Plastisol Transfer
Definition
What is plastisol transfer?
A heat-applied transfer made by screen-printing plastisol ink onto release paper, then heat-pressing the cured ink onto a garment. Plastisol transfers predate DTF and offer thicker hand-feel and bright opaque colors, but require separate screens for each color and have higher minimum order quantities. DTF has largely replaced plastisol transfers for short runs and full-color designs.
Where plastisol transfer shows up on DTF Database
Guides and comparisons on this site that cover plastisol transfer in practice.
Compare the best screen print transfer companies producing ready-to-press plastisol transfers. Learn what to evaluate, how screen printed transfers compare to DTF, and ordering tips.
Read the articleWhen screen print transfers beat DTF for high-volume orders. Wholesale pricing structure, plastisol vs water-based ink, full-color simulated process screen prints, bulk minimum quantities, and how to combine screen prints with a heat press for production speed.
Read the articleScreen print transfers run $0.30-$0.75/piece at volume but $30+ for one. DTF stays $2-$4 at any quantity with unlimited colors. Compares cost and durability.
Read the articlePuff print is a raised 3D ink effect that expands under heat. How puff printing works, puff DTF vs puff plastisol vs puff HTV, and how screen print transfers compare.
Read the articleScreen print transfers vs DTF: when each press-on transfer wins by quantity, art, hand feel, durability, and cost. Honest decorator buyer guide.
Read the articleA heat press temperature guide covering DTF, HTV settings, sublimation, plastisol, and polyester. Learn typical temps, dwell times, and brand spec sheets.
Read the articleRelated terms
A traditional printing method that pushes ink through a mesh screen onto fabric.
DTF (Direct to Film) printing is a digital heat transfer method where full-color designs are printed onto PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film using CMYK and white pigment inks, coated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) adhesive powder, cured, and then heat-pressed onto fabric at 300–325°F for 10–15 seconds.
A machine that applies heat and even pressure to transfer DTF prints from film onto garments.