Printing technique in which disperse dyes are first printed on special transfer paper, which is then placed on the fabric and passed through a heat-transfer printing machine at about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature and pressure cause the dye to transfer onto the fabric. This technique produces bright, sharp, fine-line designs but is limited to fabrics with a minimum of 50 percent synthetic fiber.
Keiser, Garner, 2003
Context:
Originally, heat transfer printing was used only on nylon, polyester, and other manmade fabrics, as the dyes used were not suitable for natural fibers. However, improvements now permit the use of any blend of synthetic and natural fiber, such as rayon and cotton.
