With heat transfer printing Blue Dog Graphics can print images with many colors on shirts. Images are printed on commercial heat transfer paper. Although this paper is similar to iron-on paper that you can get at a retail store, it is NOT. The commercial grade paper has more durability. With heat transfer, each image is hand cut.

A small border is commonly left around the image to aid in durability. Although on most cotton shirts, this border is not visible, the image below shows (in grey) how a small halo can sometimes be seen. The image is positioned on the product and then it goes to the heat press. The commercial paper melts into the fibers of the clothing, making it a part of the item without disturbing the image.

Using the heat transfer method enables us to print in as many colors as needed on any color fabric. The colors come out bright and bold. This process takes longer if significant hand cutting is required. Therefore, we may limit or suggest changes to the logo design before final printing.

The best look for heat transfer is on white or light colored shirts. However, new advances in heat transfer technology has allowed us to offer printing on darker colored shirts. A white or colored halo should be factored into the design as small type edges and detail are too difficult to cut - in some cases, we suggest a circle or background shape to contain the logo for maximum effect.

We do a great deal of work for athletic groups which require the transfer on performance material that stretches and behaves differently than standard t-shirts. For maximum success, we recommend that the image - even on light color materials - follows the quidelines for dark colors - with consideration given to a white or colored halo, or a circle or background shape to contain the logo for maximum effect.