Crossword Dictionary
Iron-on
Iron-on transfers are images that can be imprinted on fabric. They are frequently used to print onto T-shirts.
On one side is paper, and on the other is the image that will be transferred in reverse. The image is printed with iron-on transfer inks. After placing the iron-on transfer on the fabric and pressing with an iron or a heat press, the image is transferred to the fabric.
There are two primary types of iron-on transfer inks: plastisol-type and sublimation-type. Plastisol-type inks are thick with a lacquer base. Transfers made with plastisol-type inks will result in a flexible image on the fabric with a feel similar to rubber. Sublimation-type inks use dyelike pigments that can be transferred to polyester and nylon fabrics. Transfers made with sublimation-type inks literally transfer the pigments to the fabric and the pigments bond permanently to the fabric fibers.