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Tips & tricks for working with transfer paper

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Tips & tricks are always needed. Especially when they can help to the best possible endresult.

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Formats

When using TheMagicTouch transferpapers, it is especially important to make sure the papers are fed through the printer or copier in the correct direction. On some transfer papers this is specifically important. If you feed it in the wrong correction, there is an increased risk of jamming, and this is easy to prevent. On the transferpapers where this makes a difference, the feeding direction is indicated with arrows on the backside print of the transfer paper.

The reason this is so important has to do with the grain direction of the paper. With an A4 format printer, the paper can only be fed short edge first (SEF). With an A3 format printer it is recommended to feed A4 paper long edge first (LEF). Below is indicated which paper size you should choose for an A4 and what paper size for an A3 printer.

  • If you use an A4 printer you order A4-R (the R stands for rotate)
  • If you use an A3 printer and you want to use A4, you order A4.

Frequently Asked Question: Any idea what the abbreviations SEF and LEF stands for? 

Universal tray or Multi-Purpose Tray

TheMagicTouch transfer paper consists of two layers (or more) of varied materials. Due to the ‘layered’ composition, TheMagicTouch transfer paper tends to curl during printing. It is therefore important that the paper path through the printer or copier is as simple and straight as possible. The delicate surface of the transfer layer is also sensitive to mechanical tension especially after fusing. The OKI printers take this into account like no other and offer the possibility to feed the paper straight in and straight out. Therefore, always use the Muti-Purpose tray for TheMagicTouch transfer paper (OKI calls this the ‘Universal Tray’). Place TheMagicTouch transfer paper with the back print side down, i.e. with the side to be printed on facing upwards. Do not forget to open the back exit of the printer so that it does not have to make a turn there either. This method feeds TheMagicTouch transfer paper as straight as possible through the printer, from beginning to end.

Circumstances

Due to its special composition, TheMagicTouch transfer paper is more influenced by external factors than normal paper. Environmental conditions like temperature and humidity, but also static charge can be of influence. Therefore, make sure that TheMagicTouch transfer paper is always stored in the box and that you only remove the shrink wrap from a box of transfer paper when you are going to use it. There are protective bags available if needed. It is also important to ensure that the temperature of the room where you store the transfer paper does not cool down or warm up too much. Make sure that the humidity in the workspace remains between 30 and 50% relative humidity and the temperature between 18 and 25°C

Compatibility

TheMagicTouch transfer paper is made for color laser and color LED printers/copiers. Today there are many varied brands and models of color laser, LED printers and copiers. Many of them are suitable, some are not. This may be due to the paper feed or the properties of the toner, for example. The most optimally suitable printers are the laser and LED printers you find on our website. Do you already have a color printer or copier, and do you want to know to what extent it is suitable? Go to our Printer Compatibility Guide. Ink jet printers are not suitable for this system due to the properties of the ink in these types of printers. Ink jet printers are also characterized by a remarkably high price per print, which means that, despite the low purchase price, they are not interesting for commercial use of transfer printing.


Tips / tricks

Tip Explanation Why
Use a zip lock bag Always store your paper in the original box then put the box in a zip lock bag You protect the paper from humidity moister is not good for paper high humidity can case paper jams and bad image results
Better feeding Sometimes it helps to put a stack of plain paper under need your transfer paper The stack off plain paper gives more pressure to the pickup roller and makes the feeding easier –
Pinch the fabric Stretch the shirt before you peel of the transfer after pressing The edge will come loose, and it will be easier to strip the paper
Peel of TheMagicTouch OBM face down After printing when removing the liner put the printed side flat on the table then strip It will reduce the curl in the transfer film it will be easier to handle
Tear the OBM liner Make small gentle tear in the OBM liner This will give you a good start to peel off the film
Use application tape For smaller designs and print and cut designs It is easier to move your transfer from the liner to the product
You can free form TTC Use TTC 3.1+ and a print and cut system. Then remove the coating you do not use You will have a free form design on your Shirt
Repress TTC After stripping the liner, repress TTC again for 1 till 3 seconds with a piece of plain or release paper This will flatten the coating to get a smoother result
Contour cut your transfer To prevent getting a “box” around your design, just roughly cut the contour with a scissor You optical loose the ‘Box” if you cut the contour



TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1

After pressing TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 wait 5 till 10 seconds before you peel off the paper but leave the garment on the press. After pressing pinch the fabric this will give a better start to peel of the paper. Repress TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1 just a few seconds with plain paper or Release paper. This flattens the fibers of the shirt and you get a smoother end result shirt, can Print & Cut TheMagicTouch  TTC 3.1+ because there is more coating on the paper you can contour cut TheMagicTouch TTC 3.1+ Weeding is bit more difficult. If you waited to long to peel the transfer paper, repress the garment for another 5 till 10 seconds with the transfer paper still in place and then peel of the paper.

TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2

With TheMagicTouch CPM 6.2 To get a glossy result you can use TheMagicTouch GlossFinish after applying your image on the product. To get better scratch resistance reheat your transfer image on the product but don’t apply pressure. You can do this in an oven or using a heat gun.

TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4

With TheMagicTouch OBM 5.4 Always strip the carrier from the film face down flat on the table. This will give you the smallest chance on curling of the film. You can tear the carrier to get an easy start to peel of the film. After print & cut you can use application tape to easily transfer the film with smaller details to the garment

TheMagicTouch WoW 7.8

Make sure your lower platen and TheMagicTouch T.Pad is hot when you start pressing this will give you more time when peeling the first step. Flipping a corner will give you good start to peeling in the first step. For delicate fabrics you can drop the temperature to 110C/230F when you do the Second step and final seal. Its then wise to press a bit longer to make sure the glue settles.

TheMagicTouch T.One

TheMagicTouch T.One, after pressing, pinch the fabric this will give a better start to peel of the paper. You can use TheMagicTouch T.ONE with dark colors on a CMYK LED/Laser printer. As long you have more than 60% toner coverage.

TheMagicTouch RST 9.1

Using a little bit of water on the TheMagicTouch Application Sponge helps to press the toner image in irregularities of the surface of the product. Use a fine mist from a spray bottle to wet the TheMagicTouch Application Sponge. If it’s too wet, it will affect the transfer process and image quality on the product.

TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5

If you use warm water, TheMagicTouch DCT 4.5 film will be more flexible and be easier to form the film to the surface of the product. If the product can resist 160C/320F you can put it in an oven or use a heat gun to cure the applied decal film on to the end product. The decal film will have a reaction at 160C/320F and will harden and will have a better bonding with the surface of the product.

TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1

After applying TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1, the transfer on to the product you can decorate the paper backing of the product with TheMagicTouch ORD 8.1 Flock – a self-adhesive flock. This will give the result a higher value and a more high-end look. You can apply the decal on a piece off hand soap end the decal will last as long as the soap.

TheMagicTouch Tattoo 2.1

To make the Decal film less visible after transferring the decal on the skin apply some Talcum powder on top. This will give a more mat finish with TheMagicTouch Tattoo 2.1. You can not only apply decal to skin but also to nails and fruits or flowers.