The transfer effect of white ink heat transfer film is closely related to the characteristics of the substrate material. The surface structure, physical properties and chemical properties of different materials will directly affect the adhesion, penetration and curing effect of the ink during the transfer process, thereby presenting differentiated visual performance and performance.
When transferring on the surface of plastic materials, the performance of white ink heat transfer film varies depending on the type of plastic. For plastic materials with smooth surfaces such as ABS and PVC, due to their moderate surface tension, if they are subjected to simple pretreatment such as dust removal and degreasing before transfer, the white ink in the heat transfer film can adhere to the surface well, forming a flat and uniform pattern with high color saturation and clear edges that are not easy to blur. However, for non-polar plastics such as PE and PP, due to their strong surface inertia, corona treatment or primer coating is required first to increase the surface polarity, otherwise problems such as insufficient ink adhesion and warping of pattern edges are likely to occur.
Transferring on the surface of metal materials places higher requirements on white ink heat transfer film. The metal surface is hard and smooth, and is easy to oxidize. Before transfer, it is usually necessary to perform sandblasting, electroplating or primer spraying to form a rough surface or inert isolation layer. After proper pretreatment of the metal surface, the white ink pattern after transfer will show a bright texture, which forms a sharp contrast with the metal base color. Especially on materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, white ink can maintain a stable color and is not easy to fade or change color due to the reflective properties of the metal itself. However, it is necessary to control the heat transfer temperature to avoid overheating and deformation of the metal that affects adhesion.
The diversity of fabric materials makes the transfer effect of white ink heat transfer film present a rich variety. On cotton fabrics, thermal transfer requires a relatively low temperature and moderate pressure. The white ink will penetrate into the gaps between the fibers, forming a soft matte effect. The pattern is relatively soft, but the washability needs to be enhanced through post-processing. On synthetic fiber fabrics such as polyester, due to the tight fiber structure, a higher temperature is required during transfer to allow the ink particles to penetrate. The white pattern after transfer is brighter and has stronger friction resistance, but excessive high temperature may cause the fabric to turn yellow, affecting the overall effect.
The key to the transfer of hard and smooth materials such as ceramics and glass lies in the selection of pretreatment processes. The surface of such materials is dense and non-porous, and direct transfer is prone to ink shedding. It is usually necessary to spray a layer of special thermal transfer primer on the surface to enhance the bonding between the ink and the material. During the transfer process, it is crucial to accurately control the heating temperature and time. Under appropriate conditions, the white ink will adhere closely to the surface of the ceramic or glass, forming a smooth glaze effect. The pattern is scratch-resistant and not easy to fade, which is especially suitable for the decoration of handicrafts and daily necessities. However, low temperature or uneven heating may cause bubbles or partial shedding of the pattern.
The transfer effect of the wood surface is closely related to the texture and density of the wood. For hardwood with higher density, such as oak and walnut, the white ink heat transfer film can fit well after the surface is polished and smooth, and the pattern will penetrate into the surface of the wood, forming a contrast with the natural texture, presenting a simple and elegant style; while for softwood with lower density, such as pine, due to the large pores on the surface, it is necessary to fill the pores before transfer, otherwise the ink will penetrate into the pores and cause the pattern to be blurred. In addition, the moisture content of the wood will also affect the transfer effect. If the moisture content is too high, it is easy to generate steam during the transfer process, causing the pattern to bubble, so it is necessary to ensure that the wood is dry before transfer.
The transfer of leather materials needs to take into account both beauty and flexibility. The leather surface has natural texture and elasticity. Do not use too high a temperature during transfer, otherwise it will destroy the fiber structure of the leather and affect the feel. White ink heat transfer film can form delicate patterns on properly treated leather, with white color and no effect on the softness of leather, especially on artificial leather, the transfer effect is more stable; on natural leather, due to the difference in fiber density in different parts, the transfer pressure may need to be adjusted to ensure uniform adhesion of the pattern, and the transferred white pattern needs to be waterproofed to enhance its durability in daily use of leather products.
The transfer effect of white ink heat transfer film on the surface of different materials is the result of the combined effect of material characteristics, pretreatment process, and transfer parameters. Only by fully understanding the physical and chemical properties of the substrate and adjusting the transfer process in a targeted manner can the advantages of white ink heat transfer film be maximized to achieve a transfer effect with beautiful patterns, firm adhesion, and in line with the use requirements.
