What Is An Iron-On Transfer?

Last Updated: Tuesday 8th September 2026 By Ben Gellbert

*This article is for historical and informational purposes only. We no longer offer paper transfers. They can be found in stores like Office Works, Spotlight and other craft stores.

An Iron-On transfer is generally referred to as a paper-based product that is printed using a home inkjet printer or laser printer. This is a hobby/craft product designed to be put on white or light coloured t shirts with an everyday domestic home iron. The printed design is transferred from the paper onto the t shirt with heat.

Some places like Officeworks, hobby shops, craft stores and the internet sell this type of paper for domestic use. There are even some papers that will transfer onto dark shirts. It is these products that have given the name t shirt transfers a bad reputation.

This method is a craft or hobby method of transfer overlay and is not very durable or wash-resistant.

Commercial quality heat transfer materials used in an industrial heat press will give you much better results in terms of durability than paper-based transfers that are applied with a home iron.

Why Use Commercial Digital Transfers On T-shirts?

Commercial digital transfers have a major advantage when compared to screen printing as they are relatively cheap and easy to create one-off, full colour designs.

Digital transfers can be applied to just about any material and are perfect for custom tees. T-shirt Printing Australia uses only the best materials to produce quality transfers. Whether you're looking to print a few T-Shirt or to buy in bulk, our team has the perfect printing solution for you!

• Need vinyl numbers and names for a sports team?
• Need a small order on a dark polyester t-shirt?
• Looking for a full colour design of a training shirt?
• Want to sports numbers for your local sports team?
• Do you have different text or images for each shirt?

New Commercial Quality DIY Transfers

[New] Although all our transfers are best applied using a commercial heat press, we do have some flock transfers that can be applied successfully using a home-iron. But you really need to follow the application instructions very carefully.

If you know what you require or have a specific product in mind, we will be glad to give you a custom quote, designed exactly to your needs.

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