What is a screen printed heat transfer?
A screen printed heat transfer is a graphic printed onto a release paper using plastisol or water-based inks, then applied to a surface using a heat press. The graphic is produced separately and applied in a second operation — which means it can be stockpiled and applied on demand, or used on surfaces.
Because the inks are screen printed, colour consistency is excellent across large runs. Each colour is laid down separately, giving dense, opaque coverage that digital printing cannot match.
Adcal prints all heat transfers in-house on our existing screen printing line, using the same equipment and inks we use for industrial overlays — which is why our graphics outlast many competitors.
Technical specification
| Process | Screen printed heat transfer |
| Colours | Up to 8 spot colours per design |
| Finish | Gloss, matt or soft-touch available |
| Application | Heat press at 160–180°C for 10–15 seconds |
| Minimum order | Low MOQ — contact us for details |
| Turnaround | Quick turnaround |
Why Adcal for heat transfers?
Screen printed, not digital
Plastisol screen printing gives opaque, vibrant colour that digital processes cannot match. Colours stay true across thousands of units.
In-house from start to finish
No outsourcing. Artwork, screen making, printing and quality checking all happen at our High Wycombe factory. You deal with one team throughout.
Consistent across large runs
Screen printing is inherently consistent. Whether you order 100 or 10,000, every transfer looks identical.
Ready to apply
Transfers are delivered cut to size on release paper, ready for your heat press. Stockpile and apply at any stage of your production process.