Heat Transfer Paper Vs. Heat Transfer Vinyl | Cost, Durability & More | Apparel Academy (Ep 64)

In this week’s episode of Apparel Academy, Henry goes over the pros and cons of heat transfer paper and heat transfer vinyl. Each of these custom heat transfer design methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s up to you to decide which one is best for your business.
***PLEASE NOTE: The Ricoma R550 White Toner Transfer Printer is no longer available. We have replaced it with our BRAND NEW Luminaris 200 White Toner Transfer Printer.
Check out our Luminaris 200 White Toner Transfer Printer here: hubs.ly/H0P2FlT0
Start creating HTV designs with a Ricoma vinyl cutter!: ricoma.com/US/product-categor...
Check out this video to see the differences between sublimation and two-step heat transfer: • HEAT TRANSFER Vs. SUBL...
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The two-step heat transfer method first involves printing a design onto a transparent sheet of heat transfer paper with our Luminaris 200 White Toner Transfer Printer. After printing the design, you transfer it onto an adhesive sheet using a heat press. Then, peel away the adhesive sheet from the transfer sheet and press the design onto a garment. The last step is to peel away the transfer sheet to reveal your heat transfer design on your garment.
To use printable heat transfer vinyl, you must first prepare your design to be cut by using a vinyl cutter. After that, you measure the surface area that you’re printing on so you can scale the custom heat transfer design to the correct size. You then want to mirror the image in the software because heat transfer vinyl has a clear plastic carrier sheet that covers the top of it; the other side has heat-sensitive adhesive. So, you must cut your design on the adhesive side. Then, the clear plastic sheet on the other side holds your design in place until it’s applied to your substrate. Next, cut the vinyl with a cutting machine and pick out the excess vinyl from around your design using a weeding hook or tweezers. After that, you activate the sticky vinyl by applying heat and pressure with a heat press. Once done, peel back the carrier sheet and wait about 24 hours for the vinyl to cure onto the garment.
Investment costs
When comparing the investment costs of heat transfer paper and heat transfer vinyl, vinyl is slightly better. This is because a vinyl cutter is cheaper than a white toner transfer printer. A cutter can be as low as a few hundred dollars to as high as a few thousand dollars, whereas a white toner transfer printer for heat transfer printing is at least a few thousand dollars. When looking at the cost of supplies for each method, they both are relatively inexpensive.
Complexity
The heat transfer vinyl method is more complex than heat transfer paper because you must cut and weed the vinyl. Also, the more complex the design is, the more challenging and time-consuming it is to weed the vinyl. In fact, it’s sometimes it’s hard to see where the cut lines are. So, heat transfer paper is better in terms of complexity because don’t have to do weeding, which saves you time.
Design Variety
With heat transfer paper, there is no limit to the type of heat transfer design or the number of colors you want to do. With heat transfer vinyl, however, you are limited to one color per design layer. To get a multi-colored design, you have to layer vinyl pieces on top of each other to create the main design. Because vinyl is limited to one color and design per layer, heat transfer paper is better for design variety.
Durability & Feel
Heat transfer paper and vinyl will both add a layer onto your fabric, but with vinyl, you can feel the plastic. Also, heat transfer vinyl for shirts needs to cure on the garment for about 24 hours after pressing it, which is a step that doesn't happen with heat transfer paper. And while both methods last about 30-40 washes, vinyl garments have to be washed inside-out to prevent cracking. So, heat transfer paper wins this category due to its lower maintenance and better feel.
Heat transfer paper and heat transfer vinyl both have their strengths and weaknesses. If you want a fast method with more heat transfer design variety, then go with heat transfer paper. But if you have simple designs and are getting small orders, then heat transfer vinyl is your best bet.

[@adam-7147]

I just wanted to say that I really appreciated this thorough breakdown. Extremely helpful for me. Thanks a lot!!

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful! Make sure to subscribe to our channel for more helpful videos like this one!

[@stockpicksbytim1228]

Extremely valuable info plus laid out so that someone new like me can understand it, this is great!

[@ricomatv]

So happy to hear that! If you enjoyed this, please feel free to join our Facebook support group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery here: facebook.com/groups/embroiderymastery

[@sandracc3741]

Thank you so much I been looking for this kinda video to understand the difference and what machines thank you 🙏🏽

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@santiagoacosta2363]

wow 40k subs already! congrats Ricoma

[@ricomatv]

Thanks!

[@carolinavargas3207]

I love Apparel Academy Episodes! Always have such great insights and ideas.

[@ricomatv]

Thanks for watching

[@tonycordovatc]

I paused mid video to write this comment. This is a GREAT video. I just recently bought a heat press and had no clue on what to use to make my design. Wasn't sure what to buy next! This has been very helpful thank you man! God bless 🙌

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching (:

[@Joshua-rb7os]

This video was really helpful, Thank you so much!

[@ricomatv]

Thank you for watching!

[@bogdan-vladjurca3003]

Very nice and useful presentation. Thanks a lot :)

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful! Make sure to subscribe to our channel or more videos like this one!

[@larryeber]

Really good review of both methods!

[@ricomatv]

Thanks for watching!

[@imanemourtadi4129]

Thank you that was very clear explanation and very helpful🙂

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gokufujison]

your series helped really helped to get a good overview

[@ricomatv]

We are so glad our videos that helped!

[@MikeMike-fu1hi]

Thank you so much, that's a very good review.

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@watsonnavarro3116]

Thank you! Great video lots of information.

[@ricomatv]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@0414vivian]

Thank you for this helpful video! Thanks a lot!

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MsCandy718]

EXCELLENT VIDEO. WELL MADE AND THOROUGH

[@ricomatv]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@boxoffisa]

This guy is a good salesman. I like him already.

[@ricomatv]

Thank you! Make sure to subscribe to our channel for more content from him and our team!

[@someonesometimes1]

Thank you for this very helpful video! Learned a lot! Do the substrates for the printer have to be sublimation substrates or any kind of materials and objects?

[@ricomatv]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@someonesometimes1]

So the substrates for this paper should they be sublimation blanks?

[@filipfilipchuk]

Very informative! Thank you very much :)

[@ricomatv]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@dhorieagrimano9270]

very clear explanation thanks a lot

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kieranrobin8171]

Really good video. Thank you!

[@ricomatv]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yvngschopenhauer]

Amazing video, thank you

[@ricomatv]

Glad you liked it!

[@louiepalomares9263]

Very knowledgeable guy and helpful

[@ricomatv]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching

[@oluwaseunaddy940]

Hi, great video. Can an Epson ET15000 work for the heat transfer paper method? I know the Epson can be used for sublimation once you use sublimation ink.

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, thanks so much for watching. Unfortunately, we are not familiar with Epson printers. We recommend reaching out to the manufacturer. Sorry we couldn't be more help!

[@subhashnagaraj6272]

Hi loved your video, one small doubt Which is better 2-Step Heat Transfer or DTG in terms of durability(number of washes it withstands)?

[@ricomatv]

DTG is better

[@AprilJayne]

Great breakdown

[@ricomatv]

thanks for watching

[@vagenuttryckeri6886]

Extremely helpful!

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@specta4154]

this is good , basically once you can expand on your business and be able to do both methods , you can use both to yield even better results and even better designs and even better pricing , for me i chose to start with transfer paper , for the moment i invested in a sublimation printer and a heat press , i wish i had enough money to buy a vinyl cutter or plotter cause it can be used with transfer paper , giving even better edges and a better finishes rather than just a square or a rectangular image to be transferred , i am personally having fun with it , doing shirts and hoodies , but i hope to expand on it and even learn to do screening to cut the prices even further , this is a very nice and very fun business plan if someone is willing to to take the risks , which are not really that big , even though i spent a lot of money , if i put it in dollars people might think it isn't even believable , but to me it is quite a lot since i live in a third world country with monthly salaries of $200 and 300 , i had to work for a whole year to gather this amount of money , and tbh i don't care if the business fails , i rather start as my own boss and fail and not let the chance slip without trying, all i have to do now is take an order,make the design , print it , cut it out , transfer it on the shirt , deliver it, and get paid , that is it

[@marylynch8196]

What size transfer paper do you use for your hoodies because I am trying to start my own clothing line and I have the 8x11 transfer paper but it doesn't seem as if it will be big enough for the hoodies but I could be wrong. Any advice will be helpful and I totally agree that I don't want to use the basic square and rectangle shapes.

[@ricomatv]

Thanks so much for watching and for your feedback.

[@ricomatv]

Hi there Serenity, what you should do is split your design across two sheets of the 8x11 and then line them up during the transfer. here's a video where we show you how to do that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooKoY3hpi7OFi80&t

[@sherrybradshaw5099]

Excellent! Thank you

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leonardchoice1]

Well done!

[@ricomatv]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@rhorlandas]

very informative thank you for sharing! 👍🏼

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kalvinabro7130]

Love 👀 his tutorials

[@ricomatv]

Thanks so much for watching! We love creating new tutorials!

[@MrCrazydogy]

I'm sorry if it's a dumb question but couldn't one use a regular printer to print their design onto a transparent sheet? Or do I have to get one of these expensive printers for this job?

[@ricomatv]

Regular printers can’t print white, that’s the major difference

[@teahsboutique2082]

Can you recommend what type of Adhesive paper?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there you can purchase our adhesive paper here: shop.ricoma.com/collections/white-toner-transfer-printer-supplies/products/r550-simply-peel-media-step-a-b-100-pack

[@sayasane78]

What's the max size image that white toner printer can print out? Ex what if I need an image bigger than standard copy paper?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there our service team can help you with this: ricoma.com/us/tech-suppport

[@nupurpatel8704]

Thanks a lot!

[@ricomatv]

You're welcome!

[@jonbrown6389]

Where do I order the adhesive paper for the 2 step method ?? What is the exact name name of the adhesive paper???

[@ricomatv]

you can find it as the 2 step transfer adhesive and media kit.

[@felix.oliver]

can you use any printer for printing a design on a transparent sheet of transfer paper?

[@ricomatv]

Yes, but the print quality will vary. For the highest-quality results we recommend using our Luminaris 200 White Toner Transfer. For more information about this printer, click here: ricoma.com/US/machine/luminaris-200

[@negusrussell9026]

Can sublimation ink be used to do 2 step heat transfer?

[@ricomatv]

No, you'll have to use the original toner that comes with the printer. Thanks for watching!

[@Ex3Network]

where are you guys finding the 2 step paper at cause this is the most hardest paper to find i see all these videos and want to use the same paper yall use can you please list it cause thats what i want to know so i can buy

[@ricomatv]

Hi there! We have added a direct link below to our official website, so you can check out some items. shop.ricoma.com/collections/white-toner-transfer-printer-supplies

[@sunglassholic9904]

I bought forever transparent heat transfer paper but it's so complicated to use. Do you have any advise? Thank you !

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, thanks so much for watching. This is a great question to ask in our Facebook support group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery. This group is meant for all lovers of embroidery with lots of resources and more members discussing topics and helping each other out and learning about Ricoma machines and other brands! We recommend you join this group as we'd love to have you! facebook.com/groups/embroiderymastery

[@LouizAntonio]

@@ricomatv bruh

[@conniemann4944]

I know this video is a few years old but just found it. Was wondering if I can use a an HP Envy Photo printer to print on vinyl or does it need to be a special printer. Thanks

[@ricomatv]

Hi Connie. We would recommend checking in with HP so they can look into this for you.

[@conniemann4944]

Hi could you also tell me if there are any brands of 8.5x11 HTV that are better than others? Or do you have a video of the most popular brands that I missed? I am new here. Thanks!

[@abstractvisuals4781]

What is the best Durable heat transfer paper?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, we recommend our 2-step heat transfer paper. Available here: shop.ricoma.com/products/2-step-transfer-adhesive-media-kit-for-light-dark-textiles?_pos=1&_sid=9352bbd07&_ss=r

[@Dezthemonn]

Can you do a video on printable vinyl please ??

[@ricomatv]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@iheworld134]

Vynil tbh need more works but its worth every penny bcoz if u do it right , the design r much better n give a 3d looks than the 1 who only used transfer paper, especially if u using puff htv

[@ricomatv]

Thanks so much for watching and for your comment!

[@nicolaibunsoon1609]

top notch video! I am going to put logos on leggings with spandex, does normal vinyl work? It needs to be able to stretch. PLEASE HELP!

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, thanks so much for watching. This is a great question to ask in our Facebook support group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery. This group is meant for all lovers of embroidery with lots of resources and more members discussing topics and helping each other out and learning about Ricoma machines and other brands! We recommend you join this group as we'd love to have you! facebook.com/groups/embroiderymastery

[@nathanielc.bustillo6647]

Hello! Can we use inkjet printer in printing for Heat Transfer Paper? Thank you!

[@ricomatv]

Hi Nathaniel! We don't see why you shouldn't be able to. However, we recommend reaching out to Inkjet so they can confirm.

[@JOKERFACE3160]

And all the items i need for the 2 step

[@ricomatv]

We're so glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@Doit4theLord1]

How much does it cost to replace the ink in the heat transfer toner ?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there! All of the supplies needed for the White toner printer are available on our shop --->shop.ricoma.com/collections/white-toner-transfer-printer-supplies

[@derekn9692]

Can you use a inkjet printer for the heat transfer paper

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, I'd recommend reaching out to our tech department for this question: ricoma.com/us/tech-support

[@PullUpQuick]

Name of Heat Press being used?

[@ricomatv]

It’s our own heat press! Ricoma HP-1620F-T shop.ricoma.com/collections/heat-presses/products/hp-1620f-t

[@sugardarling9946]

how much is the toner? How big are the cartridges or pouches that fill the cartridges?

[@ricomatv]

Hi! You can find the Luminaris 200 printer toner cartridge in our Ricoma shop! ---> shop.ricoma.com/collections/white-toner-transfer-printer-supplies/products/luminaris-200-printer-cmykw-toner-cartridge-extended-yield-7-000-pages

[@lesliegosey70]

Where do you get that kinda 2 step paper

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, our printer comes with the 2 step transfer you're looking for you can view it right here: ricoma.com/US/machine/luminaris-200

[@edselmartinez8879]

What’s the best heat transfer paper I bought ppd and it didn’t stand up to the washing machine.

[@ricomatv]

Our techs can help you with that right here: ricoma.com/us/tech-support

[@melissarohan8322]

@@ricomatv or u could just give an example....

[@mikeverything4098]

What type of adhesive sheet is this?

[@ricomatv]

It comes with the paper package. You get the clear sheets and the adhesive sheets. They work hand in hand.

[@JOKERFACE3160]

Do u have a link for the 2 step transfer paper

[@ricomatv]

You can purchase the 2-step heat transfer paper here > shop.ricoma.com/collections/white-toner-transfer-printer-supplies/products/luminaris-200-simply-peel-media-step-a-b-transfer-paper-100-sheets-of-each-step-a-b

[@zekedixon1552]

Bro where can I purchase the transparency paper at? I’m having no luck. I need size 11x17

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, if we do not offer the size you need, I suggest trying a craft supply store. shop.ricoma.com/collections/white-toner-transfer-printer-supplies

[@zekedixon1552]

Y’all taxin like a mf nah I’m good

[@shardeesmith5675]

With the 2 step am I able to print on a epson printer

[@ricomatv]

Yes, you can!

[@leviteapparel]

SUP MAN!!!

[@ricomatv]

Thanks for watching!

[@Josh-vp2iz]

Hey, Can the heat transfer paper go on leather? For example bags or shoes?

[@ricomatv]

Great question! We can do a video about this an try it out on camera!

[@briizcustoms9543]

@@ricomatv Ever did it?

[@JOKERFACE3160]

Transparent heat transfer paper and adhesive sheet links also

[@ricomatv]

Hello! Let us know if you need further help.

[@fbcchristian6882]

Hi guys ! Please, how can I get these equipments ?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, thanks so much for watching. Please fill out our contact us form on our website www.ricoma.com and one of our product specialists will be happy to reach out to you.

[@YungCones]

what about inkjet heat transfer?? Trying to learn as much as possible so i know what to do regarding my investments.

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, thanks so much for watching. This is a great question to ask in our Facebook support group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery. This group is meant for all lovers of embroidery with lots of resources and more members discussing topics and helping each other out and learning about Ricoma machines and other brands! We recommend you join this group as we'd love to have you! facebook.com/groups/embroiderymastery

[@perrymiguel7515]

I live in Nigeria abd need the printer for staters. How much for it without the monthly payments? Can it be shipped to Nigeria?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, please submit a request with the team and select Nigeria, so the team can reach out! ricoma.com/US/contact-us

[@lordkago]

Do you supply here at india? Your 2 step machine

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, please submit a request and click on your country so the proper team can help you! ----> ricoma.com/US/contact-us

[@dingdingd1ng]

7:56 name of the software/application pleaser

[@ricomatv]

HI there, thanks so much for watching. It's SignMaster Craft software, which comes with our all-inclusive vinyl cutter packages. You can check them out at shop.ricoma.com.

[@ale347baker]

So for durability, who wins for more washes?

[@ricomatv]

2 step Heat transfer probably edges out on durability

[@destinyrodrigues2984]

can i use an inkjet printer for this

[@ricomatv]

Hi Destiny! We recommend checking in with Inkjet to be sure this can be accomplished.

[@DOMINICAKWASIANTI]

thanks snr for teaching all the details i need to no about this business

[@ricomatv]

Happy to help!

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

You left out a very strong contender and that is classic water-based screen printing. Which fills in the gap that vinyl cannot do but is far cheaper than DTG and allows you to do much larger orders and quantities. In the end screen printing will always get the edge on any other print method whether it’s plastisol or water-based on large quantities which is where the real money is. Not to mention you can do layered wet on wet CMYK water based inks like Willflex with half tones and get almost the exact same quality that you can from a DTG printer. And if you really need absolute pixel detail on a shirt I wouldn’t even choose DTG I would go with DTF with two step transfers. The DTG market I don’t think it’s going to last very long as it is already starting to dwindle. Folks are shedding DTG machines left and right and they are for sale everywhere now.

[@ricomatv]

HI Tom, thanks so much for watching and for your insight. This episode was just a comparison of heat transfer paper vs. heat transfer vinyl.

[@dc37009]

Sounds like you know the Indy well enough to see where it's heading ! Do you know any process that would allow me to apply this tech to a physical 3d model ? If you can, a process search term... I'm looking for something printable (as opposed to multi-step screen printing) flexible, maybe heat transfer of some kind ~Thanks

[@mufasagoesviraltv5266]

can i print regular ink on this transfer paper? (laserjet pro m254dw) please reply i've been waiting for answers and no one replies :(

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, you can contact our service team for more information on our transfer paper> ricoma.com/us/tech-support

[@Country_Girl_NC]

You have to use a Ricoma product to get a straight answer

[@Kdjoao]

You can that what im using

[@Country_Girl_NC]

@@Kdjoao you have been using an inkjet? What the OP listed was a laser jet. I think they’re confused. I have an inkjet which is an Epson wf 7840 which I was wondering if this xfer paper could be used with it

[@Kdjoao]

@@Country_Girl_NC he got it mixed up. Laserjet use toner not ink and they work on these transfer paper. I hqve to get 2 printers, one for ink and one for laser

[@danielletabone7731]

OMG, where is the price of your equipment?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, our websites the state the monthly payments if you qualify for 0$ financing. To apply and find out what you're eligible for and to learn all our pricing on our different models click here -> ricoma.com/us/contact-us

[@xayalquliyev3685]

Why ricohma printers expensive than epson printers. Do you know whats difference between Ricohma and Epson printers?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, thanks so much for watching! For additional information about our products, please visit our website > ricoma.com/US or you can contact us here > ricoma.com/US/contact-us

[@shaamamer2711]

HI Do you sell your printers in Oman?

[@ricomatv]

Hi! We have distributors that can help! Submit a request with the team so they can help ----> ricoma.com/US/contact-us

[@zekedixon1552]

So you can’t use an inkjet with transparency paper?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, for more information and any questions on our printers, make sure to speak with our product specialists- ricoma.com/us/contact-us

[@zekedixon1552]

@@ricomatv nevermind

[@Soyhunndo]

@@zekedixon1552 so u cant?

[@superwarbuckz9618]

Yes you can

[@JGallis]

Htv what happens when it sits for 24 hrs and be cured ?

[@ricomatv]

You can pretreat clothes ahead of time. It is advisable to pretreat shirts three weeks in advance and can expect a good outcome.

[@bridgetteleineweber]

Isn’t there a printable HTV product?

[@ricomatv]

Yes, there is!

[@spicynegra94k]

We can't use a regular printer?

[@ricomatv]

You can use a regular printer, but for the best quality print we recommend using the CMYK cartridges and the Luminaris 200 White Toner Transfer printer. For more information about this printer, click here > shop.ricoma.com/collections/printer-bundles

[@spicynegra94k]

@@ricomatv a lot of us can not afford that. That's why I asked. Thanks tho hun

[@briizcustoms9543]

For which method? If you want to use sheets that you print and press get an inkjet printer. If you’re wanting to use vinyl just get a cutter no printer needed

[@RAZASHARP]

I LOVE VYNAL! IT FEELS BETTER! ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A BRAND!

[@ricomatv]

We love it too!

[@JOKERFACE3160]

So i can start my clothing brand

[@ricomatv]

So excited for you!

[@rfcopp]

Htv is farrrrrrrrr more durable than toner transfers.

[@ricomatv]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@xinji4219]

i will resign from my work tomorrow and i will start a print on demmand business but my money is 200 dollars only

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, thanks so much for watching. For additional information about our products, please visit our website > ricoma.com/US or you can contact us here > ricoma.com/US/contact-us

[@ventvibeandridepodcast8072]

You can do it I started w my cricket cutting machine, earned enough money for my printer 🖨 through making custom viynal decals, shadow boxes… so much stuff u can truly do!!!! And after I made enough I got a press I used a regular iron until I had enough for a press sometimes it’s better for smaller projects anyway! Just NO STEAM! Use between cotton and wool setting!

[@phamcongngon3303]

talk..too much

[@ricomatv]

Hi! Since this is an educational video, there has to be more than usual talking to make sure everything is clear.