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Which printing methods are self-weeding?

Sublimation is naturally self-weeding as only the ink is transferred to the fabric. The process is as easy as print, press, and peel.

Most heat transfer papers are not self-weeding with the exception of “two-step” laser transfer papers such asĀ FOREVER Laser Dark. With heat transfer paper, a transfer layer carries the print to the garment, and unless you want a noticeable background the shape of the paper on your T-shirt, you have to trim around the image with scissors or a cutting plotter.

On transfer papers for light-colored garments, the transfer layer is clear and mostly invisible, and trimming is optional; however, if you don’t trim it, you will be able to physically feel the transfer layer even where the image is not present. On “one-step” transfer papers for darks, unprinted areas show a white background, so trimming is essential.

-Matthew Maurer, Coastal Business Supplies

Matthew Maurer

Matthew Maurer is the Marketing Coordinator for Coastal Business Supplies. He maintains the organization's digital presence and strategy, creating content for the web, email, and social media. He holds an M.A. in communication from the University of Missouri - St. Louis.

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Charlie Fox

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