How to make the transfer more durable on dark - colored fabrics with Jumbo Roll Heater Transfer Paper?
Oct 13, 2025
Hey there! As a supplier of Jumbo Roll Heater Transfer Paper, I've seen a lot of folks struggling with getting durable transfers on dark - colored fabrics. It can be a real pain in the neck, but don't worry, I'm here to share some tips and tricks to make your transfers last longer.
First off, let's talk about the basics. Dark - colored fabrics are a bit of a challenge because they absorb a lot of the heat and ink during the transfer process. This can lead to the transfer fading or peeling off over time. But with the right approach, you can overcome these issues.
Choosing the Right Paper
The type of Jumbo Roll Heater Transfer Paper you choose plays a crucial role in the durability of your transfer. We offer different weights of paper, each with its own set of advantages.
The 50gsm Jumbo Roll Sublimation Paper is great for lightweight applications. It's thinner and more flexible, which can be a plus when you're working on fabrics that need to drape well. However, it might not hold as much ink as heavier papers, so it's best for simple designs or less detailed work.
If you're looking for something with a bit more substance, the 60gsm Jumbo Roll Sublimation Paper is a solid choice. It strikes a good balance between ink - holding capacity and flexibility. This paper can handle more complex designs and still give you a decent transfer on dark fabrics.
For the most detailed and long - lasting transfers, the 80gsm Jumbo Roll Sublimation Paper is the way to go. It's thicker and can hold a lot of ink, which means your designs will be more vibrant and durable. This is especially important for dark - colored fabrics, where you need a strong transfer to stand out.
Preparing the Fabric
Before you start the transfer process, it's essential to prepare the dark - colored fabric properly. First, wash the fabric to remove any dirt, oils, or chemicals that might interfere with the transfer. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue on the fabric.
After washing, dry the fabric completely. You can either air - dry it or use a dryer on a low - heat setting. Once the fabric is dry, iron it to remove any wrinkles. A smooth surface will ensure better contact between the transfer paper and the fabric, resulting in a more even and durable transfer.
Printing the Design
When printing your design on the Jumbo Roll Heater Transfer Paper, make sure you're using the right settings on your printer. Use high - quality sublimation inks for the best results. These inks are designed to bond with the fabric fibers during the transfer process, which makes the transfer more durable.
Print your design in mirror image if you're using a heat press. This is because the transfer will be reversed when it's applied to the fabric. Double - check your design for any errors or smudges before moving on to the next step.
Heat Pressing
The heat pressing process is where the magic happens. Set your heat press to the appropriate temperature and time settings for the type of fabric and transfer paper you're using. Generally, dark - colored fabrics require a higher temperature and longer pressing time to ensure the ink is properly transferred and bonded to the fabric.
Place the printed transfer paper face - down on the prepared fabric. Make sure it's centered and aligned correctly. Cover the transfer paper with a Teflon sheet or a piece of parchment paper to protect it from the heat press.
Close the heat press and apply firm pressure. Don't lift the press too early, as this can cause the transfer to be incomplete or uneven. After the pressing time is up, carefully lift the heat press and let the fabric cool down for a few minutes.
Post - Transfer Care
Once the transfer is complete and the fabric has cooled down, you need to take some steps to ensure its durability. First, peel off the transfer paper slowly and carefully. If the paper doesn't come off easily, it might mean that the transfer wasn't fully bonded. In this case, you can try pressing the area again for a few more seconds.
After peeling off the paper, wash the fabric inside - out in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the transfer. Hang the fabric to dry or use a dryer on a low - heat setting.
Troubleshooting
Even if you follow all the steps correctly, you might still encounter some issues with your transfers on dark - colored fabrics. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:


- Fading: If your transfer starts to fade over time, it could be because the ink wasn't properly bonded to the fabric. Try increasing the temperature and pressing time during the heat - pressing process next time.
- Peeling: Peeling can occur if the fabric wasn't prepared properly or if the transfer paper wasn't of good quality. Make sure you wash and iron the fabric before the transfer, and choose a high - quality Jumbo Roll Heater Transfer Paper.
- Blurry or uneven transfer: This could be due to poor contact between the transfer paper and the fabric. Make sure the fabric is smooth and flat, and apply firm pressure during the heat - pressing process.
Conclusion
Getting a durable transfer on dark - colored fabrics with Jumbo Roll Heater Transfer Paper isn't always easy, but it's definitely doable. By choosing the right paper, preparing the fabric properly, using the correct printing and heat - pressing techniques, and taking good care of the transferred fabric, you can achieve long - lasting and vibrant transfers.
If you're interested in purchasing our Jumbo Roll Heater Transfer Paper or have any questions about the transfer process, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you make the most of your projects and ensure that your transfers look great and last a long time.
References
- Sublimation Printing Guidebooks
- Industry - specific research on fabric transfer techniques
