WG-TH Water-based Offset Hot Stamping Ink

What is Heat Transfer Ink?

Heat transfer ink is an ink formulation explicitly designed for heat transfer printing processes. Unlike traditional inks that are absorbed into a substrate, heat transfer ink adheres to a transfer medium and is later bonded to the final surface using heat and pressure. 

Depending on the formulation and application, there are two main types:

• Water-Based Heat Transfer Ink: An eco-friendly ink that is softer to the touch, breathable, and widely used in fabric printing.
• Solvent-Based Heat Transfer Ink: Known for its durability and strong adhesion, often used for non-porous surfaces like plastics and ceramics.

The WG-TH Water-Based Hot Stamping Ink is designed for high-performance hot stamping applications, providing durability and flexibility for various textiles and labels.

How Heat Transfer Ink Works？

The core technology behind heat transfer water-based ink lies in its specialized resin system, which ensures pigments are evenly dispersed in a water-based solution. When printed onto heat transfer film and cured, the ink forms a high-adhesion print layer. During the heat transfer process, the ink layer bonds seamlessly with fabrics, leather, and other materials under high temperatures and pressure, resulting in sharp, vibrant, and durable prints.

This innovation is driven by high-performance polymer resins, stable pigment dispersion, and fast curing properties, making water-based heat transfer ink a sustainable and high-quality printing solution.

What Materials Are Compatible with Water–Based Heat Transfer Ink?

One of the biggest advantages of heat transfer water-based ink is its wide compatibility across various substrates, including:

• Cotton & Cotton Blends – Offers breathability, soft touch, and vibrant colors.
• Polyester & Polyester Blends – Excellent wash durability and strong adhesion.
• Nylon, TPU & Silicone – Perfect for sportswear, swimwear, and high-stretch fabrics.
• Leather & EVA – Ideal for shoes, bags, and gloves.
• Hard Surfaces (with proper coating) – Wood, plastic, glass, and more.

Why is it so versatile?

The secret lies in its advanced polymer adhesion technology, which allows the ink to either penetrate fabric fibers or adhere strongly to surface coatings. When exposed to high heat and pressure, the ink bonds permanently, ensuring long-lasting designs that won’t crack, fade, or peel.

For high-stretch fabrics, water-based heat transfer ink can be formulated with elasticity enhancers, preventing cracks even when the material is stretched.

What Are the Key Applications of Heat Transfer Ink?

As demand for customized printing and eco-friendly production grows, heat transfer ink is becoming a go-to solution for various industries:

Apparel Industry

• Sportswear (yoga outfits, running gear, swimwear).
• Trendy T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts.
• Children’s clothing (safe, non-toxic inks for babywear).
• Work uniforms (wash-resistant and durable).

Shoes & Accessories

• Sneakers, casual shoes, and canvas shoe prints.
• Leather bags, wallets, gloves, and fashion accessories.

Electronics & Hard Surface Printing

• Phone cases, laptop covers, and plastic products.
• Wood, glass, and metal surfaces (with specialized coatings).

Specialty Printing

• Automotive interiors (seat covers, steering wheel covers).
• Home décor (curtains, tablecloths, wall fabrics).
• Industrial textiles (outdoor awnings, waterproof fabrics).
• From mass production to personalized custom orders, heat transfer water-based ink offers flexibility, precision, and outstanding durability.

How Does Heat Transfer Ink Affect the Durability of T-shirts, Footwear, and Metal Printing?

Different applications require different durability levels from heat transfer ink. For instance, garment prints must withstand multiple washes, footwear prints need high abrasion resistance, and metal prints require UV resistance.

Material Requirements for Ink