTOO 2.1 | A4 | Glossy | Thick 1 (91-105 g/m2) |
| TheMagicTouch T.ONE | A4 | Glossy | Bond |
| TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 | A4 | Glossy | Thick 1 (91-105 g/m2) |
| TheMagicTouch SPF – Stickers | A4 | Glossy | Thick 1 (91-105 g/m2) |
| Transfer Paper | Format | Type | Weight |
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 | A4-R | Plain | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1+ | A4-R | Plain | Ultra Heavy – 121/188 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 | A4-R | Plain | Medium – 91/105 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 | A4-R | Plain | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 | A4 | Labels | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 | A4 | Glossy | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch TATTOO 2.1 | A4 | Glossy | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch T.ONE | A4 | Heavy | Medium – 91/105 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 | A4 | Plain | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch SPF – Stickers | A4 | Labels | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch SPF26HT / SPF70 | A4 | Transparancy | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
For the easiest and best printing results on transfer paper, we recommend using TheMagicTouch Software Basic on Windows computers for this printer. Use the media settings below on an Apple computer, or with Print & Cut print jobs.
| Transfer Paper | Format | Type | Weight |
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 | A4-R | Glossy | Ultra Heavy – 177/220 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1+ | A4-R | Glossy | Ultra Heavy – 177/220 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 | A4-R | Glossy | Ultra Heavy – 177/220 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 | A4-R | Glossy | Ultra Heavy – 177/220 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 | A4 | Glossy | Ultra Heavy – 177/220 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 | A4 | Glossy | Ultra Heavy – 177/220 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch TATTOO 2.1 | A4 | Glossy | Ultra Heavy – 177/220 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch T.ONE | A4 | Glossy | Ultra Heavy – 177/220 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 | A4 | Glossy | Ultra Heavy – 177/220 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch SPF – Stickers | A4 | Glossy | Ultra Heavy – 177/220 g/m2 |
| Transfer Paper | Format | Type | Weight |
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 | A4-R | Plain | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1+ | A4-R | Plain | Ultra Heavy – 121/188 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 | A4-R | Plain | Medium – 91/105 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 | A4-R | Plain | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 | A4 | Labels | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 | A4 | Glossy | Ultra Heavy – 129/188 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch TATTOO 2.1 | A4 | Glossy | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch T.ONE | A4 | Heavy | Medium – 91/105 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 | A4 | Plain | Medium – 91/105 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch SPF – Stickers | A4 | Labels | Heavy – 106/120 g/m2 |
| TheMagicTouch SPF26HT / SPF70 | A4 | Transparancy | Medium – 91/105 g/m2 |
When printing transfer paper on the OKI C844, always use TheMagicTouch Software Basic for the correct media settings. Contact TheMagicTouch support for printing via Mac OS or Print & Cut applications that do not support the software.
When printing transfer paper on the OKI Pro8432WT, always use TheMagicTouch Software Pro for the correct media settings. Contact TheMagicTouch support for printing via Mac OS or Print & Cut applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use my standard Inkjet printer with TheMagicTouch Transfer Paper?
No, you cannot. TheMagicTouch transfer papers, including the TTC, OBM, CPM, and SPF series, are specifically engineered to work only with Color Laser or LED Toner Printers and Copiers. The process relies on the dry polymer toner (fused with heat) rather than liquid inkjet ink, which will not adhere correctly to the specialized coatings.
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What is the most critical factor for a good transfer result?
The most critical factor is High and Consistent Pressure from your heat press. While temperature and time are important, insufficient pressure is the #1 cause of poor wash results on textiles (TTC/OBM/WTT) and weak adhesion on hard surfaces (CPM/RST). A professional, high-pressure, clamshell or swing-away heat press is mandatory—a home iron is never suitable.
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Why did my transfer peel off in the wash, or crack after a few washes?
This is almost always due to insufficient pressure or incorrect peeling technique during the application.
* Pressure: The press must be set to maximum pressure to fully embed the toner into the fabric fibers.
* Peeling: Ensure you follow the specific paper’s instruction (e.g., Hot Peel for OBM or Warm Peel for TTC) and use a dedicated finishing step (like repressing with Release Paper) to maximize durability. -
I have a White Toner Printer. How do I get the most vibrant colors on a dark shirt?
A: To achieve vibrant colors on dark garments with white toner (WTT/T.ONE), the white toner layer must be perfectly transferred.
Print White: Ensure your software sets the design to print a solid layer of white toner under the CMYK colors.B-Paper Marriage: Ensure the White Toner transfer (the “marriage” of the A-Foil and B-Paper) is performed at the exact temperature and time specified for the paper, as this step determines the opacity and washability.
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Can I layer different types of transfer paper or use it with HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl)?
It is generally not recommended to layer different types of transfer papers (e.g., TTC on OBM), as the various coatings can react poorly to subsequent heat cycles. However, you can often use transfer paper alongside high-quality Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV). A common practice is to use a plotter-cut HTV design as a base layer, and then press a TheMagicTouch transfer paper design (like CPM) onto a hard surface portion of the product.
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