One of the most popular printing techniques is the use of transfer materials, because it allows you to print from one piece, in full colour, on (almost) any surface or substrate. Transfer paper is a special type of paper with a coating that makes it possible to print images and then apply them to various surfaces.
Think of textiles, wood, ceramics, or even metal. The versatility lies in the breadth of materials on which you can print. Almost any flat surface is suitable. This makes transfer paper ideal for personal projects and professional applications. Whether creating a unique gift or developing a prototype, transfer paper can meet your needs.
Its flexibility is one of the great advantages. You do not need to print large quantities immediately, allowing for easy transfer of photorealistic images and complex designs. With a standard printer and a heat press, you can get started yourself and achieve results quickly. Furthermore, it is a cost-effective solution, as large and expensive printing machines are not required, enabling small edition production.
There are different types of transfer paper, each with its own specific properties and applications. For example, there is transfer paper that is suitable for laser / led printers and is often used for dark fabrics.
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What is transfer paper?
TheMagicTouch is a printing material that transfers your design to a product. When you combine the words transfer and paper, you get transfer paper. TheMagicTouch has a special coating that holds the toner and allows you to print designs in one color and designs in full color and use this print to create unique prints on many products and surfaces. TheMagicTouch is available in different types, quantities and variations. The advantage is that you can use it on many products because in many cases the surface and/or composition does not matter! There are single step papers and two step papers and you can transfer them face up or face down.
Who is suitable for transfer paper?
is suitable for anyone who would like to make their own printed textiles. Whether you’re a hobbyist who enjoys creating unique clothing items, a business looking to sell personalized merchandise, or a school looking to implement class projects, offers endless possibilities.
In short, transfer paper are ideal for:
- Apparel Printing: T-shirts, sweaters, sportswear, and more can be customized with your own designs, photos, or text.
- Accessories: Bags, hats, pillowcases, and other accessories can be personalized.
- Promotion: Businesses can use transfer paper to create custom clothing for events, giveaways, or corporate clothing.
- Hobby Projects: Create unique gifts, home decor, or clothing for special occasions.
- Schools and Childcare: Let kids create their own designs on t-shirts, aprons, and more. or bags.
What you need to work with transfer paper
Working with TheMagicTouch transfer paper is surprisingly easy and doesn’t require much skill. However, you do need the right equipment to enjoy all the benefits of this printing system.
Here’s what you need to work with transfer paper:
1. A suitable transfer/heat press
When you press a transfer into a fabric, you want to press the image as deeply into the yarn of the fabric as possible. You want to transfer all of the toner and transfer foil. Temperature, time, and pressure are essential. Additionally, a swing-away press allows you to print on thicker materials and gives you a free work space. Every transfer/heat press produces heat, but not every transfer/heat press produces the right amount of pressure. Pressure distribution and consistent temperature also play an important role in achieving a good result. You don’t want to waste materials, especially when printing larger quantities or meeting a deadline. A scratch-resistant result and excellent washing results help when using a high-pressure press for transfer paper.
2. A color printer with laser or LED technology
Most color laser and LED printers are suitable for TheMagicTouch transferpapers. Each brand or model has its own settings. For example, the fuser temperature, the type of toner or the input options can differ. These properties play an important role in a good result. It determines whether the printer is suitable or less suitable for transfer paper. White toner provides full coverage on dark colors. You can print separate and complex images with it without having to cut. Not only on dark textiles, but also on colored mugs, notebooks, bottles and much more.
3. Software
The TheMagicTouch software that comes with the white toner printers offers ready-made settings for each TheMagicTouch transfer paper. The amount of toner is automatically set per transfer paper and ensures that it is white. No other system in this price range offers so many options.
4. TheMagicTouch Transfer Materials
There are nine different types of transfer paper available, each with its own application. The choice of transfer paper depends on the end product. The design is printed in mirror image on the transfer paper and then transferred with a Heat Transfer Press and for some types of paper you will need one or two accessories.
You can choose from the following transferpapers:
- TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 for white or light-colored fabrics.
- TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 for colored fabrics.
- TheMagicTouch WoW 7.8 for all colored fabrics, no cutting and no weeding.
- TheMagicTouch T.ONE for the most complex, free-form images on any color fabric.
- TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 for non-fabric materials.
- TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 for rough surface applications.
- TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 for non-fabric materials.5 for non-fabric products with smooth surfaces like a water release decal film.
- TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 for glass/acrylic.
- TheMagicTouch Tattoo 2.1 for temporary tattoos.
5. TheMagicTouch Micro Boxes
We also offer TheMagicTouch boxes in smaller quantities. These can be found with the product itself.
6. Application tools
Over the years, we have used our extensive experience to develop a range of Application Tools that make the transfer process easier and faster and allow you to decorate even more surfaces than before. In our product category Accessories you will find all the accessories you need. If you want to know which accessory you need, take a look at the article: Accessories create the perfect end result.
7. Blank products such as textiles or even skin
Most types of textiles, blank products and n most skin types can be used with the wide range of TheMagicTouch transfer papers.
When is TheMagicTouch transfer paper suitable for you
- Limited washability: In contrast to flex foil or textile transfers, transfer paper is less resistant to washing. It consists of toner, an adhesive layer and in each case a paper backing, which means that the print can fade over time, especially with frequent washing at high temperatures.
- Limited stretchability: Transfer paper is less stretchable than flex foil. This means that the print can crack or tear if the textile stretches, for example with sportswear.
- Sensitive to external factors: Transfer paper is more sensitive to external factors such as temperature, humidity and static electricity. It is therefore important to store the transfer paper properly and follow the instructions on the packaging.
When is TheMagicTouch transfer paper suitable for you
You choose TheMagicTouch transfer paper if you want to decorate and print as many different products as possible. From making full-colour transfers for textiles, to printing mugs in any colour you want, to making temporary tattoos for skin or nails. To this day, there is no other printing method that makes it possible to print on so many different types of products and surfaces. This versatility is possible thanks to a suitable colour laser or LED printer and the wide choice of TheMagicTouch transfer media.
Why choose TheMagicTouch transfer paper
TheMagicTouch transfer paper is designed to give you the fastest transfer experience. And by fast we mean as much as possible in one step. The more steps, the more mistakes can occur and of course we want to eliminate them. The fast transfer paper experience in combination with the lowest temperature and the extra thin properties makes TheMagicTouch transfer paper popular all over the world. Choose TheMagicTouch transfer paper if you want to print on many unconventional products and do not want to be limited.
Who is TheMagicTouch transfer paper for?
TheMagicTouch transfer paper is intended for any company that is interested in personalizing many different products from one piece in full color. If you don’t have much space, no problem: the complete set-up fits on a normal sized kitchen table.
Pros and Cons of Transfer materials
Transfer materials offer a convenient and relatively affordable way to create your own printed textiles. It has both advantages and disadvantages that you should carefully consider before choosing it.
Pros of Transfer Materials
- Accessibility: You don’t need a lot of specialist equipment. All you need is a printer and a transfer press (no iron).
- Flexibility: You can transfer almost any design onto textiles, from photos to AI illustrations.
- Quick results: The process is relatively quick. You can have a design on a garment or multiple items in a short time.
- Cost-saving: For small print runs, transfer paper is often cheaper than other printing methods.
- Full color printing: You can create beautiful, detailed prints with many colors.
Disadvantages of Transfer Materials
- Limited washability: The print is less durable than with other techniques such as flex foil. With frequent washing, especially at high temperatures, the print can fade or come loose.
- Limited stretchability: The print is less stretchable, which means it can crack or tear when the textile stretches.
- Suitable for light fabrics: Most types of transfer paper are best suited for light fabrics. On dark fabrics, the colors may be less intense.
- Sensitive to external factors: Transfer paper is sensitive to temperature, humidity and static electricity.
What do the different transfer materials cost?
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| Transfer paper | Application | Use white toner | Printing costs* | Transfer costs* | Total printing* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 | White & light-colored textile | No | €0.25 | €0.49 | €0.74 |
| TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 | Black & dark-colored textile | No | €0.25 | €1.59 | €1.84 |
| TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 | Hard surfaces | No | €0.25 | €0.49 | €0.74 |
| TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 | Hard surfaces | Yes | €0.55 | €0.49 | €1.04 |
| TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 | Waterslide decal | No | €0.25 | €1.79 | €2.04 |
| TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 | Waterslide decal | Yes | €0.55 | €1.79 | €2.34 |
| TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 | Wood & cork | No | €0.25 | €1.04 | €1.29 |
| TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 | Wood & cork | Yes | €0.55 | €1.04 | €1.59 |
| TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 | Glass & Acrylic | No | €0.25 | €0.79 | €1.04 |
| TheMagicTouch WTT | Black & Dark-colored textile | Yes | €0.55 | €1.59 | €2.14 |
| TheMagicTouch WOW 7.8 | Black & Dark-colored textile | Yes | €0.25 | €2.10 | €2.38 |
| TheMagicTouch T.ONE | White & light-colored textile | Yes | €0.28 | €1.59 | €1.87 |
| TheMagicTouch SPF | Sticker media | No | €0.25 | €0.82 | €1.07 |
* The costs mentioned are estimates and may vary per order. The printing costs are calculated based on a print with 20% toner coverage. Since each print has a unique toner coverage, the actual costs may vary. The price for transfer paper is based on the purchase of the largest package.
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| Transfer paper | Application | Use white toner | Printing costs* | Transfer costs* | Total printing* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 | White & light-colored textile | No | €0.45 | €0.95 | €1.40 |
| TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 | Black & dark-colored textile | No | €0.45 | €3.18 | €3.63 |
| TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 | Hard surfaces | No | €0.45 | €0.95 | €1.40 |
| TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 | Hard surfaces | Yes | €1.09 | €0.95 | €2.04 |
| TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 | Waterslide decal | No | €0.45 | €3.59 | €4.03 |
| TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 | Waterslide decal | Yes | €1.09 | €3.58 | €4.67 |
| TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 | Wood & cork | No | €0.45 | €1.96 | €2.41 |
| TheMagicTouch RST 9.1 | Wood & cork | Yes | €1.09 | €1.96 | €3.05 |
| TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 | Glass & Acrylic | No | €0.45 | €1.59 | €2.04 |
| TheMagicTouch WTT | Black & Dark-colored textile | Yes | €1.09 | €3.18 | €4.27 |
| TheMagicTouch WOW 7.8 | Black & Dark-colored textile | Yes | €0.53 | €4.20 | €4.73 |
| TheMagicTouch T.ONE | White & light-colored textile | Yes | €0.53 | €3.19 | €3.72 |
| TheMagicTouch SPF | Sticker media | No | €0.45 | €1.65 | €2.10 |
* The costs mentioned are estimates and may vary per print job. The printing costs are calculated based on a print with 20% toner coverage. Since each print has a unique toner coverage, the actual costs may vary. The price for transfer paper is based on the purchase of the largest package.
Transfer Paper FAQ
What is a transfer paper?
Transfer paper is a specialized, coated paper used to move designs, text, or images from one surface to another. It essentially acts as a “carrier” for ink, toner, or graphite. There are two main categories:
Heat Transfer Paper: This is used for fabric and apparel. You print a design onto the paper using a standard printer and then use heat (an iron or heat press) to bond the ink to the fabric.
Graphite/Artist Transfer Paper: Used for tracing. You place it between a reference image and your final surface (like canvas or wood) and trace over the lines to create an outline.
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