Screenprint transfers, also known as plastisol transfers, are a popular method of applying screen-printed designs onto garments or other fabric-based items. They are created by printing the design onto a transfer paper using traditional screen printing techniques and then transferring the design onto the desired substrate using heat and pressure.

Here's an overview of the process of creating and using screenprint transfers:

1. Design Preparation: The first step is to prepare the design that will be printed onto the transfer paper. This involves creating the artwork or image that will be screen printed. The design is typically separated into different colors or layers to create individual screens for each color.

2. Screen Printing: The design is transferred onto the transfer paper using screen printing techniques. Each color layer is prepared as a separate screen, where a stencil is created by blocking out areas that should not receive ink. Ink is then applied to the screen, and a squeegee is used to push the ink through the open areas of the stencil onto the transfer paper, creating the desired design.

3. Curing: After the design is printed onto the transfer paper, the ink needs to be cured or dried. This can be done by placing the transfer paper with the design onto a conveyor dryer or using a heat press. The heat applied during this process helps the ink to fully cure, ensuring its durability and longevity.

4. Cutting and Trimming: Once the ink is cured, the transfer paper is typically trimmed or cut to remove any excess paper around the design. This helps in positioning the transfer accurately onto the garment or substrate during application.

5. Transfer Application: To apply the screenprint transfer onto the garment or substrate, a heat press is used. The transfer paper is placed onto the desired location, with the printed side facing down. The heat press applies a combination of heat and pressure, causing the ink on the transfer paper to transfer and adhere to the fabric or substrate. The specific temperature, time, and pressure settings may vary based on the ink and substrate being used.

6. Peeling and Finishing: After the heat and pressure application, the transfer paper is peeled away from the fabric or substrate, leaving the printed design behind. It is important to peel the transfer paper carefully and evenly to avoid any damage or distortion to the printed design. Once peeled, the garment or item is typically allowed to cool before it is ready for use or further processing.

Screenprint transfers offer several advantages, including the ability to produce high-quality and detailed designs, especially for small quantities or custom orders. They can be created in advance and stored for later use, allowing for flexibility in production. Additionally, screenprint transfers can be applied to various fabric types and substrates, such as t-shirts, bags, hats, and more.

It's worth noting that screenprint transfers require a certain level of expertise and equipment to create and apply effectively. Professional screen printing companies often specialize in producing screenprint transfers for use by garment decorators, promotional product manufacturers, and other businesses in need of high-quality printed designs.