Heat Transfer Printing

Heat Transfer Printing in London

Custom heat transfer printing on t-shirts, hoodies, sportswear, bags and gifts. We use vinyl, DTF and sublimation transfers to match the right method to your design, fabric and quantity.

  • Vinyl, DTF & sublimation
  • Single pieces to bulk orders
  • Names, numbers & full colour
  • Delivery across the UK
Custom heat transfer printed t-shirt by Print Your Vibe
What is heat transfer printing?

What Is Heat Transfer Printing?

Heat transfer printing is any method where a design is first created on a carrier, such as vinyl, film or transfer paper, and then applied to the product using a heat press. Heat and pressure bond the design to the fabric or surface, giving a clean, durable print. The main types are vinyl (HTV), DTF (direct-to-film) and dye sublimation.

Because transfers are prepared before pressing, heat transfer is ideal for one-off pieces, personalised names and numbers, and short runs, with no screens to set up.

Choose your method

Types of Heat Transfer Printing We Offer

Each method suits different designs and fabrics. We will recommend the best one for your project.

Vinyl (HTV)

Designs cut from coloured vinyl and heat-pressed on. Best for names, numbers, text and simple logos, with matte, metallic, glitter and neon finishes.

Vinyl printing →

DTF Transfers

Full-colour designs printed onto film and pressed on. Best for detailed logos, photos and gradients on cotton, polyester and blends, in any garment colour.

DTF printing →

Sublimation

Dye that bonds into polyester and coated items. Best for all-over sportswear prints, mugs and cushions on white or light materials.

Sublimation printing →
How it works

Our Heat Transfer Printing Process

From your artwork to a finished product in four simple steps.

1

Send Your Design

Share your artwork, product choice and quantity, and we will recommend a method and send a quote.

2

Approve Your Proof

We prepare a digital proof showing size, placement and colours for your approval.

3

Create the Transfer

Your design is cut from vinyl, printed onto DTF film or printed onto sublimation paper.

4

Heat-Press & Deliver

The transfer is heat-pressed onto each item, quality-checked and delivered.

What we print

What Items Can We Heat Transfer Print?

From everyday clothing to gifts and promotional products.

T-Shirts

Custom tees for brands, events, gifts and personal projects.

Shop t-shirts →

Hoodies & Sweatshirts

Front, back and sleeve designs, including names on the back.

Shop hoodies →

Sportswear

Team kits with names and numbers, or full-colour sublimated designs.

Shop sportswear →

Bags & Accessories

Tote bags, caps and accessories with your logo or design.

Shop bags →

Home & Gifts

Cushion covers, mugs, mouse mats and towels, using sublimation where suited.

Ask for a quote →

Promotional Items

Event giveaways, fabric patches and branded merchandise.

Shop promo items →
Why heat transfer

Benefits of Heat Transfer Printing

No Minimum Setup

No screens to make, so single items and short runs are quick and cost-effective.

Easy Personalisation

Different names, numbers or designs on every item in the same order.

Full Colour or Solid Colour

Choose detailed full-colour DTF or bold, solid-colour vinyl to suit your design.

Works on Many Materials

Cotton, polyester, blends and coated items, with the right transfer for each.

Durable Results

Correctly pressed transfers stay bright and flexible through regular washing.

Expert Advice

Our team helps you choose the best method for your design, fabric and budget.

Compare methods

Which Heat Transfer Method Is Right for You?

Vinyl (HTV)DTF TransfersSublimation
Best forNames, numbers, text, simple logosDetailed, multi-colour designsAll-over prints, sportswear, gifts
ColoursSolid colours, special finishesUnlimited, including gradientsUnlimited, including photos
FabricsCotton, polyester, blendsCotton, polyester, blendsPolyester and coated items
Garment colourAny colourAny colourWhite or light only
FeelSmooth layerSmooth, flexible layerNo feel, dye is in the fabric

Ordering in larger quantities? Screen printing can be more cost-effective in bulk, and embroidery gives a premium stitched finish for uniforms.

Artwork Guidelines

  • Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) work best for vinyl.
  • High-resolution PNG files at 300 DPI with a transparent background work best for DTF.
  • Photos and gradients suit DTF or sublimation rather than vinyl.
  • No design? Our team can help create one from your idea or logo.

Caring for Heat Transfer Prints

  • Wait 24 hours before the first wash.
  • Wash inside out at 30°C.
  • Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
  • Line dry or tumble dry on low. Never iron directly on the print.
FAQs

Heat Transfer Printing FAQs

What is heat transfer printing?

Heat transfer printing applies a design from a carrier, such as vinyl, DTF film or transfer paper, onto a product using heat and pressure. It is ideal for personalised items and short runs.

What types of heat transfer printing do you offer?

We offer vinyl (HTV) for names, numbers and simple logos, DTF transfers for full-colour designs, and sublimation for polyester sportswear, mugs and cushions.

Is heat transfer printing durable?

Yes. Correctly pressed transfers stay bright and flexible through regular washing. For the longest life, wash inside out at 30°C and do not iron directly on the print.

Is heat transfer the same as vinyl printing?

Vinyl is one type of heat transfer printing. Heat transfer also includes DTF transfers and sublimation, which suit full-colour and all-over designs.

Heat transfer or screen printing: which is better?

Heat transfer is best for single items, short runs and personalisation. Screen printing is usually more cost-effective for large orders of the same design.

Can I order a single heat transfer printed item?

Yes. Heat transfer needs no screen setup, so we can print one item as well as bulk orders for teams, events and businesses.

How long does heat transfer printing take?

Turnaround typically ranges from 3 to 7 business days, depending on order size and design. Express options are available, so contact us if you have a deadline.

Do you deliver across the UK?

Yes. We deliver heat transfer orders across the UK, with collection available from our London location.

Ready to Start Your Heat Transfer Order?

Send us your design, product choice and quantity, and we will recommend the best method and send a quote. Single items, team kits and bulk orders all welcome.

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