T-shirt Transfer Paper Wash Durability

What is the wash durability of T-Shirt Transfer Paper? This is a common question that does not have a clear cut answer. Many manufacturers shy away from publishing data because of outside variables that factor into a decorated garment's overall image durability. However, by following the steps below and watching the video titled "Every Choice Counts", you can learn how to prolong the life of your decorated garment.

General guidelines to follow

Controllable Factors:
- Use a quality transfer paper from an established manufacturer
- Use a color printer with a quality ink/toner formulation
- Apply your transfers with a commercial heat press (no hand iron)
- Use a cotton/polyester blend garment that meets customer approval
- Communicate wash instructions to your customers

Uncontrollable Factors (customer based):
- Water quality in your area
- Detergents or additives (bleach, fabric softener, etc.)
- Drying method

How long will your decorated garments last?

You should always perform your own wash test for any decorated garment. If you use quality equipment and supplies, as well as develop a consistent application process, your transfer decorated garments should last as long as any other established surface decoration process.

At Condé, our benchmark test for transfer paper "wash durability" is printing to a 100% cotton garment and performing 25 "hot wash/hot dry" cycles. We feel this test represents a real-world expectation of printed image durability. While there may be some loss of color or image cracking within fine details of the graphic, it should not break down any faster than traditional screen printing or direct-to-garment (DTG) printing.

For more information about T-Shirt Transfer Paper, visit the Transfer Paper section on Conde.com or call your Conde representative for more information.