Application & FAQ
Thermal Fusion Transfers
Introducing our Thermal Fusion Transfers, proudly made in New Zealand, a great way to add vibrancy to your projects. Our transfers are engineered to adhere effortlessly to multiple surfaces, including textiles, wooden items, metal objects, canvas, card stock and so much more.
These transfers are not your standard iron-on transfers; they are a superior alternative that provides a high-quality finish with a transparent background and no halo..
- Cushion covers
- Table cloths
- Curtains
- Wall hangings
- Table runners
- Bed sheets
- Blankets
- Quilts
- Aprons
- Tea towels
- Towels
- Lampshades
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Jackets
- Baby clothes
- Jeans
- Hats
- Socks
- Tote bags
- Scarves
- Furniture
- Wooden boxes
- Wooden signs
- Coasters
- Serving trays
- Keepsake boxes
- Metal signs
- Metal toolbox
- Metal chair
- Metal trays
- Tea Tins
- Tiles
- Cardstock
- Paper
- Canvas backpack
- Canvas
- Make-up bag
- Picture frames
- Pet accessories and so much more!
When it comes to applying a ransfer on wooden surfaces, preparation is key to achieving a professional and long-lasting finish. One of the most crucial steps in this preparation is sanding the wood. Here's why sanding is an essential process.
Ensuring a Smooth Surface
Wood surfaces are often uneven and may contain small imperfections such as bumps, knots, or grain patterns. Sanding the wood creates a smooth and even surface, which is critical for ensuring that the transfer adheres properly. A smooth surface allows the transfer to lay flat, reducing the risk of air bubbles or wrinkles that can distort the design
Enhancing Adhesion
The success of a transfer largely depends on its ability to adhere to the surface. Sanding the wood helps to open up the wood’s pores, allowing the adhesive from the transfer to penetrate more effectively. This increases the bond between the transfer and the wood, ensuring that the design stays in place over time, even with frequent handling or exposure to different environmental conditions.
Removing Surface Contaminants
Wood surfaces may have contaminants such as dust, dirt, or old finishes that can interfere with the adhesion of a transfer. Sanding the wood removes these contaminants, providing a clean and fresh base for the transfer. This step is especially crucial if the wood has been previously painted or treated, as residual coatings can prevent the transfer from sticking properly.
Sanding Tips
Sand with the Grain: Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches and achieve a smoother surface.
Clean After Sanding: Use a lint-free cloth to remove sanding dust and debris, ensuring the surface is completely clean before applying the transfer.
Best Woods to use.
Smooth, finished woods: Plywood and MDF typically provide an even base for the transfer with minimal preparation. Always give he surface a light sand to enhance adhesion.
Denser hardwoods Hardwoods such as Oak, Maple, Birch and Mahogany offer a smooth, non porous surface that is ideal for transfer adhesion.
Woods to avoid Stay clear from any oily and soft woods.
Thermal Fusion Transfers can be applied to various metal surfaces, offering a durable and vibrant finish. Whether you're customising a metal sign, a or decorative item, thermal fusion transfers offer a straightforward and effective method to achieve professional-quality results.
To achieve a successful and long-lasting transfer on a metal surface, it's essential that the surface is clean and smooth.
Metal surface A clean and smooth piece of metal, such as aluminium, stainless steel or brass.
Clean Put on gloves to avoid transferring any oils from your hands to the metal. Start by washing it with a mild detergent and warm water. Use a soft bristle brush or sponge to scrub any stubborn areas. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely with a lint-free cloth.
Work in a Dust-Free Environment To prevent dust from settling on the metal after cleaning, choose a clean and controlled workspace.
Avoid Touching the Surface Once cleaned, avoid touching the metal surface with bare hands to maintain its cleanliness for the transfer application.
Check for Smoothness Ensure the metal surface is smooth and free of dents or scratches that might affect the transfer’s adhesion or appearance.
By carefully cleaning and preparing the metal surface, you can ensure your transfer adheres properly.
- Before you begin, selecting the right surface for your transfer is important. Avoid materials with a rough texture, as they can adversely affect the quality and longevity of the transfer.
- Avoid oily woods- refer to our best woods to use.
- Use a flat, hard surface for your transfer application; avoid soft surfaces.
- Steam and Water: Always ensure the steam function is off and the iron is empty of water
- Use a press-then-lift technique, applying medium pressure in sections over the transfer. This ensures even heat distribution across the entire design.
- Avoid zippers, pockets, seams, and buttons in the press area
- Ensure the material is smooth, clean, and free from wrinkles, grease and dirt.
- Newly painted surfaces must have had enough time to dry and cure
Metal: 150°C for 10 seconds
Wood: 150°C for 10 seconds
Canvas: 135°C for 8 seconds
Cardstock: 135°C for 6 seconds
Denim: 150°C for 10 seconds
Cotton: 150°C for 10 seconds
50/50 Blend: 150°C for 15 seconds
Tri-Blend: 135°C for 10 seconds
Polyester: 135°C for 8 seconds
Clean Iron: Check that the iron plate is clean and free from debris to prevent any unwanted marks on the transfer.
Adjust Accordingly: Set the iron to the appropriate temperature. Each material has a specific heat requirement to ensure optimal adhesion.
Disable Steam: Turn off the steam function and empty any water from the iron to prevent moisture from interfering with the transfer.
Use a lint roller if needed. Iron over the surface to remove any moisture and creases.
Wood surfaces are often uneven and may contain small imperfections such as bumps, knots, or grain patterns. Sanding the wood creates a smooth and even surface, which is critical for ensuring that the transfer adheres properly.
Use a heat mat or towel on a solid, flat surface like a table or a counter. Avoid using an ironing board, as it may not provide the stability needed.
When applying to large wooden furniture, position it on its back or side so that the surface receiving the transfer is facing upward. This makes the application process much easier, allowing you to use the iron effectively while working from above
For larger transfers, we suggest using heat tape to secure it in position. This can typically be found at most hardware stores.
Avoid zippers, pockets, seams, and buttons in the press area.
Trim the excess film around the printed image.
Carefully remove the white backing paper and place the transfer on the surface. Ensure the image is facing upwards and visible through the film.
Place a sheet of parchment paper over the transfer and surrounding area to safeguard it and the surface from direct heat.
Use a press then lift technique, applying a medium to firm pressure in sections over the transfer image. Ensure even heat distribution across the entire image.
After each press, carefully lift the parchment paper to ensure your iron isn't too hot and that the film remains intact. Keep in mind that some irons may be hotter in the center of the plate.
Do not slide the iron back and forth.
Pay extra attention to the edges of the image to ensure good adhesion.
Cool Completely: Wait until the transfer is no longer warm to the touch (approx 2-3 mins) before attempting to peel it off.
Remove Slowly: Gently peel the film from the image using a side to side downwards rolling motion. If the transfer starts to lift, place the parchment paper back on top, and apply additional heat for 3 sec.
To ensure a more permanent transfer, soften the design, enhance durability, and eliminate any unwanted shine.
Once the film has been removed, cover the area with a clean sheet of parchment paper.
Press each section of the image, using a press and lift technique for 3 sec.
Removing Excess Adhesive
If you encounter excess adhesive around the image after the final press, you can easily remove it with these easy steps:
Cover the Design Place a clean sheet of parchment paper over the image and surrounding area.
Apply Heat Gentle press down on the area that has visible adhesive for 2 secs to warm the area
Peel While Warm Carefully peel off the parchment paper while it is still warm using a side to side downwards rolling motion. This warm peel technique will help effectively remove any leftover adhesive.
Please note this warm peel technique is only for removing any adhesive. The cold peel technique should be used for the initial application.
Washing Instructions: We recommend a delicate cold wash cycle, the item must be washed inside out. Avoid fabric softener.
Can I put my fabric in the dryer? Always air dry ( inside or outside) to preserve the transfer.We do not recommend a dryer.
How long should I wait before washing the fabric? It is advisable to wait at least 24 hours this will allow the ink to properly adhere to the fabric.
- Store your transfers in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Keep them flat and avoid exposure to high humidity.
- Store them in an airtight area to avoid dust accumulation.
- For best results, use within 2 months of purchase to ensure optimal performance.
When you purchase one of our transfers rest assured that our commitment to your satisfaction extends beyond just the product. We understand that questions or concerns can arise, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Our dedicated customer support team is available seven days a week to assist you.
Whether you have questions about the application process, need troubleshooting tips, or seek advice on creative ideas, we're just an email or phone call away. Your satisfaction and crafting success are our top priorities, and we're here to ensure you have all the support you need to create amazing projects with our textile heat transfers.
- Email Support
- Phone +64 022 4656925
