The Ultimate Guide to Heat Transfers UK: What They Are & How They Work

If you’re researching heat transfers in the UK for teamwear, workwear, leavers, charity events, music festivals, promotional clothing, or your own fashion brand, this guide explains everything you need to know.

At Revolution Transfers, we specialise in custom heat transfer printing, offering a complete in-house service – from artwork support to garment sourcing and professional application.

But first, what exactly are heat transfers?

Heat transfers are professionally printed designs that are applied to garments using a commercial heat press. The combination of heat, pressure, and time permanently bonds the design to the fabric.

Compared to traditional screen printing, heat transfer printing offers:

  • Lower setup costs
  • Flexibility for short runs
  • Excellent colour vibrancy
  • Consistent results
  • Fast turnaround times

This makes them ideal for:

  • Sports teamwear
  • Schoolwear
  • Workwear branding
  • Promotional garments
  • Custom clothing brands

The process is simple but highly controlled:

  1. Your artwork is printed onto specialist transfer film
  2. The transfer is positioned onto the garment
  3. A heat press applies precise heat and pressure
  4. The backing is removed (hot peel or cold peel)
  5. The design is permanently bonded

Because our transfers are produced in-house in the Midlands, we maintain full quality control at every stage.

Cold Peel Plastisol Transfers

Best for bold logos and durable workwear branding. Perfect for team kits and heavy-use garments.

More information here.

Hot Split Plastisol Transfers

Designed for a softer, more breathable finish. Ideal for fashion brands and premium garments.

More information here.

Direct To Film (DTF) Transfers

DTF transfers are one of the most versatile modern options. If you’re looking for DTF transfers in the UK, this option combines flexibility with professional results.

More information here.

DST Transfers

A great solution for short runs of full-colour designs without large setup costs.

More information here.

Print & Cut Transfers

A cost-effective method for small runs of complex artwork.

More information here.

Sublimation Transfers

Best suited for 100% polyester garments. Most effective on white polyester sportswear.

More information here.

Waterslide Transfers

Not limited to garments – we also produce waterslide transfers for branded merchandise like mugs.

More information here.

One thing that sets Revolution Transfers apart from many UK heat transfer suppliers is that we offer a complete service.

Our experienced design team can help you with the artwork, from adjusting print-ready files, to improving low-resolution artwork, redrawing logos or creating designs from scratch.

In addition, we can apply the heat transfer to garments you supply to us or we can source these for you – simplifying your production process.

  • 25+ years of experience in garment decoration
  • Full in-house production
  • Midlands-based UK supplier
  • Nationwide delivery
  • Complete range of heat transfer solutions

Whether you need plastisol transfers, DTF, sublimation or afully managed garment decoration service, we provide reliable, high-quality results every time.

Contact our team today to discuss your project, artwork, or garment requirements.

If you prefer, you can get a free sample pack first to check the quality of our work.

Order by 11am for same day dispatch*

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