Can You Use A Regular Printer For Transfer Paper : 7 Easy Steps with Picture
Transfer papers are basically lightweight pieces of paper with wax and resin layer on top. These papers are used to make designs on shirts and other materials by using heat and pressure.
If you’re thinking of trying out heat transfer printing as part of arts and crafts activities or for making merchandise for your own brand, the best place to start is by printing on a shirt.
Considering how important a printer is for this process, it is natural to ask, can you use a regular printer for transfer paper?
In this article, we will answer your questions and guide you through the whole process of printing on transfer papers. Besides, we will also mention our top printer choices to help you choose a printer for transfer paper for t shirts.
What Is A Transfer Paper?
Transfer Paper, more commonly known as Heat Transfer Paper, is a lightweight sheet of paper with a wax and dye coating over it. Designs and images are usually printed on it. The illustration is then transferred onto fabric, canvas, or other medium using a heat press.
What Does A Transfer Paper Do?
With the aid of a heat press and transfer paper, you can print texts and graphics on all kinds of textile and other compatible materials.
Can You Use A Regular Printer For Transfer Paper?
Now, the main question arises, “Can you use any printer with transfer papers?”
Well, the short answer to that question is yes. You can use almost any kind of printer for heat transfer paper.
However, there are a few aspects that you might want to take into consideration.
For starters, you will need an inkjet printer. Any regular inkjet printer that you may have at home will work as long as your printer uses the standard type of ink.
If you don’t have one, we’ll provide a list of the best inkjet printers for use with transfer papers later in the article.
How Do You Use A Regular Printer With Transfer Paper?
Even if you do have a compatible printer, you might still be unsure of how to get the process started. Don’t be concerned! For this procedure, you don’t need to make any changes to your printer’s settings.
7 Easy Steps To Print On Transfer Paper With A Regular Printer
As long as you have an inkjet printer with generic ink, you will be able to print on your transfer paper. To be able to print your designs on transfer papers, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Get Some High-Quality Transfer Paper
Before we begin with the actual printing, you must first ensure that you have high-quality transfer papers. This is essential for achieving the best results. So, go out and get yourself the best printer transfer papers for fabric you can afford because that will be a game changer!
Step 2: Place the Transfer Paper on Printer Tray
You’re able to begin once you’ve obtained some transfer papers. Now, take the papers out of the package. As soon as you’ve taken it out, you will notice that one side is completely empty, and the other side has patterns or writings on it.
Your printed images will appear on the side without the illustrations. Now that you know which side goes where, place your paper on the printer tray accordingly.
Step 3: Turn on Your Printer
First, turn on your printer because you’ll need to link it to a smart device before you can start printing.
Step 4: Turn on Your Computer or Any Compatible Device
Then, switch on your computer, tablet, or whatever other gadget you’ll be using with your printer.
Step 5: Establish a Connection Between the Devices
After both devices are turned on, you must establish a link between them. If you have a conventional printer, all you need is a USB cable to connect them.
However, if you have a wireless inkjet printer, all you have to do is connect them through WiFi.
Step 6: Change Printing Settings to Mirror Image
You’re almost there. Go ahead and change the printing settings on your computer or whatever system you’re using now. You’ll need to switch the printing settings from normal to “mirror image.”
If you skip this step, the illustration will be reversed when ironed on a shirt or other fabric. So, this is the most essential part of printing on transfer papers.
Step 7: Press Print
Once the setting is done, you are ready to press print. If you’re using a computer, use “Control+P” for a Windows PC or “Command+P” for a MacBook or iMac.
And, if you’re using a smartphone or tablet, just press on the print button on your app.
With that, you will notice your image or design will get printed in a few seconds. And now, you are ready to iron press it on a shirt, or any other fabric.
Which Inkjet Printers Are the Best for Transfer Papers?
As promised earlier, we have included this section for those of you who don’t already have an inkjet printer at home.
Here, we’ve put together a list of four of the best choices. These printers are not only excellent at delivering high-quality results at a steady pace, but they are also ideal for printing on transfer paper.
1. Epson WorkForce WF-7710 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer
Currently, Epson offers the highest quality printers on the market. And the Epson WorkForce WF-7710 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer is the best Epson printer available for heat transfer paper.
2. Epson WorkForce WF-7210 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer
This Epson inkjet printer is a strong second at almost half the price of the previous option.
3. Brother HL-L2320D Mono Laser Printer
And, if you’re on a tight budget, this is the wisest option. Don’t be fooled by its low price or system. Even though this is a laser printer, it is the best Brother printer for transfer paper.
4. Canon IP8720 Wireless Printer
This Canon alternative is the way to go if you want top features at a lower price than Epson.
Final Verdict
Now, can you use a regular printer for transfer paper?
From this article, you must have learned that it is possible to print on transfer papers using almost all kinds of printers. And to help you get printing faster, we have also provided a step-by-step guide.
Since majority of the printers on the market are compatible with this specific type of paper, we have included our top choices for printers. Refer to that section of the article if you don’t already have an inkjet printer for heat transfer paper at home.
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