According to the provided description for this specific type of heat-activated transfer paper, it works when the heat of an iron melts the paper's plastic lining, which then transfers the ink to the fabric. This process is a one-time application.
The Core Mechanism of This Heat-Activated Transfer Paper
The fundamental principle behind how this particular transfer paper functions revolves around the direct application of heat. Unlike true sublimation, which involves ink transforming into a gas, this method relies on a physical transfer facilitated by melting.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process
The transfer of the design from the paper to the fabric is a straightforward process involving heat and a specialized paper construction:
- Heat Application: The initial step involves applying heat, typically from a household iron, directly to the transfer paper that is placed onto the fabric.
- Lining Meltdown: The intense heat from the iron causes the plastic lining embedded within the paper to melt. This melting is crucial as it activates the transfer mechanism.
- Ink Transfer: As the plastic lining melts, it effectively releases and transfers the ink that holds the design directly onto the fabric's surface. The melted lining acts as a binding agent, adhering the ink permanently to the fabric once cooled.
Key Characteristics
This heat-activated transfer paper possesses distinct characteristics based on its operational mechanism:
- One-Time Use: A significant feature of this paper is that it's a "one-time deal." This means that once the ink and plastic lining have been transferred to the fabric, the paper itself cannot be reused for another design.
- Physical Transfer: The process is characterized by a physical transfer where the ink, aided by the melted plastic lining, moves from the paper to the fabric, rather than the ink infusing into the fabric fibers as a gas.
