Guide · Transfers
TPU vs silicone transfer: which one for stretch fabrics?
Both are heat-applied. The difference is thickness, handfeel and how the transfer behaves when the fabric stretches.
Short answer
TPU is often thinner and lower-profile; silicone gives a softer, more raised handfeel. The right choice depends on the fabric, the stretch and the wash standard.
TPU transfers
- Often thin, flexible and lightweight.
- Can sit low-profile on suitable stretch fabrics.
- Good for fine detail and multi-colour artwork.
- Bonding depends on the TPU grade, adhesive, fabric and pressing process.
Silicone transfers
- Soft-touch with a raised, tactile surface.
- Colour sits inside the material.
- Good where handfeel and 3D definition matter.
- Abrasion and surface finish must be validated for the end use.
Stretch and recovery
On a high-stretch legging, a transfer that is too stiff can crack or lift. Test the transfer on the actual fabric, stretch it and wash it under the agreed standard. Lab data alone does not replace application testing.
Application settings
Temperature, pressure and dwell time are substrate-specific. Our standard TPU setting is 135–140 °C, 18–20 seconds at 2 kg, pressed from the reverse and peeled cold — but coated, waterproof or windproof fabrics must be tested first.
What to send us
- The fabric composition and stretch direction.
- The wash standard.
- The artwork size and line width.
- Whether the transfer is applied by you or by us.
Compare with our heat transfer vs high frequency guide.
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