Iron on transfer paper is not a common item that people have lying around their homes. You probably do not even know what it is unless you already personalize clothing, bags or mugs. If you have been working with iron on paper for a while, you know the importance of using high-quality paper.
The best iron on transfer paper will make an enormous difference in your final design.
What is Iron on Transfer Paper?
Iron on transfer paper is often referred to as T-Shirt paper. It is a special paper that has one side treated with a waxy material. This waxy side is used to transfer images onto surfaces such as cloth, wood and ceramics.
A mirror image is printed onto the paper with a printer. Once the image is printed, the image can then be transferred to your chosen surface. Place the paper face down and apply heat, such as an iron or a heat press. After a short period of time, the image will be permanently transferred onto your prepared surface.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Iron on Transfer Paper of 2024
Overall Best Iron on Transfer Paper
The Koala iron on T shirt transfer paper produces a soft design that is stretchable. And it is very affordable.
Premium Choice
With the Jolee’s Boutique Easy Image Transfer pack you get sheets for dark fabrics and light fabrics. And the finished designs on both are vibrant.
Great Value
You cannot beat the price of the Jet-PRO SS Soft Stretch heat transfer paper. With 100 sheets you can let your imagination run wild.
What is Iron on Transfer Paper Used For?
Iron on transfer paper is becoming more popular. It gives home designers and small businesses the ability to create their own t-shirts, mugs, mouse pads and more. Without iron on transfer paper, there is not an easy way to create things at home. And with the popularity of at home heat press machines, the need for the best iron on paper has soared.
Items you can create with iron on transfer paper:
- Clothing
- Pillows
- Mouse pads
- Tote Bags
- Mugs
- Tumblers
- Shoes & Slippers
- Pennants
- Balls
- Towels
- Caps
- Wood Plaques
- Glass
- …and More
How to Choose the Best Iron on Transfer Paper
When you are looking to purchase the best iron on transfer paper, there are a few things that you will want to take into consideration.
- What type of printer will you be using?
Most iron on transfer papers were designed to be used in inkjet printers. However, there is paper available for laser printers.
- What colour surface will you be transferring onto?
The colour of your garment will help to determine what type of paper you will need.
- What type of material are you using?
Iron on transfer paper works best on cotton and cotton-blended fabrics.
- What Type of Artwork
The type of paper you choose will depend on what type of artwork you will be using. Photos will have a lot of detail. Vector images will not be as detailed. The paper you choose will need to be able to produce a clean transfer.
- Sheet Size
Make sure that the sheet size will fit in your printer.
- Number of Sheets
If you are planning on creating a lot of products, make sure that you order enough iron on transfer paper. The quantity in the packages can vary greatly.
Tips for Using Iron on Transfer Paper
- Print the image in mirror mode.
- Do not use steam heat.
- Make sure the fabric is clean and dried with no surface treatments.
- Consider adding a border to your design to make it easier to trim.
- Be patient.
- When using an iron apply a lot of pressure.
- Iron fabric before applying the transfer paper.
- Always follow the directions.
- Transfer images on flat areas that do not have hems or rough surfaces.
- Test the image on regular paper before printing on the heat transfer paper.
- Do not try on garments until they have cooled completely.
- Do not use a padded ironing board.
- Trim off any excess paper before transferring the image. Excess paper can leave an “outlined” look.
- Do not use bleach on transfers.
- Do not touch the transfer until it is completely dry.
- Let the transfer sheet cool slightly before removing it. It will burn you.
Choosing the Best Iron on Transfer Paper
Using the best iron on transfer paper will make a world of difference. Your transfer will look more professional and have more detail. There are a lot of iron on transfer paper to choose from. This can make the decision stressful.
If you are looking to invest in high-quality transfer paper, we want to make your decision as easy as possible. Here is our list of the top 7 best iron on transfer papers.
7 Best Iron on Transfer Paper for 2024
1. Avery Printable Heat Transfer Paper for Light Fabrics
Avery is one of the leaders in the customizable market. They produce everything from labels, binders to iron on transfer paper. They are where they are at because they produce first-rate products.
Why We Like the Avery Printable Heat Transfer Paper:
Avery always makes everything easy. If you are looking for a craft you can do with your kids, these iron on transfer papers are a great choice. Your children will love their personalized projects.
- Can be Used on White and Light-Coloured Fabric
This paper allows you to use it on white and light-coloured fabrics. Most paper can only be used on white or dark.
- Fade-Resistant
These heat transfer papers are advertised as fade-resistant. All transfers will fade over time. However, these transfers do last for quite a while.
- Easy to Use
These iron on transfer papers were designed with beginners in mind.
Pros and Cons of the Avery Printable Heat Transfer Paper:
Pros:
- Stretchable design
- Targeted toward children
- Great for beginners
- Affordable
- Transfer does not fade as fast as other brands
- Designs available on Avery website
Cons:
- Not dual temperature
- Not designed for dark fabric
- Are not good for high-quality photos
2. PPD Inkjet Premium Iron-On Dark T Shirt Transfer Paper
PPD is not as well-known as HP and Epson, but they have amazing products.
Why We Like the PPD Inkjet Premium Iron-On Transfer Paper:
The PPD brand of transfer papers produces superior results. The results are always commercial quality.
- Matte Finish
A shiny transfer can look unnatural. The matte finish produced by the PPD Inkjet Premium Iron on transfers looks professional.
- Soft
The PPD transfer is soft. It does not leave the plastic feel that many other transfers produce.
- Fabric Choices
When you use these iron on T shirt transfer papers, you know you will get great results no matter what type of cloth you use.
Pros and Cons of the PPD Inkjet Premium Iron On Transfer Paper:
Pros:
- Matte finish
- Professional quality
- Stretchable design
- Vibrant colours
- Soft to the touch
- Can be used with many types of fabrics
Cons:
- 8.5” x 11”
- Not for light-coloured fabric
3. Jet-PRO SS JETPRO SOFSTRETCH Heat Transfer Paper
The Jet-Pro SS Soft Stretch heat transfer paper works well with both photo and vector images.
Why We Like the Jet-PRO Heat Transfer Paper:
If you have a large job, you cannot go wrong purchasing the Jet-Pro SS iron-on transfer paper. There are 100 sheets included and it is easy to use.
- Works with Cottons and Synthetics
This iron-on transfer paper produces great results on cottons and synthetics.
- Stretchable Design
The Jet-Pro SS Soft Stretch transfer has a lot of stretch.
- 100 Sheets
Having 100 sheets gives you the ability to play around with your design without running out of paper.
Pros and Cons of the Jet-PRO Heat Transfer Paper:
Pros:
- Stretchable design
- 100 sheets
- Works with cottons and synthetics
- Good for photo and vector images
Cons:
- Not recommended for dark fabrics
- Can leave a yellow tint on non-printed areas
4. Epson Cool Peel Iron on Transfer Paper
Epson products are often comparable to HP. These Epson iron-on transfers are just as easy to use. However, they do not have the photo quality that the HP papers have.
Why We Like the Epson Cool Peel Iron on Transfer Paper:
If you are new to iron-on transfers, the Epson Iron-on Cool Peel Transfer paper is one of the easiest to use.
- Premium Paper
The thick paper makes this iron-on paper easy to use.
- Backing is Easy to Remove
The backing comes off very easily.
- Does Not Leave a Visible Edge
This paper is for white fabric only. When you use it on white, it doesn’t leave a visible “halo” edge as other transfer papers do.
Pros and Cons of the Epson Cool Peel Iron on Transfer Paper:
Pros:
- Thick paper
- Easy to use
- Directions are easy to understand
- Backing removes easily
- Can be used on all types of fabric
Cons:
- Expensive
- Are not photo quality
- Only 10 sheets
- Images fade quicker than other brands
5. Koala Paper Light Fabric Iron-on T shirt Transfer Paper
Source: Amazon
Koala iron-on transfer paper is some of the best on the market.
Why We Like the Koala Paper T shirt Transfer Paper:
The transfers created with the Koala iron-on transfer paper produced vivid images.
- Vivid Colours
This paper is great for vector images. The colours were very vibrant.
- Stretchable Design
Many iron-on transfer papers produce a design that doesn’t have much stretch. This paper was designed to leave a transfer that can stretch.
- Grime Free Printing
This paper does not leave a residue behind as long as you follow the directions.
Pros and Cons of the Koala Paper T shirt Transfer Paper:
Pros:
- Stretchable design
- 28 sheets
- Affordable
- Grime free printing
- Premium paper
- Soft
Cons:
- Not made for dark clothing
- Backing paper can be hard to remove
6. Jolee’s Boutique Easy Image Transfer Sheets for Inkjet Printers
Jolee’s Boutique is a familiar name in the crafting industry. Their products always make crafting easy and fun.
Why We Like the Jolee’s Boutique Easy Image T shirt Transfer Paper:
You do not have to buy two different types of transfer papers. This pack will let you create transfers on white fabrics as well as dark fabrics. And they will even work on synthetics.
- Light and Dark Fabrics
This set comes with iron-on transfer paper for light and dark fabrics. You do not have to purchase 2 different packs.
- Vibrant Images
Images are vibrant on both white and dark fabric.
- All types of Materials
Most iron-on paper is made for cotton fabrics. Jolee’s Boutique Easy Image Transfer sheets work with all types of fabrics.
Pros and Cons of the Jolee’s Boutique Easy Image T shirt Transfer Paper:
Pros:
- Images are vibrant
- Work on cotton and 100% synthetic materials
- No residue left behind
- Paper peels off smoothly
Cons:
- Images are not as crisp on dark fabrics
- Only 10 sheets
7. HP C6049A Iron On Transfer Paper
HP Paper is known for its quality. The iron-on paper is no different. If you are looking for a t shirt transfer paper that produces quality photo transfers, this could be what you are looking for.
Why We Like the HP C6049A Iron On Transfer Paper:
It is hard to go wrong with HP products. When you combine the HP iron-on transfer paper with an HP printer, the results are phenomenal.
- Photo Quality
The HP C60494A Iron-on transfer paper produces a high-quality photo transfer.
- Ease of Use
The paper peels off smoothly.
- Can be Used on Light and Dark Fabric.
You will not have to buy two different types of paper for different projects.
Pros and Cons of the HP C6049A Iron On Transfer Paper:
Pros:
- Durable
- Provides a photo quality transfer
- Peels smoothly
- Can be used on light and dark fabric
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only has 12 sheets
- Can look unnatural
- Shiny
Join in on the heat transfer craze with the best iron on transfer paper. Personalize everything from your t-shirt to your tumbler.
When you purchase your heat transfer paper, do not purchase the cheapest thing you see. It does not matter if you are creating something for yourself or making a gift for a friend. You want the finished results to look professional. Don’t forget to share your works on our Facebook Page.
Heat transfer papers are not created equal. Instead, make sure that the product you are buying covers all your specific needs. When you are new to the craft, a heat press machine can make the job quick and easy. Also, don’t miss out our review on Best Mini Iron for Crafting, Best Sticker Makers and Best Soldering Iron for your next project.
As with any crafting material, having the right product will make things easier. It will also provide more professional results. Using the best iron on transfer paper will make an incredible difference in your finished design.
